Many homeowners love bespoke curtains that genuinely reflect the ambience of their home. But while curtains certainly elevate your space visually, they also quietly collect dust, allergens, and everyday grime. Just like carpets or upholstery, curtains need regular attention to stay fresh, vibrant, and functional. And the added cost of cleaning services can be a stress builder itself. Hence, we can compile a list of curtain cleaning tips at home which will not only save your added expenses but also keep your curtains looking good as new!
Ensure your home remains a sanctuary by keeping every detail pristine. Book your FREE consultation with us for bespoke curtains today!
Why Should Curtain Cleaning Be a Priority?
Have you ever considered how much dust and allergens your curtains accumulate over time?
Curtains act as filters, trapping airborne particles, which can affect indoor air quality and exacerbate allergies. Regular cleaning ensures a healthier environment and prolongs the life of your window treatments.
According to a survey, the UK cleaning industry employs approximately 1.47 million people, emphasising the significance of professional cleaning services.
However, while professional curtain cleaning has its benefits, to keep your curtains clean regularly, here are some tips to keep them fresh.
How Often Should You Clean Your Curtains?
Curtains may look clean from afar, but they quietly trap dust, allergens, and odours over time—especially if you have pets, live near busy roads, or keep your windows open often.
The frequency with which you clean your curtains is determined by the atmosphere of your home and the lifestyle of those who reside there.
- Location: If you live in a high-traffic urban area or somewhere prone to dust and pollution, your curtains may need attention every 3 months.
- Allergy-prone family members: Families with asthma or dust allergies may consider deep cleaning their curtains every 3–6 months to enhance indoor air quality.
- Home with pets: Pet dander and smoke particles cling to fabrics. Clean your curtains regularly—perhaps even monthly—to keep odours and allergens at bay.
- General upkeep: Even in low-dust environments, vacuuming curtains regularly and scheduling a deep clean every 3-6 months is recommended to keep them fresh and long-lasting.
What Are the Best Methods for Cleaning Curtains at Home?
Depending on the fabric, heading type, and where the curtains hang, here are the best methods to keep them looking fresh and performing beautifully:
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Vacuuming
This is a no-brainer but essential. Use a soft brush attachment to vacuum your curtains weekly, especially along pleats and hems where dust tends to gather.
It’s a gentle way to extend the time between deep cleans and is particularly helpful for allergy sufferers.
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Dry cleaning
Delicate fabrics like velvet, silk, wool, or lined/interlined curtains should be dry cleaned by professionals.
This retains the fabric’s integrity and protects it against water and agitation. Dry cleaning is also an excellent option for curtains that are too large for a home machine. Dry cleaning is a wise choice for house holiday cleaning!
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Machine washing
For machine-washable curtains (check the care label first!), choose a delicate cycle and cold water to avoid shrinking or fading. Always remove any hooks, weights, or hardware beforehand. If unsure, consider placing the curtains in a mesh laundry bag to protect them.
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Hand washing
Believe it or not, intricate bespoke curtains are best hand-washed. It helps to keep the designs intact.
Fill a bath or basin with lukewarm water and swish the fabric gently—never wring or twist. Rinse thoroughly and air-dry flat to prevent misshaping.
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Steam cleaning
This is a quick and easy method if you are tidying up your place for a dinner or a party. Moreover, if you have heavy curtains, or treating light stains and odours without taking them down, steam cleaning can work like magic!
Use a handheld steamer while the curtains hang, moving in downward strokes. It’s effective at killing bacteria and removing wrinkles, too.
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Sunlight and air exposure
On clear, dry days, airing your curtains outdoors can help freshen them naturally. Sunlight can help eliminate mild odours and kill bacteria.
However, you need to be cautious as with bright-coloured or delicate fabrics, bespoke curtains may fade with UV exposure.
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Instant fresheners and deodorisers
Between washes, consider using fabric-safe sprays and buy cleaning products that neutralise odours. Choose natural, non-toxic options, especially for households with kids or pets.
Be sure to check the label first to see if the product is suitable for use on soft furnishings.
How Can You Remove Stubborn Curtain Stains?
No matter how careful you are, accidents happen. Whether it’s a splash of red wine, a smudge of sauce, or damp conditions leading to mildew, knowing how to treat different types of stains effectively can save your curtains from premature retirement.
- Water-based stains: For coffee or juice stains, blot the area gently with a solution of warm water and mild detergent. Never rub as it can spread the stain or damage the fibres.
- Oil-based stains: Stains like grease or makeup can be trickier to remove. Apply a solvent-based stain remover designed for fabrics but always spot test first to avoid discolouration.
