How to Clean Sheer Net Curtains (And How Often to Do It)

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Refresh and whiten your net curtains in just a few simple steps
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Net curtains are a great way to let soft, natural light into your home, but they can get dingy pretty quickly. Luckily, it’s easy to clean them with a few household products you probably already have. In this article, we’ll explain how to wash net curtains (and when you should ), plus answer some frequently asked questions . Keep reading to get your net curtains looking like new in no time!

Cleaning Net Curtains: Quick Guide

  1. Brush or vacuum your net curtains to remove dirt and debris.
  2. Soak the curtains in soapy water or a water and vinegar solution for 1 hour.
  3. Drain and soak the curtains in a mixture of baking soda and water for 1 hour.
  4. Wash the net curtains on a delicate cycle.
  5. Hang the curtains up outside to air dry.
Section 1 of 3:

How to Wash Net Curtains

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  1. Use a soft-bristled brush attachment on your vacuum cleaner to gently remove dust and debris from your curtains. [1] This often makes a big difference in your curtains’ appearance, especially if it hasn’t been done in a long time. It will also make it easier to clean them later on.
  2. Remove the curtain rod from the wall and slip the net curtains off one side of the rod. [2] Lay the curtains aside, then fill a bucket, basin, or bathtub with lukewarm water. Be sure to add enough so that the water will cover the curtains completely.
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  3. For tough stains, add 1 cup (236 ml) of vinegar to the water. If you want, include a tablespoon (14.7 ml) of lemon juice to freshen the vinegar smell and help clean the curtains. [3] If you don’t want to use vinegar, add a bit of gentle laundry detergent instead.
    • If your curtains are made of linen, do not use vinegar. The vinegar will burn them.
    • Vinegar is great for removing smells and getting your nets a bright white color once again. It can also remove mildew and mold .
  4. Submerge the net curtains in the bath, and agitate the water so the cleaning solution gets into the fabric. For the best results, leave the curtains to soak for at least an hour, or overnight. This should remove any dust, dirt, and odors that have gotten into your curtains. [4]
    • If you used laundry detergent, it may be enough to let your net curtains soak for 15-30 minutes.
    • Do not scrub the curtains while they soak, as this may damage the fabric.
  5. If your net curtains are particularly dirty, drain the water from your container and fill it with fresh, lukewarm water. Mix in 1 cup (250 g) of baking soda and soak the curtains for another hour, or overnight. The baking soda will help lift stains and remove any remaining dirt or odors. [5]
    • Baking soda is also excellent at removing mildew and mold and will help whiten your curtains. [6]
    • If stains still remain after the baking soda soak, mix 4 tbsp (80 g) of baking soda and ¼ cup (59 mL) of water to create a paste. Apply the paste directly to the stains and rub it into the fabric. Then, apply a little undiluted white vinegar to the area. Alternatively, use a commercial stain remover fit for net curtains.
  6. Most net curtains can be washed in a washing machine, but check the care label to make sure. If it’s safe to do so, simply wash your curtains on a delicate cycle with your usual laundry detergent. To make them extra soft, add fabric softener or 2 tbsp (30 mL) of vinegar to your rinse cycle. Remove the curtains before spinning, or put them on very low spin to prevent wrinkles . [7]
    • Wash your curtains with other white items to bulk up the load.
    • If your curtains are hand wash only, submerge them in a basin of cool water with a bit of laundry detergent or dish soap. Gently agitate the water, allow the curtains to soak for about 15-30 minutes, then rinse them until no soap remains.
    • If you already pretreated your net curtains with laundry detergent and didn’t do a baking soda soak, you likely don’t need to wash them again. Simply rinse them until no soap remains.
  7. Do not put your net curtains in the dryer, as this will cause them to shrink. Instead, hang them up outside (if possible) and allow them to air dry completely before rehanging them in your window. If you can’t hang them outside, hang them in their usual spot and wait for them to dry. [8]
    • If you handwashed your net curtains, first remove excess water by laying them flat on a towel and pressing them with the towel.
    • It is difficult to iron net curtains without damaging them. Hanging them to dry helps prevent wrinkles in the first place.
    • Note: If your curtains are made of silk, do not hang them to dry, or the fabric will yellow. Instead, roll the net curtain in a towel to remove excess water, then iron it on low heat to dry. [9]
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Section 2 of 3:

