Spring cleaning for Easter: secrets of clean windows and curtain care

Preparing for Easter is not only a time for preparing festive dishes, but also for tidying up. During this period, Ukrainians traditionally arrange a large spring cleaning - and washing windows is perhaps the first thing to do. Clean windows not only let in more light, but also create an atmosphere of freshness and renewal, which is especially symbolic during the holiday season. Curtains, in turn, serve not only as a decorative element, but also as a filter that protects against dust and odors from the street, so caring for them is also of great importance.

To prepare your home for the holiday without unnecessary hassle, you should use simple but effective tips that UNN has collected for you in this article.

How often should windows be washed?

It is recommended to wash windows twice a year - in spring and autumn, as the temperature at this time allows detergents to dry too quickly and leave streaks. In addition, this is the best time to clean the part of the windows that are on the street, because after winter, dirt and dust accumulate on the glass, and after summer - debris from vegetation and insects.

But the inner part of the window, which is inside the room, may need to be cleaned more often, depending on how many people live in the house or whether there are pets. If there are children or animals in the house, the windows may need to be washed once a month or more often.

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We also recommend washing windows early in the morning or late in the evening, and on cloudy days. This is to avoid direct sunlight, which can cause cleaning products to dry quickly and leave streaks.

Window cleaning tips

Safety first

If you live in a private house and use a ladder when washing windows, it is very important to make sure that it is not broken and safe. Before starting work, you should also check whether it is on a level surface. If you live in an apartment and on a high floor, do not try to wash windows without proper safety equipment. In this case, it is better to turn to professionals who have experience and special equipment.

Preliminary cleaning

Before you start the main window washing, it is important to do a "preliminary wash". To begin with, simply use water to remove dust, insects and cobwebs from the windows. This way, detergents will work better, as the main contaminants will already be removed. This will also avoid scratches on the glass, which can occur if solid particles remain on the window surface.

Tool selection

For effective window washing, you need to choose the right rags and other tools you will be working with. Microfiber cloths and special window washing mops are the best options because they do not leave lint and absorb dirt well. You need to use one cloth for washing the window itself and another for wiping it dry. Instead of paper towels or terry towels, it is better to choose a fabric that does not leave marks. If the cloth gets dirty, replace it with a clean one to avoid leaving streaks or lint on the glass.

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Cleaning nets

Don't forget about window screens. They can accumulate a lot of dust, dirt and cobwebs. Remove the screens and rinse them with warm soapy water. This will help prevent debris from the screens from getting on the already cleaned windows. After washing, let the screens dry before putting them back. This will ensure proper air circulation and help keep your windows clean for longer.

Use natural cleaning products

Instead of chemical detergents, you can use natural ingredients such as vinegar and water. A mixture of vinegar and water in a 1:1 ratio cleans windows well without leaving streaks. This method is especially suitable for those who have pets or small children.

Washing technique

When you wash a window, try to move in a "figure eight" or vertical and horizontal stripes. This will help to evenly distribute the detergent and avoid unnecessary stains.

When wiping, follow the direction so as not to create new prints on the surface.

Do not apply detergent to the window itself

You should not apply too much detergent directly to the window so as not to create a large amount of foam, which can then leave streaks or collect dust. It is best to wash the surface with a sprayer or soak a cloth in a detergent solution.

In addition to washing windows, do not forget about another important element of the interior - curtains. They not only add atmosphere and style, but also actively collect dust and dirt. Therefore, caring for curtains is just as important as washing windows. After the windows are sparkling clean, it's time to take care of the textiles so that they stay in excellent condition as well.

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Caring for curtains and tulle

UNN spoke with designer-constructor-technologist Alina Yatsenko, who shared tips on how to care for curtains and tulle, which are an important element of the interior.

When it comes to curtains, it is important to consider not only their aesthetic function, but also how to properly care for them so that the fabric remains in excellent condition and lasts a long time. Curtains, like windows, absorb dust and dirt from the street, and also retain heat or coolness, so regular care is just as important as washing windows.

