In Victorian cottage houses, shower curtains were typically made of fabric, such as cotton or linen. Cleaning these shower curtains involved several techniques:
1. Regular Washing: Shower curtains would be regularly removed and washed to remove dirt, soap scum, and any mildew that may have developed. They were often machine-washable, and homeowners would use a mild detergent to clean them.
2. Hand Washing: In some cases, shower curtains were considered delicate or had intricate lace or embroidery. In such instances, homeowners would opt for a gentler hand-washing method. This involved soaking the curtains in a basin of warm water with mild detergent, gently scrubbing them, and rinsing thoroughly.
3. Bleaching: If the shower curtains became stained or discolored, especially due to mildew or mold, bleaching was sometimes used. Homeowners would soak the curtains in a diluted bleach solution, followed by thorough rinsing to remove any bleach residue.
4. Sunning: Another traditional way to clean and freshen shower curtains was by sunning them. After washing, homeowners would hang the curtains outside on a clothesline in direct sunlight. The sun's UV rays not only helped dry the fabric but also acted as a natural disinfectant, killing any remaining bacteria or mildew.
5. Replacement: If shower curtains became excessively stained or damaged beyond cleaning, they would be replaced entirely. This was especially common for cheaper or disposable shower curtains.
Overall, the specific cleaning methods for shower curtains in Victorian cottage houses would vary depending on the material, design, and personal preferences of the homeowners.
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