The First Thing You Should Do Before Hanging IKEA RITVA Curtains

There are so many IKEA hacks that will change how you DIY, from creating sofas with storage boxes to building your own floating desk with IKEA countertops. In many cases, IKEA shoppers have found ways to optimize the affordable products offered by this Swedish store so that they can have lasting home decor for a lower price tag. In the case of the $40 RITVA curtains, the hack is simple: you should wash, dry, and iron them before hanging so that the measurements are correct and so that you have smooth, clean curtains. 

The RITVA privacy and light-dimming curtains are some of IKEA's best sellers, and for good reason. Reviews on this product are overall very positive, with many customers praising how simple and affordable the curtains are and how they can instantly elevate any room in a home, just like IKEA's sheer curtain options. Some shoppers noted that the curtains' rippled panels feel chic and elegant and that the material is nicer than they expected for the price. However, as many reviewers also noted, because the curtains are 100% cotton, they must be washed and dried before hanging to make them the correct length for your windows. IKEA takes into account that these curtains will shrink when washed, so they'll be a bit longer if you don't complete this important step. Here's how to wash your RITVA curtains before hanging without damaging them.

The washing process is pretty simple. IKEA says to machine wash the RITVA curtains on a warm setting in a normal cycle, and avoid using bleach. Then, you can tumble dry on medium like you would with any other cotton fabric. Expect 4% shrinkage after washing and drying, according to the IKEA product care description. Also avoid dry cleaning these curtains. If you want to maintain your curtains' color, consider washing the curtains alone or with a matching fabric. This is especially crucial if you chose the white curtains, as a red item could affect their hue.

Once the curtains are clean and dry, your iron is your secret weapon for getting that fresh, put-together look. You should use an ironing board and an iron on the high setting, and start at the top of your curtains, working your way down. Once they are completely smooth, you can finally hang your curtains and see exactly how they will fall. You can also steam your curtains for the perfect wrinkle-free look afterwards if any creases appeared while hanging. Once the curtains are up, they should be the ideal length for your windows. However, one reviewer on IKEA's website did note that one of their curtain pairs ended up being slightly shorter than the other after washing and drying, so keep in mind that you may also have this issue.