How To Wash
Curtains And Drapes

While window coverings come in many beautiful designs, they have one thing in common: curtains and drapes are magnets for dust, dirt, pet hair, and other pollutants. When your curtains are dirty, they look tired and dingy, smell musty, and can be unhealthy. When you move dirty curtains, dust, dirt, and mold spores spread into the air and onto surfaces throughout your home. 

Those airborne contaminants create an unhealthy environment that is especially harmful to those with allergies and asthma. Learning how to wash curtains and drapes clears the air and makes your home look bright and fresh. This housekeeping skill can also make it a healthier environment for your family, pets included. 

How To Clean Curtains: Curtain Cleaning for Every Fabric

The first thing you should know when learning how to clean curtains and drapes is to always begin by checking the care label. But even when following the care label cleaning directions, it’s a good idea to check your curtains for colorfastness beforehand. Choose a hidden spot on your curtains and dip it in warm water. If the color bleeds, a dry cleaning visit is your next step. If the fabric passes the color fastness test, it’s time to learn how to clean curtains. 

How to Clean Cotton Drapes

Most cotton curtains can be machine washed, but the care label may recommend hand washing if they are lined. Here’s how to wash curtains made from natural fabric:

• Pre-Treat Stains

Cotton fabrics are more likely to get stains than some other fabrics, so it’s essential to inspect cotton drapes for stains before you wash them. A natural stain remover like baking soda can safely remove most stains.

If your cotton drapes are lined and can’t be machine washed, skip the washer and follow the curtain cleaning directions for silk drapes below.

• Wash With Cold Water

Set your washer to a gentle or delicate setting and use cold water only. You’ll want to give your curtains plenty of room, so don’t overload the washer. Use only regular laundry detergent and let the drapes soak for five minutes before washing them. Be sure to only wash like-colored curtains together to prevent bleeding and stains. 

• Machine Dry

Spread your curtains out and check that all the stains have disappeared. A hot dryer can set the stains and ruin your drapes if they haven’t. Either retreat stains and wash or put your curtains in the dryer and choose the lowest heat setting. Monitor how quickly they dry so you can remove them when they are damp.

• Iron Out the Wrinkles

Select the cotton setting and iron out wrinkles from the backside of the curtains using a pressing cloth. Hang the curtains and let them finish drying. Another alternative is to hang the curtains immediately and use a home steamer to blast those wrinkles. (A steamer is also ideal for curtain and drape cleaning between washings.) 

How to Clean Synthetic Curtains

Most synthetic fabrics like cotton blends, nylon, and polyester usually require only minimal cleaning. Even blackout curtains and liners made with synthetic material are usually machine washable, but check the label before you use these cleaning tips:

• Pre-Treat Stains

Use an eco-friendly baking soda stain remover to pre-treat any stains. For the best results, work the baking soda cleaner into stains from the front and back. There’s no need to rinse the stains before washing. 

• Wash in Cold Water

Set your washer to the gentle cycle and use only cold water and regular laundry detergent. Do not overload the washing machine. Letting the curtains soak for a few minutes before washing will help the baking soda break down the stains better. 

• Machine Dry

Ensure the stains are gone before machine drying your drapes. Dry the curtains on a low to medium heat setting and remove them as soon as they finish. Hang the curtains immediately to prevent wrinkles.

How to Clean Silk Drapes

Understanding how to clean drapes made from silk and other delicate fabrics by hand prevents damage. There’s no need to pre-treat stains because you can scrub those out while you’re hand-washing. 

• Wash With Warm Water

Fill the sink with warm water and a few drops of dish soap. Wash the silk curtain in soap and water by massaging the suds into the fabric. This method will remove most stains, but you can add baking soda for more power.

• Rinse and Squeeze

Rinse the silk curtain with warm water until the water runs clear. Repeat the stain removal process if needed, then lay a bath towel on a counter and lay the curtain on it. Roll the curtain up with the towel and squeeze out excess water over the sink.

• Air Dry

Hang your silk curtains immediately and let them air dry to prevent wrinkles. Letting the silk dry slowly is essential, so avoid any heat sources like vents or direct sunlight.  

How Often Should You Clean Curtains and Drapes?

Now that you know how to clean curtains, how often should you do it? Curtains, drapes, and other window treatments should be washed or dry-cleaned about twice yearly. Vacuum curtains and drapes weekly using the upholstery attachment to remove dust, dirt, and allergens. If you have pets, you may need to vacuum more frequently and use a lint roller.

Monthly drape cleaning with a quick refresh keeps dust and dirt at bay. Dust the curtain rods, valances, and other parts. Remove the window coverings and lay them on a bed. Vacuum both sides with a brush attachment, then rehang your curtains. Even with routine cleaning maintenance, curtains can absorb unpleasant odors. To keep your drapes smelling fresh week after week, check out our guide for removing odors naturally.  

The Maids®: Taking the Guesswork Out of Housekeeping Since 1979

Use this guide for how to wash curtains to keep your windows looking beautiful and the air clean and fresh. Whether you do it yourself or use our convenient cleaning services, The Maids takes the guesswork out of housekeeping. 

Discover what cleaning for health can mean for your home and family—get your free custom cleaning quote today.