Why Blackout Curtains Get Sticky Over Time

Blackout curtains are a popular choice for many homeowners who want to block out sunlight and enjoy better sleep. These thick fabric coverings not only provide light-blocking benefits but also enhance privacy. They offer insulation and help control room temperature. While they deliver excellent comfort and energy efficiency, this type of curtain comes with a common problem. Over time, the lining tends to become sticky. Let’s dive into why this happens and how to prevent it.

How Do Blackout Curtains Work?

Blackout curtains come in various fabrics and are designed with multiple layers to effectively block out sunlight, regulate indoor temperatures, and provide privacy. The secret lies in their special backing, which is often made of a material such as flocking or silicone finishing. These materials are what give the curtains their light-blocking capabilities.

• Flocking: Flocking is a method that applies tiny fibre particles to the fabric’s surface. This creates a thick, opaque layer that blocks light from passing through.
• Silicone Finishing: Alternatively, some blackout curtains use a silicone-based backing. This backing is similar to the reflective surface found on window mirrors. It effectively blocks both sunlight and heat.

These light-blocking layers make blackout curtains highly practical. They are especially useful in bedrooms or living spaces where controlling natural light is important.

Why Do Blackout Curtains Become Sticky?

The stickiness often observed in blackout curtains is primarily caused by the breakdown of the materials used in the light-blocking layer. This degradation process is accelerated by a combination of factors, including humidity, heat, and dust.

1. Humidity: In humid climates, moisture can seep into the fabric, causing the backing to weaken and eventually become sticky. This is especially common in areas like Singapore, where high humidity levels are a year-round concern.
2. Heat: Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight and heat can cause the material to deteriorate more rapidly. Over time, the light-blocking backing becomes brittle and begins to break down, leading to stickiness and decreased effectiveness in blocking light.
3. Dust and Dirt Accumulation: Dust and dirt that settle on the curtains can adhere to the sticky backing, worsening the problem and making the curtains harder to clean.

When the lining becomes sticky, the curtain layers tend to adhere to each other. This makes it difficult to separate them without causing damage. Pulling them apart too forcefully can lead to tearing. As a result, holes or gaps may form in the fabric. This compromises the curtain’s ability to block light effectively.

Challenges After Washing

Another common issue that many homeowners face is the increased stickiness that often occurs after washing blackout curtains. Although cleaning is necessary to maintain the appearance of the curtains, the washing process can sometimes make the backing even more prone to sticking.

1. Washing in Hot Water: Hot water can further degrade the light-blocking materials, leading to increased stickiness after washing.
2. Spin Drying: Using a spin cycle in a washing machine can cause the fabric to press tightly together, making the backing stickier and more difficult to separate without damaging the material.
3. Exposure to Moisture: Even air drying in a humid environment can cause the fabric to absorb moisture, worsening the stickiness problem.

The Pros and Cons of Blackout Curtains

While blackout curtains offer many advantages, they also have a few drawbacks that are important to consider:

Pros

1. Energy Efficiency: Their thick fabric helps to insulate the room, maintaining temperature and reducing energy costs.
2. Noise Reduction and Privacy: The dense material softens outside noise and provides superior privacy.
3. Protection from Sun Damage: They block sunlight, protecting furniture and surfaces from fading.

Cons

1. Heavier and Harder to Handle: Due to their thickness, they are heavier than regular curtains, requiring sturdier rods and more effort to install or adjust.
2. Reliance on Artificial Light: Since these curtains block out all light, you may need to rely on electric lighting during the day, which can increase electricity usage.
3. Prone to Stickiness Over Time: Prolonged exposure to heat, moisture, and dust can cause the light-blocking material to become sticky.

How to Clean Blackout Curtains?

To prevent damage, it’s important to follow the correct cleaning method for blackout curtains. Here are 6 steps you should follow if you want to clean your curtains at home:

1. Check the Manufacturer’s Care Instructions: Always refer to the manufacturer’s cleaning recommendations. If no instructions are provided, it’s safer to spot clean or opt for dry cleaning.
2. Test for Colour Fastness: Before cleaning, test a hidden area of the fabric with mild detergent to ensure no colour runs or transfers.
3. Use Mild Detergents: Avoid harsh chemicals and fabric softeners, as they may damage the backing.
4. Hand Washing: For smaller curtains, fill a basin with cold water and a gentle detergent. Avoid scrubbing and rinse thoroughly.
5. Machine Washing: If machine washing is permitted, use a gentle cycle with cold water and place the curtains in a mesh laundry bag. Avoid using the spin cycle to prevent fabric damage.
6. Air Drying or Low Heat: High heat can cause further deterioration. Opt for air drying or use the lowest heat setting on a dryer.

A Preventive Solution from Big Mama

At Big Mama, we understand how frustrating sticky blackout curtains can be. To combat this issue, we’ve practised a method to reduce the stickiness after washing. Once cleaned, we apply a light layer of powder during the folding and ironing process to prevent the curtains from sticking together. While this doesn’t completely solve the problem, it helps extend the lifespan of your curtains and minimises damage.

Why Professional Cleaning is Recommended

Due to the delicate nature of blackout curtains and the risk of damaging their light-blocking properties, we highly recommend relying on professional cleaning services like Big Mama to handle their care. Our experienced team can advise you on the most suitable curtain cleaning method and offer solutions for any potential issues. By taking these precautions, you can help prolong the life of your curtains and maintain their effectiveness for years to come.

By choosing professional curtain cleaning services like Big Mama, you can rest assured that your blackout curtains are in safe hands. We not only help preserve their functionality but also offer advice on how to maintain them in between cleanings to prevent stickiness and other issues.