Approaching Chemistry: How To Clean Linen Curtains?
Today, I would like to discuss a topic closely related to our daily lives, which is how to clean linen curtains. Linen curtains are clear, thin, and soft. When cleaning, it is important to be careful not to snag. Let’s explore together。
What are linen curtains?
Linen is one of the earliest natural fibers used by humans, with a history of over 10,000 years. Linen fiber is a rare natural fiber, accounting for only 1.5% of the total natural fiber. Due to its naturalness, antiquity, rarity, natural color, and nobility, it is known as the “queen of natural fibers”.
Benefits of linen curtains
- Suppressing static electricity
The number of positive and negative charges carried by flax fibers is almost equal, so no static electricity is generated. Simply adding 10% linen to the fabric can effectively suppress static electricity. In a magnified projection of over 50 times, the straight and smooth linen fibers resemble bamboo knots, without any distortion of cotton, wool fibers, etc. This feature makes textiles that have accumulated fine dust or dirt easy to remove due to the inability to find a hiding place for the dust.
- Absorb ultraviolet rays
Hemicellulose is the best substance for absorbing ultraviolet rays. Linen fiber contains over 18% hemicellulose, several times higher than cotton fiber, which can protect the skin from UV damage. Used on curtains, it can effectively block sunlight and protect furniture from sunlight.
- Long service life
When the moisture absorption reaches 20% of its weight, linen still maintains a dry feeling. The washed linen is stronger and has a much longer lifespan than cotton. Linen become softer and more comfortable as they are used, and high-quality linen fabrics can even accompany users for a lifetime.
- Natural air conditioning
The heat dissipation performance of linen is 5 times that of wool and 19 times that of silk. In hot weather, the surface temperature of people wearing linen clothing is 3-4 ℃ lower than that of people wearing silk or cotton. In cold weather, linen also has excellent insulation performance. Therefore, linen products have another name - “natural air conditioning”.
- Prevent allergies
Linen products have significant antibacterial effects, with an inhibition rate of over 65% against international standard strains such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Candida albicans, and an inhibition rate of over 90% against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus beads. Used as curtains, it will not cause allergies and can help treat some allergic diseases.
How to clean linen curtains?
Firstly, soak the linen curtains in a container filled with cold or warm water and use a mild cleaning agent. Linen curtains for large French windows can be dipped in clean bathtubs. Curtains of moderate size can be tried to be placed in your kitchen sink. Gently stir the curtains to release stains and dust. If it is a heavily soiled linen curtain, it can be gently scrubbed, and careful not to wrinkle the curtain during the process, as this can cause creases that are difficult to smooth. After washing, hang the wet linen curtains on the shower rod until there is no more dripping. Linen curtains need to be completely dry in a well-ventilated area. Remember not to slack off in the bathroom and find an outdoor ventilated place.
When the linen curtains are still a bit damp, set the iron to low heat and iron the curtains dry. During the ironing process, it is necessary to gently flatten and stretch the fabric to bring the linen curtains to their original size. Lightweight and delicate linen curtains may be scalded by the heat of the iron. You can place a clean cotton T-shirt between the iron and the curtains to ensure the safety of the linen curtains. When ironing linen curtains with a regular iron, to prevent accidents, the bottom of the iron can be suspended on the linen curtains and heated and ironed solely by steam.
If you want to learn more about linen curtains and how to clean and maintain them, Homerilla is a good choice.
Conclusion
In this article, how to clean linen curtains? Firstly, use water with low temperature; Secondly, the cleaning process should be gentle and not wrinkled; Finally, steam can be used for heating, and it should be dried in a well-ventilated area and not exposed to direct sunlight.