How Often to Wash Net Curtains

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  1. In general, wash your curtains every 3-6 months. The ideal frequency depends on several factors, like your lifestyle and the curtains’ location. For example, if you have pets or your curtains are in a high-traffic area, they’ll likely need to be cleaned more often. For the best results, aim to wash your curtains when they start to look dull or dirty. [10]
    • Net curtains help control the light that enters a room and generally create less harsh light and fewer shadows. When they’re dirty, however, they may actually make a room look darker. This is why it’s important to clean them regularly.
    • Vacuum your net curtains weekly as part of your regular cleaning routine. This will help you avoid needing to deep clean them as often.
Section 3 of 3:

Washing Net Curtains FAQs

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  1. 1
    What are net curtains? Net curtains are lightweight, semi-transparent curtains made of a net-like fabric. They’re designed to let in natural light while still obscuring the view from outside. They also filter sunlight to create soft, diffused light.
  2. 2
    How do I whiten net curtains? If your net curtains are machine washable, use a whitening laundry detergent to brighten them and remove stains. It may also help to pretreat your curtains with a baking soda soak, as baking soda is a natural whitener. [11] Opt for a commercial stain remover as an alternative.
    • If natural solutions don’t work, check your curtains’ care label to see if you can bleach them.
  3. 3
    How do I remove mold from net curtains? One of the best ways to remove mold from net curtains is to soak the curtains in a mixture of warm water and vinegar. Let the curtains soak for a while so the solution can loosen the mold, then wash the curtains as you normally would.
    • If there are only a few moldy spots, mix equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle and spray the solution on the mold. Use a soft-bristle brush to gently scrub the mold away. [12]
    • Make sure your curtains dry completely and keep them in a well-ventilated area to keep mold from coming back.
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Community Q&A

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  • Question
    What is the difference between cotton and linen?
    The hobbit_2
    Community Answer
    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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  • Question
    Can I clean them without taking them down?
    T. Chinsen
    Top Answerer
    It is possible to use a steamer to clean curtains while they are hanging. It can be time consuming as you need to go slowly to make sure all areas are treated. The net material will let most of the steam through so it may take more than one pass to properly clean them.
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  • Question
    Does it have to be white vinegar?
    Community Answer
    White vinegar is probably better since it's less likely to stain. Lemon juice is also a good option.
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      Tips

      • If you are concerned about your curtains, test your cleaning solution in an inconspicuous area to make sure it won’t damage them.
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      • If your net curtains are meant to be dry-cleaned, carefully use a vacuum or brush to remove any dust and dirt. Then, hang 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

      • Always follow the instructions on your net curtains’ care label so you don’t damage them.
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      • If you aren’t sure what your curtains are made of or they’re in fragile condition, do not wash them in the washing machine. Hand wash them or take them to a professional cleaner. This is especially true for old or valuable curtains.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.cleanipedia.com/gb/laundry/curtain-cleaning-do-i-need-special-products.html
      2. ↑ https://www.cleanipedia.com/za/laundry/how-to-wash-net-curtains.html
      3. ↑ https://inthewash.co.uk/laundry-and-ironing/how-to-whiten-net-curtains/
      4. ↑ https://inthewash.co.uk/laundry-and-ironing/how-to-whiten-net-curtains/
      5. ↑ https://inthewash.co.uk/laundry-and-ironing/how-to-whiten-net-curtains/
      6. ↑ https://oconto.extension.wisc.edu/files/2011/02/Baking-Soda.pdf
      7. ↑ https://www.cleanipedia.com/za/laundry/how-to-wash-net-curtains.html
      8. ↑ https://www.cleanipedia.com/gb/laundry/curtain-cleaning-do-i-need-special-products.html
      9. ↑ http://www.ktcampbell.com/domesticity/hand_wash.html
      1. ↑ https://www.apartmenttherapy.com/how-to-clean-curtains-drapes-37317469
      2. ↑ https://inthewash.co.uk/laundry-and-ironing/how-to-whiten-net-curtains/
      3. ↑ https://www.cleanipedia.com/gb/laundry/how-to-remove-mould-mildew-from-curtains.html
      4. ↑ https://ourpastimes.com/how-to-dye-curtains-with-coffee-12604378.html

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To wash net curtains, start by soaking them in a bucket filled with warm water and 1 cup of vinegar to remove odors and dirt. After they’ve soaked for 1 hour, drain the water from the bucket and refill it. Then, add 1 cup of baking soda to the water and let the curtains soak for another hour to get rid of any lingering stains. Once you’ve pre-treated your curtains, wash them on the delicate cycle in your washing machine with a white towel to bulk up the load. Finally, hang the curtains outside to drip dry. For more advice on how to get rid of tough stains on your net curtains, keep reading.

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