The Importance Of Properly Drying Your Curtains

The Importance Of Properly Drying Your Curtains. As a homeowner or renter, you probably know that curtains are super important. Curtains make a significant difference in the look and feel of a room. Not only do they add a layer of privacy, but they also allow you to control the light and atmosphere in the room.

And we can remember that they can also serve as a real statement piece. Yet, many people may need to realize that adequately drying your curtain is just as important as washing them. Here are a few reasons highlighting the importance of adequately drying your curtains. Let’s jump right into it.

The Importance Of Properly Drying Your Curtains

Preventing Mold and Mildew

If you don’t dry your curtains correctly, you run the risk of mold and mildew growth. This is not a good thing. Mold and mildew are pretty disgusting and can harm your health. Mold and mildew both thrive in moist environments. So, if you hang your curtains back up when they’re still damp, you’re going about drying them all wrong. What you are doing is creating a breeding ground for these harmful bacteria.

Not only can this harm your health, but it can also damage your curtains and the surrounding walls. Mold and mildew spread like crazy. Once they enter your curtains, they will apply to the surrounding walls/ceilings. And, from there, around the rest of your home.

It is best to prevent mold and mildew at all costs. It is far easier to prevent mold and mildew than it is to remove it after it has spread. Ensuring your curtains are ultimately tried before hanging them back up prevents mold and mildew from taking hold. It is best to dry them in a cool, dry area.

Be wary that they are also at risk of mold and mildew infestation wherever you try to dry them. For this reason, many like to dry them in their garage or outside on a warm sunny day.

Avoiding Shrinkage

Another reason why you should dry your curtains properly is to avoid shrinkage. Some fabrics, such as cotton and linen, are more liable to shrink than others. It is a good idea to check what material your curtains are made from before you wash them so you know how to dry them properly.

If you need to be careful when drying your curtains, you may end up with a set that’s too small for your window. Take the time to wash and dry your curtains properly! It is far better to do the job right than to buy new curtains because they no longer fit!

To prevent this from happening, always check the care label on your curtains before washing and drying them. If it says “dry clean only,” take them to a professional curtain cleaner. The title is your best friend when it comes to washing and drying.

Furthermore, failing to dry your curtains thoroughly can cause them to become warped. This is due to shrinkage in certain areas, not equally all over. This is often most common at the very bottoms of the curtains.

To visualize this, it helps if you imagine curtains that have been hung up without drying. Over time, the water/moisture in the curtains gradually makes its way down to the bottom of the curtains. The bases take far longer (days longer) to dry. This causes the depths to become bunched and shrink, giving your curtains an uneven look.

Preserving the Fabric

Properly drying your curtains can also help preserve the fabric. Over time, exposure to direct sunlight and moisture can cause the fabric to fade. It will lose its color and vibrancy. You are becoming bland. It can even weaken or tear. Ensuring your curtains are completely dry before hanging them back up can help prevent unnecessary damage to the fabric.

There are some options if you’re in a hurry and need to dry your curtains quickly. Consider using a low-heat setting on your dryer or hanging them outside in a shaded area. But this is only possible for some materials. Delicate materials will only sometimes survive the dryer. So, you must again check the label with your best friend.

The fabric of your curtains can last for years. Decades, even. But this is only possible if you take the time to wash and dry them properly—every time. When the fabric starts to degrade, it goes from slightly worn to totally irreparable very quickly. It should go without saying, but we will say it anyway – older materials require far more care and attention.

Older curtains must be adequately dried as they are often incredibly frail. Repairing older curtains can also be far more expensive. So, it would be best to dry them correctly each time.

Improve The Look of Your Home

Finally, drying your curtains properly can help improve the overall look of your home. Hanging damp or wrinkled curtains can make the most beautiful room look messy. By taking the time to dry your curtains properly, you can ensure that they look their best. And that they complement the rest of your decor.

In conclusion, drying your curtains correctly is just as crucial to the look of your home as washing them. You can prevent mold and mildew growth by taking the time to do so; of course, you can also avoid shrinkage, preserve the fabric, and improve the look of your home.

If you choose to, air-dry your curtains or use a dryer, please follow the care instructions on the label to ensure that they last for years to come.

The Importance Of Properly Drying Your Curtains – Conclusion

If you have any doubts, it would be best to refer to the manufacturer and the label to find out how to properly wash and dry your curtains. You can contact professional dry cleaners if you can’t find out. They can take care of both the washing and drying for you at shallow risk. It costs a little more, but you get some peace of mind. And someone else is culpable if anything goes wrong!