Freshen Up Your Dingy Curtains With A Powerful Epsom Salt Cleaning Hack

Did you know that Epsom salt doesn't actually contain any sodium? Made of magnesium and sulfur, the cheap white crystals have been used for centuries for everything from health and beauty regimens to garden cultivation to cleaning. In the 17th century, English farmers discovered the benefits of the bitter compound when their livestock refused to drink from natural springs in the town of Epsom, but the townspeople couldn't get enough of relaxing in the mineral rich waters, marveling at its ability to heal wounds. The practice of taking an Epsom salt bath continues today, and researchers are still studying the potential health benefits, but the versatile ingredient is also a favorite of professional maids who use it for cleaning. From removing detergent build-up on your washing machine to freshening up dingy curtains, if you want an inexpensive way to get your home ready for the holidays, you'll want to add a final soak with Epsom salts when cleaning your curtains to remove wrinkles.

Curtains are one of the easiest ways to transform your bedroom from summer to fall. Although they can keep cold air out, curtains can also trap dust mites, mold, and other allergens that may cause serious health problems if left unchecked. With a little cool water, mild detergent, and a bag of Epsom Salts, (like Amazon Basics Lavender Scented) if you're swapping lightweight linen or sheer lace for heavier fabrics this fall, there's no better time to clean your curtains.

There are many places in your home you are forgetting to clean. Most of us think nothing of regularly running the vacuum cleaner to keep carpets looking fresh, but the hassle of taking down dingy curtains to clean them is a chore often left for another day. It's worth the effort when you incorporate Epsom salt into the curtain-cleaning process, because according to experts, it means you won't have to iron them before rehanging.

"Shake them outdoors if possible. Then put them in the machine, set to a delicate cycle on the cold setting. And be sure to use a gentle detergent," Mihalis Dimopoulos of Lazy Susans Cleaning Service advised in an interview with Home & Gardens. If you have delicate sheer or lace curtains, he recommends hand-washing. Then, use Epsom salt for a crease-free result. Dimopoulos suggested dissolving a cup of Epsom salt in cold water before leaving your curtains to soak for 10 minutes. After draining them, hang your curtains on a shower rod or laundry line to dry.

Don't worry about rinsing. In fact, the crisp end result occurs because the magnesium works to remove detergent buildup before bonding with the fibers in your curtains. This makes them slightly stiffer, helping you skip the hassle of ironing or steaming. A cordless handheld vacuum like the BLACK + DECKER dustbuster from Amazon can keep your curtains dust-free for longer in between deep-cleaning with this Epsom salt hack.

This powerful Epsom salt cleaning hack for curtains isn't just easy. It's extremely economical. Professional drapery cleaning can range from $60 to $400, with a national average of $190 per set. And depending on how the curtains are handled between the dry cleaners and your home, you may still have to deal with creases. If you plan on repurposing old curtains around your home as throw pillows or napkins, DIY curtain-cleaning will save you significant time and money.

It's also cheaper than purchasing new curtains. Although it's possible to find highly-rated curtains like the bestselling LEMOMO Blackout Thermal Insulated Bedroom Curtains, they're almost five times the price of a bag of scented Epsom salt. 

Whether your curtains are new or old, don't forget to look at the care tag instructions. You may want to use a mesh bag, or hand wash delicate fabrics or curtains that have permanent metallic rings.