Here’s to never neglecting curtain-cleaning again…
Blockers of light, bringers of cosiness, and your last line of defence against nosey neighbours — curtains are the unsung heroes of the home. Yet every year when it’s time for a spring clean, why are our window dressings so often ignored?
Cleaning curtains isn’t rocket science, but it can be daunting. They’re often investment pieces, crafted from delicate fabrics, or tricky to clean once they’ve been hung up. But fear not. We’re covering all aspects of how to clean curtains in this interior guide — from simple spot cleaning to machine washing, steam cleaning, dry cleaning, and more.
You’ve decided that your curtains need a clean, but how exactly are you going to go about it? There’s a bunch of different ways to clean curtains, but the right method for you depends on two factors: what material your curtains are made from, and just how dirty they are.
As always, check your curtains’ care label before embarking on any cleaning frenzy, and don’t go crazy with the cleaning chemicals. Slow and steady wins the race when dealing with delicate fabrics that you’ve invested in. Once you know exactly what your curtains’ fabric can withstand, one of these cleaning methods is sure to do the trick:
Vacuuming
Looking for a quick and hassle-free way to clean curtains on the regular? Using a vacuum with an upholstery attachment is the perfect solution for tackling dust, pet hair, and other surface-level dirt.
Inspect your curtains for any loose threads or damaged fabric before you begin, then start working down along the fabric in smooth, even strokes. Get a helper to hold the curtain's fabric tight if needed, and pay special attention to the edges and folds where dust tends to gather.
Steam Cleaning
If we're being honest, the reason we avoid cleaning curtains is the hassle involved with removing them from the wall. Lucky for us, steam cleaning offers a brilliant way of deep cleaning curtains without having to worry about taking them down.
A handheld or upright steamer with a fabric attachment works wonders, whether your curtains are soiled or just lightly stained. Use distilled water to avoid mineral build-up on the fabric, and move slowly to allow the hot steam to penetrate fully.
Spot Cleaning
Spot cleaning curtains is exactly what it sounds like; targeting stains on specific areas of the fabric, rather than cleaning them entirely. To efficiently spot-clean your curtains, mix a solution of mild detergent and warm water, and begin lightly dabbing (not scrubbing) the affected area with a clean cloth.
Repeat the process until the stain(s) have faded and the fabric appears clean. Spot cleaning also makes the drying process easier, as you can hang your curtains back up to dry by your windows, or on a washing line until they're no longer damp.
Sometimes spot cleaning just won't do the trick, and your curtains need a more thorough treatment. Whether or not curtains can be machine washed depends on the fabric they're made from, and the instructions listed on their care label.
Most cotton, polyester and synthetic-blend curtains can handle a gentle machine cycle at a cool temperature. However, don't make any assumptions — your curtains' care instructions should ultimately inform how you clean them.
When washing curtains in a machine, stick to mild detergent and avoid any harsh chemicals or bleach. Always wash your curtains separately, and use the most delicate settings available on your machine to avoid damaging the fabric. If you're in any doubt about machine washing your curtains, it's always safer to have them professionally dry cleaned.
Steam cleaning your curtains is a versatile alternative to machine washing. It’s gentler on the fabric’s fibres while still providing a deep clean, and gets rid of the fuss of having to take your curtains down. Either a handheld or upright steamer with a fabric attachment will work best, allowing the hot steam to penetrate the fabric and loosen stubborn grime.
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Prep Your Curtains:
Before you start steam cleaning curtains, give them a quick vacuum to remove any surface-level dust. Close your curtains so they’re hanging flat and taut, and begin steaming from top to bottom in slow, vertical motions. Try to hold the steamer roughly 15cm from the fabric’s surface, and move steadily to avoid soaking any one spot.
Take it Slow & Steady:
As with any curtain-cleaning method, test your steamer on an inconspicuous area of the fabric before diving in fully. Delicate materials like silk may require a lower steam setting at a greater distance, while thicker velvet curtains might need a few passes before cleaning fully. Once you’ve steamed all of the fabric, allow your curtains to dry fully before touching or closing them.