- Mould and mildew: These thrive in humid conditions and should be addressed swiftly. Use a 1:1 vinegar and water solution, lightly spray the area, let it sit, then blot and rinse thoroughly.
The pro-tip? DON’T WAIT!
Treat stains immediately. The longer you leave it, the harder it is to reverse the damage.
Some Additional Year- Round Curtain Care Tips
- Rotate Curtains: Switch curtains between rooms to ensure even wear.
- Maintain Hardware: Regularly clean curtain rods and rings to prevent dust buildup.
- Use Linings: Protect curtains from sun damage and reduce the need for frequent cleaning.
Conclusion: Clean Curtains, Beautiful Homes – All Year Round
Caring for your curtains isn’t just about cleanliness. It is about preserving your home’s beauty, elegance, and atmosphere.
At L&M, we believe curtains should be as functional as they are stunning. That’s why we offer bespoke curtains and blinds tailored to your exact style. They are made from high-quality, durable fabrics that are built to last and are easy to maintain.
Don’t settle for off-the-shelf solutions if you’re refreshing existing curtains or dreaming of a brand-new look. Invest in our custom-made curtains and blinds that are designed to impress and are easy to care for season after season.
Get in touch with our experts and let your windows shine—effortlessly!
Call 020 8640 7511 or email info@landmcurtains.co.uk.
Most curtains should be cleaned every 3 to 6 months. Homes with pets, children, or allergy sufferers should clean every 1 to 3 months — curtains can harbour approximately 1.47 million microbes per gram of fabric. A weekly vacuum with a soft brush attachment significantly extends the interval between deep cleans. Kitchens and bathrooms need more frequent attention due to grease and moisture accumulation.
Not all curtains can be machine washed — always check the care label first. Machine-washable polyester and cotton curtains should be washed at 30 to 40°C on a gentle cycle in a mesh laundry bag with a low spin setting. Interlined, thermal-lined, or blackout curtains generally require dry cleaning to protect the lining. Velvet and silk should always be dry cleaned or carefully hand washed in cool water.
Act immediately — mould spreads fast. (1) Take curtains outdoors and brush off loose spores. (2) Spray affected areas with a 1:1 white vinegar and water solution; leave 10 minutes then blot, do not rub. (3) For machine-washable fabrics, wash at the highest safe temperature with one cup of white vinegar in the rinse. (4) Dry fully before re-hanging. For dry-clean fabrics, take to a professional immediately.
Silk curtains should primarily be professionally dry cleaned. For minor freshening, use a garment steamer held 15-20cm from the fabric. If hand washing is necessary, use cool water below 30°C with a pH-neutral silk-specific detergent — gently swirl, never wring. Roll in a clean towel to absorb moisture, then dry flat away from direct sunlight, which fades and weakens silk fibres. Re-hang slightly damp to allow natural drape.
Vacuum curtains weekly with a soft brush attachment to remove odour-trapping dust and pet hair. On dry days, open windows to allow airflow — natural UV neutralises odours and inhibits mildew. Lightly mist with a bleach-free fabric deodoriser, or sprinkle baking soda, leave 30 minutes, then vacuum off. Good room ventilation is the most effective prevention, especially in kitchens and bathrooms where cooking fumes and moisture are the main causes of build-up.
Dry cleaning uses chemical solvents to dissolve stains without water — safest for silk, velvet, and bespoke interlined curtains where water causes shrinkage. Steam cleaning uses high-temperature steam to kill bacteria, remove allergens, and neutralise odours without harsh chemicals — ideal for heavier cotton or linen curtains that are too large for a machine, or when curtains are best cleaned in place. For specialist or bespoke curtains, professional cleaning preserves both fabric and fit.
Dampen the entire affected panel evenly with distilled water to prevent the mineral ring setting further. Blot (never rub) with a clean white cloth. For persistent marks, apply diluted white vinegar (1:3 ratio with distilled water), leave 5 minutes, blot, then rinse with distilled water. Iron lightly while slightly damp on a low heat setting. Avoid tap water — it adds further mineral deposits. For bespoke or specialist fabrics, professional treatment is recommended.
Vacuum thoroughly with a soft upholstery brush attachment from the top down along the pleats. A handheld garment steamer used in downward strokes kills bacteria, removes odours, and freshens fabric without removing curtains. Dry fabric freshener sprays or lightly applied baking soda (vacuumed off after 30 minutes) neutralise odours between professional cleans. For heavy fixed curtains, professional on-site steam cleaning can treat them fully while hanging.
