Wash and care for curtains and drapes the wrong way and you can ruin them. No exaggeration. And while you may wash curtains much less often than upholstery or flooring, they do need doing at least once a year, because they gather dust and greasy finger marks. And, if you share you home with animals, fur can stick to them, too.
Of course, you might spot clean curtains and drapes throughout the year, but how do you wash them without damaging or shrinking the fabrics?
Sadly, there isn’t a single answer to this question, because different fabrics require different treatments. Here, we explain how to wash and care for both curtains and drapes, what you should and shouldn’t do, as well as advice on the regular care you should undertake. We also explain the supplies you might need to make room for in your laundry room.
How to wash curtains
Curtains are often unlined flat panels, which make them less complicated to wash. These are the steps to take.
Check the care label
Before addressing the issue of how to wash curtains, it’s important to point out that not all curtains can be washed. Always check the laundry symbols on the care label for guidance, and don’t risk straying from them. If yours can’t be machine washed, they will need to go to professional cleaners for laundering.
Vacuum your curtains and drapes
This should be part of your regular curtain care routine anyway, and a must if you can’t machine wash yours, but should always be part of the preparation for washing the, too.
‘If you can wash the curtains, vacuum off any dust and grime beforehand,’ advises Kelly Simpson, senior director of design and innovation at Budget Blinds (opens in new tab), experts in blinds, shades, shutters, and drapes.
Remove the fixings
If the curtains can be machine washed, remove hooks and weights and loosen tapes so they are flat before putting them into the washing machine.
Select the right wash cycle
‘Use a moderate cycle with a light detergent and cold water for machine-washable curtains,’ says interior designer Artem Kropovinsky, founder of New York-based interior design studio Arsight (opens in new tab). ‘Avoid using bleach or fabric softener, since they might harm or fade the fabric.’
The label might stipulate that the curtains can be washed but that this should be done by hand. ‘Curtains that must be hand-washed can be cleaned the same way you wash delicate clothing,’ says Kelly.
Hang to dry to avoid creasing
Kelly recommends hanging curtains to dry after washing. ‘Once dry, lightly iron or steam to remove wrinkles.’
How to care for curtains
Vacuum regularly
To care for curtains, make sure to vacuum them regularly as this will rid them of the dust that naturally accumulates in any room, along with any pet hair in homes with animal companions resident. A vacuum for pet hair is always going to make …….