If your curtains need a deep clean but aren’t machine washable, a home dry cleaning kit might be just what you’re looking for. These typically include dry cleaning sheets or cloths, instructions for use, and large bags to place your curtains in. Once you’ve wrapped your head around the process, all that’s left to do is pop everything in the tumble dryer on a low-heat setting.
While this can be a handy way of avoiding the expense of professional dry cleaning, remember that there’s always a risk of damage to your curtains. To remove the possibility of damage to your curtains, dryer, or ineffective cleaning, we recommend always opting for an experienced dry cleaner where possible.
Just about any type of curtain can be either spot cleaned, steam cleaned, or machine washed. However, there are some curtain fabrics which require a bit more TLC when it comes to cleaning.
Velvet Curtains
Velvet curtains should be cleaned with care, starting with a gentle vacuum using a soft brush attachment. Delicately blot stains using a clean, damp cloth, and use a steam cleaner to remove wrinkles or refresh the raised pile. It’s always best to call in the professionals when deep-cleaning velvet curtains, and machine washing should be avoided to preserve the soft pile.
Blackout Curtains
Another tricky customer when it comes to cleaning — blackout curtains need to be handled with care in order to keep their light-blocking properties intact. Always check the care label to learn whether you can wash blackout curtains in a machine. Our blackout curtains are dry-clean only, and should only be spot-cleaned when dealing with stains at home.
Since your curtains live by windows and British homes are prone to humidity, the condensation that gathers on your windows can cause mould to grow on curtains. This is quite a serious issue as mould can be a health hazard, so make sure that if you spot any mould growth on your curtains, you deal with it quickly.
Mix A Solution
Firstly, mix a solution of mild detergent and warm water, ensuring that the solution has enough detergent to tackle mould growth but isn’t too thick. We usually recommend an 80:20 split of detergent to water. Always patch-test any solutions you have mixed on an inconspicuous patch of your curtain, away from prying eyes, in case of damage or staining.
Bleaching curtains and coloured fabric in general isn’t recommended, as bleach can cause discolouration and interfere with your curtains’ design.
Carefully Clean
Carefully dab the mould-affected area on your curtains and repeat the process until the mould has been cleaned. For excessive mould growth that doesn’t seem to be shifting with a mild solution, it may be best to get your curtains professionally cleaned.
Knowing how to treat stains and spillages is crucial, but what’s often overlooked is regular maintenance. Consistent upkeep is key to keeping your curtains fresh between deep cleans, saving you time, money, and extending their lifespan in the long run.
Regular Vacuuming:
One of the easiest ways to maintain your curtains is regular vacuuming. You can do this while your curtains are still hanging, moving from top to bottom in slow, gentle strokes. A thorough vacuum every week or two is more than enough to keep your curtains ship-shape between washes and deeper cleans.
Shake it Up:
A good-old-fashioned shake can be surprisingly effective in giving your curtains a quick refresh. Ideally, take your curtains down and bring them outside before shaking. Otherwise, make sure your room is well ventilated and you’ve got a hoover on standby to clean up the dust and other loose debris.
Tackle Stains with Speed:
If your curtains have picked up a stain, acting quickly gives you the best chance of preventing it from setting in permanently. Spot-clean stains as soon as you notice them, blotting gently with a clean, damp cloth. Use a solution of water and mild detergent or soap for stubborn marks, always testing on a hidden area of the fabric in case of damage.
Cleaning and maintaining curtains doesn’t have to be something you dread. By getting into a routine of regular vacuuming, quickly treating stains, and deep cleaning every three-to-six months — you can keep your curtains looking fresh year-round.
Whether you opt for machine washing, steam cleaning, or dry cleaning at home, remember to stay consistent and treat your curtains with care. Above all, the care label should always be your guiding light when it comes to curtain cleaning. With these tips and techniques, you'll be able to enjoy clean, beautiful curtains that enhance the comfort and style of your home for years to come.
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