Curtains are one of those household items that quietly collect dust, pet hair, cooking smells, and even moisture — often without us realising it. Over time, they can start to look dull and, worse, carry a musty or stale odour that affects the whole room.

If you live in a home that experiences a lot of condensation or poor ventilation, a build-up of moisture around windows can seep into curtains, causing mould to grow which can add to that musty smell. However, curtains can often be tricky to clean. They're bulky, delicate, and not something you want to throw in the wash on a whim — especially if you're worried about shrinking or damaging the fabric.

But the good news is, you don’t have to rely on harsh chemicals or expensive dry cleaning to freshen them up.

Laura Harnett, founder of eco cleaning brand Seep, has shared an eco-friendly — and cheaper — alternative to buying expensive chemicals and a wide variety of cleaning products.

According to the expert, most cleaning tasks can be sorted with white vinegar and baking soda as they are antibacterial and remove lingering odours.

They are wonder-products that can be used separately or mixed together to make a paste of varying consistency depending on what needs to be cleaned. 

Using vinegar, in particular, can deodorise curtains naturally, leaving them smelling clean and looking refreshed — all without exposing your home to toxic fumes or harsh residues.

How to clean curtains with vinegar

Remove your curtains from their tracks or poles and bring them outside before giving them a through shake.

Laura said: “Now is the perfect time to clean curtains, hanging them out in the fresh air to get them dry naturally. Shake them thoroughly outside first to remove any pollen, dust or loose particles."

"Then soak each curtain in a washing bowl or sink full of cold water with a cup of white vinegar added.

"Gently move them about ensuring the fabric is fully soaked and then hang outside to air dry. The sunlight also acts as a natural antibacterial agent so will ensure fresh and clean curtains ready to be rehung.”