Have you ever entered a luxury hotel room and were first captivated by the light? That soft, subtle light that the sun lets through perfectly white curtains and that immediately adds a sense of luxury, freshness and order to the room? It's no coincidence. Sparkling white curtains are not just an aesthetic addition - they are a sign of cleanliness, attention to detail and impeccable care. And if you thought that this effect required an arsenal of expensive products and professional cleaners, let us make you happy: you can also achieve the same effect at home, without sinfully expensive detergents.
Curtains are silent collectors of dust, smog, kitchen grease and moisture – a combination that eventually turns them from white to “once white”. But the solution is closer than you think. All you need is five tablespoons of regular table salt. Yes, you read that right. An old, tried and tested trick, used even in households with high aesthetics and even higher hygiene standards, works better than many commercial products. Let's take a closer look at why.
How does the salt trick work on white curtains?
1. Why salt?
Salt has been considered a natural cleaning agent for centuries. It acts as mild abrasive, which does not damage the fibers, while allowing dirt that has settled deeply into the fabric to be effectively broken down and eliminated. In addition, salt has natural antibacterial properties, which means it also removes microorganisms that can accumulate in fabrics over time, especially if the curtains are exposed to moisture and kitchen steam.
2. Cleaning process – step by step
For optimal results, follow these simple steps:
Preparing the bath: In a large bowl or tub, prepare warm water (around 40 °C) and add to it 5 full tablespoons of table saltIf desired, you can also add a tablespoon of baking soda, which will enhance the degreasing effect.
Irrigation: Curtains leave to soak for at least 2 hours, and for better results, you can leave them overnight. During this time, the salt loosens the fibers and “pulls” the dirt from the depths of the fabric.
Machine wash: After soaking, wash the curtains in the washing machine on gentle program (ideally 30-40°C), without aggressive detergents. Add only a small amount of mild detergent - just enough to freshen up.
Drying: When the curtains are still slightly damp, hang straight from the machineThe weight of the fabric will ensure natural straightening and ironing will not be necessary in most cases.
3. What materials is this trick suitable for?
This method is best suited for white and light curtains made of materials such as cotton, linen or polyester blends. It is not recommended for colored or delicate fabrics (e.g. silk) as the salt could affect the color fastness.
Effect: Noticeably brighter, cleaner and fresher curtains
The results are visible after just one wash – the curtains will be brighter, smell fresh and without that delicate grayish tone that often remains even after regular washing. Your space will look brighter, larger and, above all, more well-groomed. And yes – the effect will be similar to the one you admired in a five-star hotel room. The difference? This time you paid literally a few cents for it.
Natural, effective and incredibly simple
In a world where we are lured in every week by shiny new products promising “miracle cleaning,” it’s nice to know that an all-natural, harmless, and affordable solution can beat the odds. Salt—an everyday ingredient with extraordinary power—may be the household’s greatest underrated treasure.
