The Onay Care Guide: How to Clean Printed Curtains, Cushion Covers and Table Runners

Printed fabrics keep their colour for years when they are cared for gently. This guide covers everything you need for Onay curtains, cushion covers and table runners: routine care, washing, drying, ironing and what to do about stains.

Know Your Fabric

Always check the care label on your item first. If it gives different advice, follow the label.

Routine Care: Wash Less Often

The less often a printed fabric is washed, the longer it stays bright. A little regular care goes a long way.

• Shake and air. Give curtains a gentle shake when you open them and air the room regularly. Plump and shake cushions weekly.
• Vacuum. Once a fortnight, vacuum curtains from top to bottom with the upholstery brush on a low setting. Do the same for cushion covers.
• Protect from strong sun. All printed fabrics fade over time in direct sunlight. A lined curtain protects the print better than an unlined one, and drawing curtains during the brightest hours of a hot summer day helps too.
• Deal with spills straight away. Blot, do not rub. See the stain tips below.

How to Wash Cushion Covers and Table Runners

1. Remove the inner pad and close any zip, so it does not snag the fabric.
2. Turn the cover or runner inside out to protect the print.
3. Wash on a cold or 30°C cycle with a mild liquid detergent for colours. Avoid bleach and detergents with optical brighteners or whitening agents, as they dull printed colours.
4. Tumble dry on low, or reshape while damp and dry flat away from direct sun and radiators.
5. Iron on the reverse on a low setting if needed (see below).

Velvet has a soft pile. Brushing it lightly with your hand or a soft brush once dry lifts the pile back up.

How to Wash Curtains

1. Take the curtains down and remove any hooks. For eyelet curtains, washing inside a large laundry bag protects the eyelets and your drum.
2. Shake off loose dust outside, or vacuum first.
3. Wash on a cool, gentle cycle, maximum 30°C, with a low spin and a mild colour safe liquid detergent. Large curtains may need a larger machine or a launderette.
4. Do not overload the drum: curtains need room to move to come out clean and without creases.
5. Rehang the curtains on the pole while slightly damp. Their own weight pulls out most creases, and they dry to the right length.

Lined curtains are heavier and take longer to dry. Avoid high heat, which can damage blackout and thermal linings. If you are unsure about washing a large lined curtain at home, a professional cleaner can help.

Ironing Printed Fabrics

• Iron on the reverse side, never directly on the print.
• Use a low to medium setting suitable for polyester.
• For velvet cushion covers and runners, steam rather than press, or iron on the reverse with a towel underneath so the pile is not flattened.
• For curtains, a handheld steamer used while they hang is the easiest way to remove creases.

Stain First Aid

• Act quickly. Blot with a clean, white cloth. Rubbing spreads the stain and can damage the print.
• Work from the outside in so the stain does not spread.
• Use cold water and a drop of mild detergent. Hot water can set many stains.
• Test first. Try any stain remover on a hidden area before using it on the front.
• Red wine or coffee on a table runner: blot, rinse the back with cold water, then wash as normal as soon as you can.

Easy Care Printed Textiles

Colourful Leaves Cushion CoverKilim Print Table RunnerRetro 70s Geometric CurtainsScandi Floral Cushion Cover

Frequently Asked Questions