HOW many of us actually check the care label prior to trying any home washing remedies? I’ll leave that for you to answer. The point is, these simple instructions make a huge difference. To remove mould from net curtains, website cleanipedia.com reports mould can give net curtains a tired, grubby look, as well as a dank smell owing to the presence of potentially harmful spores. Below are three simple steps to follow:
Steps
* Apply a shop-bought stain pre-treatment solution to the affected areas. Alternatively, mix one part bleach with four parts water in a spray bottle, and spritz the affected areas from a distance of 15 to 20 cm to avoid whitening the fabric.
* Machine wash on a low temperature (less than 40 degrees) to avoid shrinkage — add half a cup of baking soda to the wash to banish unpleasant odours, and use a high quality fabric conditioner.
* Hang the curtains outside if possible, or full length in the shower to let the fabric air (using the dryer may result in shrinkage).
Bathroom tip: Nothing ruins an invigorating shower like worrying about damp or mould. Keep a good disinfectant bathroom spray around to tackle problems on the spot.
To remove mildew from curtains on the other hand, the website reports although mould and mildew are both types of fungi, there are subtle differences between the two, necessitating a change in approach. It adds first, oen should scrub the curtains with a tough bristled brush to remove stubborn mildew spots.
Preventative steps
As mould and mildew in the home are usually caused by excessive dampness, there are some preventative measures you can take to protect your curtains:
Dryness
Use a dehumidifier periodically to remove excess humidity from the house. For a more wallet-friendly solution, try hanging a specially formulated drying agent such as a silica gel near the curtains.
Ventilation
Make sure the house is well ventilated: leave windows open from time to time to give fresh air a chance to circulate. This will help stop the build-up of moisture that attracts mould and mildew.