Many things can be done to reduce your carbon footprint, and the list is probably familiar to many. Some are biking to work, turning off household lights when you don’t need them, and buying local. However, purchasing eco-friendly curtains may not have occurred to you.
There are many things about our house that we don’t think about much, but we wouldn’t be able to live without them – decorating, heating, keeping out light, giving us privacy, etc.
There is one solution for an environmentally-conscious person, however, and that’s to install eco-friendly curtains. Many curtains are made from synthetic fibres, which are incredibly harmful to the environment.
If we have been able to grab your interest, keep reading.
Avoid these mistakes
Many curtains are made from synthetic fibres. Materials such as polyester, nylon, and rayon are petroleum-based, non-biodegradable, and can still leave a chemical residue behind.
Many curtains are coated with a stain treatment and flame retardants, which only worsen the problem. These coats are sources of PFCs and PBDEs. Irrespective of whether there is a fire, synthetic fibres can melt and release toxic fumes into the atmosphere.
It is best to avoid these fabrics and look for curtains labelled as stain and flame-resistant if you want to go green with your curtains as well as curtain colours that contain artificial dyes. You should be aware of curtains that contain harmful chemicals.
Identifying the signs
Natural fibres like cotton, linen, wool, hemp, and bamboo are frequently used to make beautiful and functional curtains.
Another natural fibre with great aesthetic appeal is silk. It is more expensive, but it is also a more expensive option.
In case you are concerned about the possibility of not having curtains treated to be fire and stain-resistant, wool is an excellent choice for you because it is naturally fire-resistant and doesn’t stain easily. You can also use wool curtains to insulate your home during the winter when you live in a colder climate.
The fibres of curtains from organic farms are guaranteed to have never been treated with chemicals, which further offsets your carbon footprint.
You can also find naturally pigmented curtain materials with a wide variety of colours, such as “colour has grown” cotton, which is grown to have a wide range of colours without pesticides and insecticides.
Eco-Friendly Curtains Have Many Advantages
Eco-friendly curtains have the apparent advantage of not polluting the environment like synthetic curtains, and they don’t leave chemical residue that may harm your family.
In addition to helping you save on your heating and cooling costs, eco-friendly curtains can also help you save on your energy bill.
The summer is the best time to choose light-coloured curtain linings made from natural materials so that sunlight is deflected and air conditioning is minimised to absorb any external heat and lock in warmth during the winter. Change the curtain lining to one that is dark-coloured.
A natural fibre curtain may appeal to you if you are tactile because it is generally very soft to the touch.
You can accent your room with curtains made from bamboo and silk if that’s not enough for you.
Furthermore, bamboo is a highly durable material that can withstand a lot of sunlight without fading. Bamboo has a sophisticated and elegant look. In other words, you won’t have to worry about replacing those curtains if they show their age after using them for a long time.
The Best Places to Find Eco-Friendly Curtains
The natural fibres described above will be available at most major department stores.
Eco-friendly curtains are also available from many online retailers. Some retailers even offer incentives to customers who purchase eco-friendly products, such as planting a tree per order.
Eco-friendly curtains will be available in plenty of stores and sites as long as the green movement grows, especially in the home decorating industry.
Maintenance
Frequency of cleaning
A curtain’s maintenance depends on the fabric it is made of. Some materials are prone to dust and grime adhering to them, while others are much smoother and resist dirt.
- Every week, shake your curtains to dislodge any loose dust during your home cleanings, no matter what fabric you use. Then clean your home and furniture. By doing so, the dust will not settle in the material and become difficult to remove later.
- Vacuum the fabrics monthly, concentrating on the top portion of curtains since dust tends to collect the most. Do not use teethed attachments during vacuuming since they may snag and tear the fabric.
- To maximise the product’s longevity and keep it looking good, dry-cleaning the curtains at least once every four or six months is recommended.
Cotton
There are blends and pure cotton curtains to choose from, making it a popular choice among homeowners for its versatility and comfort. If you own curtains made of pure cotton, please know that this natural fabric tends to shrink unless it is preshrunk. Use cold water in case of materials that are not preshrunk. For lighter colours, warm water can be used, and cold water can be used for fading colours. Shrinkage can also occur if the material is overdried.
Linen
There are also lightweight natural fabrics like linen used for curtain making, which can be machine washed unless the cleaning instructions specifically state it must be dry-washed. Note that linen absorbs more water than other fabrics, so the water proportion must be adjusted accordingly. Air dry the fabric and iron it on the backside for best results.
Silk
In addition to being a lustrous fabric, silk can be hand washed. However, embroideries can shrink and tighten when washed, and the colours may bleed depending on the thread. Hand wash silk curtains with mild baby shampoo in warm or cold water. Instead of tumble-drying silk curtains, roll them up in a towel, absorb any excess moisture, and hang them to dry.
Things to consider
When washing curtains, you must consider the following factors.
- It is also essential to consider the lining material since it may require a different wash and care regimen from the primary fabric.
- You should wash darker colours separately to avoid bleeds and blots on lighter colours.
- Clean your curtains and draperies in batches by room rather than washing them all at once, as this can be very time-consuming.
- Always check the care and maintenance labels on the materials to ensure you are cleaning materials correctly.
Conclusion
Choosing the best eco-friendly curtains for your home should no longer be an issue for you. Follow the tips in this article, and you will spruce your home in no time. If by chance you cannot put your curtains by yourself, consider a helpful hand from a friend or a professional handyman. This task can be tricky sometimes. Better not do it alone.
