How to Wash Net Curtains

Reviewed by Claudia & Angelo Zimmermann

Last Updated: April 22, 2024 References

Net curtains not only serve as window coverings, but they also allow the right amount of light into a home. Dirt, dust and debris can settle on the net with time and make the curtains look grimy and smell bad. Cleaning net curtains properly helps to keep them in good condition.

Part 1

Part 1 of 2:

Pre-Treating the Curtains

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^{[1]
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Research source} Removing dust and dirt before cleaning your curtains can help you to get them looking as white as possible. A lot of dust and dirt can get trapped in your net curtains over time so it is very important to pre-treat them before washing.
Remove the curtain rod from the wall and slip the net curtains off one side of the rod.

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You will need to soak your net curtains for pre-treatment. In order to soak your curtains you will need to find a basin. You can also use a bathtub with a stopper in it if it works easier.
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Obtain vinegar and baking soda. Both vinegar and baking soda are powerful natural cleaners that can help you get your curtains looking white and bright. For maximum cleaning you will want to use both of these cleaners, but either one will work well.
- Do not use vinegar and baking soda at the same time as they simply cancel each other out. One is an acid and the other is a base so mixing them results in a chemical reaction that reduces the cleaning ability of these chemicals.
- Vinegar is great for removing smells and getting your nets a bright white color once again. They will also remove mildew and mold.
- Baking soda is excellent at removing mildew and mold, can remove bad odors and will help whiten your curtains. ^{[2]
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Pour lukewarm water into the bucket or basin that you will be using for your soak. You will need enough water so that it covers the net curtain completely.
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Add one cup of vinegar to the basin. Add one cup of vinegar to the basin. This will create a vinegar soak for your net curtain. If the smell of the vinegar bothers you then you can add a tablespoon or two of lemon juice to freshen the smell. The lemon juice will also help to clean the curtain.
- Vinegar should not be used on curtains that are made from linen because it will burn them. Most modern inexpensive net curtains are made from polyester but if you are unsure whether your curtains have linen then you should skip this step.
Place the net curtain into the vinegar soak and agitate it somewhat to allow the water and vinegar to mix completely and cover the curtain. You want all areas of the curtain to soak completely.
Leave you net curtains to soak for an hour or overnight to soak completely. This should remove the dust and dirt as well as remove any odors that have gotten into your curtain.
If you want to clean your curtain extra well or it is particularly dirty then you can create another soak. Fill the basin with lukewarm water and add one cup of baking soda. Soak the curtain for an hour or overnight. The baking soda will work to lift stains off your curtain and remove any remaining dirt or odors.
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Treat any stains remaining on your curtain. Create a paste using four tablespoons of baking soda and ¼ cup of water. Apply this paste to your curtain and rub it into the stains. After working in the baking soda thoroughly into the stains, apply a little undiluted vinegar to the stains.
- You can also use any commercial stain remover to apply to stains. Some net curtain manufacturers may recommend a certain stain remover to use. ^{[3]
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Part 2

Part 2 of 2:

Washing the Curtains

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1
Wash your curtain after pretreatment. Now that the curtains have been rinsed of dirt and dust and any stains have been pretreated for removal, you can wash your curtains. Most curtains can be washed in a normal washing machine on the delicate cycle, especially if they are made from cotton or polyester. Most modern net curtains are made from polyester.
- If you curtains are particularly delicate then you may have to hand wash them. Delicate curtains include those that are antiques or look like they might fall apart if washed. This also includes net curtains made from wool or silk, which should again be hand washed. Hand wash by placing in a basin of cool water with a little laundry detergent or dishwashing soap. Gently agitate the water to allow the soap to penetrate fully. Rather than squeezing out the delicate material, simply hang it up outside while wet and allow it to dry. This will prevent major wrinkles. Silk cannot be hung up to dry or else it will yellow. Rather roll the net curtain in a towel to remove excess water and then iron on low heat to dry. ^{[4]
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Obtain your choice of laundry detergent. Any laundry detergent will do but one specifically developed for your fabric may work even better. For example you can use one that is made for delicate fabrics or for whites. ^{[5]
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- If you do not have a special detergent then that is fine. Because you have pretreated and pre-soaked your curtains, any stains should be removed already and your choice of detergent should not have a major impact.
Put your curtain in the washing machine. If your curtain is particularly delicate you may need to hand wash and will thus need to place your curtain in a basin of cold water.
You will need to bulk up the load when washing your curtain. This will help balance the load for optimum performance of your washing machine. This will also help tumble/agitate your washing load more efficiently, resulting in a better wash.
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Start your washing machine on a delicate cycle with your choice of detergent. ^{[6]
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Research source} Start your washing machine using warm or cold water on the delicate cycle. Add a normal amount of laundry detergent to the machine.
- If you have a top-loader then you should add your washing powder after some water has filled into the machine.
- If you wish, you can add 2–3 tablespoons (29.6–44.4 ml) of baking soda to the wash cycle to help the machine.
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Add fabric softener and vinegar to your rinse cycle. Add your choice of fabric softener to the rinse cycle of your wash. Adding two tablespoons of vinegar to your rinse cycle will help make your curtains extra soft. ^{[7]
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- Remove the curtains before spinning, or put them on very low spin so that they do not wrinkle.
- Do not use vinegar with linen curtains or else it can burn them.
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Hang your net curtains and allow them to drip and dry. ^{[8]
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Research source} Keep in mind not to tumble dry your net curtains, as this will cause them to shrink. Hang your curtains outside to dry them before rehanging them in your window. Alternatively you can simply hang up the damp curtains and allow them to dry while hanging.
- It is difficult to iron net curtains without damaging them so try not to allow wrinkles to appear in the first place by hanging them to dry while still wet or damp.

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What is the difference between cotton and linen?

The hobbit_2

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Cotton is made out of the cotton plant and linen is made out of the flax plant. Linen usually has more of a "rough" look about it; it's thicker and lasts longer than cotton.

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What vinegar do you use?

T. Chinsen

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In the household aisle of stores, there is a gallon of vinegar labelled for household use. This would be the most practical choice. Using the food grade vinegar will be a more costly and will not be any more effective in how it works, as it is still the same chemical.

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Can I use soda crystal to clean net curtains?

T. Chinsen

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If you are using washing soda, it can be used to clean the nets. Follow the article instructions for the use of baking soda.to clean the nets. You should use plastic gloves as washing soda will strip all oils from the skin.

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If you are concerned about your curtains, test wash them in a small, out of the way corner to make sure that they will not be damaged in the process of washing.

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Bleach can also be used on your curtains if wanted. However, vinegar is just as good at cleaning stains and will not harm the environment so it is recommended over bleach. Bleach may also whiten your curtains if they are not white at first.

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If your net curtains are meant to be dry-cleaned then you can also try to clean them at home. Carefully use a vacuum or brush to knock of the dust and dirt on your net curtains. Then you can hang up your curtain over a basin filled with boiling water mixed with one cup of vinegar. The steam will help clean your net curtains of any odors.

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Warnings

If your net curtains come with a care tag, please follow the instructions it specifies. This is because some materials are not meant to be washed but dry-cleaned instead. There are also those that are delicate and have to be either washed manually or washed with cold water.

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If you have any doubts about the sturdiness or materials your net curtains are made from then you should hand wash only. Even better would be to take your curtains to a professional cleaner. This is also true for particularly old and/or valuable net curtains.

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How to Wash Net Curtains

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Pre-Treating the Curtains

Washing the Curtains

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