On the eve of Easter, according to tradition, every housewife strives for a particularly thorough cleaning of the house. Our grandmothers and mothers devoted a lot of time to this - sometimes even several days. And the completion and at the same time the key chord of this action was always the "outfit" for the windows - freshly washed and carefully ironed tulle and curtains

How often do you need to wash curtains and tulle

The frequency of washing tulle and curtains, as Yatsenko explains, depends on their type and use. Tulle should be washed every 2-3 months, as it quickly collects dust and dirt. Light curtains, such as linen, polyester or cotton, are best washed every 4-6 months, as these fabrics do not accumulate dirt as quickly, but also require regular care. Dense curtains can be washed only 1-2 times a year if they are not very dirty. However, if you have allergy sufferers, pets, or a kitchen without a powerful hood in your house, it is better to wash the curtains more often, as they can absorb dust and odors more quickly.

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Preparation for washing

Before you start washing the curtains, it is important to prepare them properly. First, you need to remove the fittings - hooks, clips and rings - to avoid damage to the fabric or washing machine mechanisms. Then, vacuum them with a nozzle to remove dust, or simply shake the curtains. If the curtains have delicate elements, such as fringe or patches, they should be placed in a washing bag or an old pillowcase. In the latter case, do not forget to secure the hole in the pillowcase with a safety pin or with a needle and thread.

Such simple actions will preserve the appearance of the fabric, avoid snags and allow the washing machine to do its job delicately

Washing tulle

Temperature: up to 30°C

Mode: delicate

Spin: minimum

For hard water and to remove grayness, I advise pre-soaking the tulle with 1 tbsp of salt or soda.

To get rid of yellowness, add a spoonful of citric acid or vinegar to the compartment for conditioner.

"After washing, it is better to hang the tulle immediately - while it is wet, all the folds will smooth out by themselves," - explained the expert.

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Washing curtains

As Yatsenko emphasized, curtains are made of a wide variety of fabrics in terms of composition, color and weaving method. Therefore, each of them has its own characteristics:

Cotton, linen, synthetics (polyester) can be washed at home at temperatures up to 40°C.

But it is worth remembering that cotton and linen can shrink.

So if their length is already critical for you - wash at a temperature of 30°C in a delicate or hand mode.

If you have just bought new curtains and plan to shorten them, the expert recommends washing them immediately at a temperature of 40°C in order to protect yourself from surprises in the future.

Colored fabrics should be washed separately to prevent them from fading.

Fabrics with complex weaving or lining or using silk or woolen threads in the composition should be washed exclusively in a delicate mode and cold water, and even better - given to dry cleaning.

It is always worth checking the labels with the composition of the fabric and care recommendations - these are small cheat sheets from the manufacturer that will help you get the necessary information.

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Drying tips

Tulle

According to the expert, first fold the tulle evenly and hold it on a flat surface for a few minutes (10-20). Under its own weight, it will smooth out better than any iron.

And then hang the tulle on a well-stretched rope and check that there are no wrinkles. You can also hang it on the eaves immediately.

Curtains

Regarding curtains, the expert recommended that after washing, they should be taken out of the washing machine immediately. Then carefully straighten and fold and leave on a flat surface. Then leave them to dry on a towel or on a stretched rope or hanger. If the curtains have fringe or patches, Yatsenko advises to straighten them wet immediately after washing and dry them in a vertical or horizontal position, depending on the type of elements.

Velvet curtains after washing, lying in a horizontal position for 10-20 minutes and hanging, be sure to work with a brush in the direction of the pile, that is, straighten its pile, because it will be almost impossible to do this after drying

"Avoid batteries - they overdry the fabric, making it brittle, especially in places of bends," - added the specialist.

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How to iron

According to the expert, good drying is often enough for tulle or organza. But for dense fabrics, sometimes you can't do without steam or an iron.

"So, if necessary, after drying, do a light steaming or ironing from the wrong side of the fabric, although in most cases and when following all the previous tips, you most likely will not need the ironing stage," says Yatsenko.

However, if there is still a need for ironing - you should check the temperature regime of the iron in accordance with the composition of the fabric and recommendations from the manufacturer.

In the case when you do not have such information, then before ironing, first try to carefully and quickly run a heated iron over the lower corner of the curtain to feel whether the fabric stretches behind the sole of the iron and adjust the temperature regime

Also, Yatsenko noted that it should be remembered that sometimes the iron can leak, that is, leave traces of water, which sometimes remain on the fabric in the case of rust accumulation inside the iron. In this case, it is better to turn off the steam or change the iron to a new one.

And for curtains with drapery, the best option after washing will be drying on cornices and ironing with a steam generator.