Curtain Maintenance & Care
- Easy
- Vacuum with soft brush attachment, handheld steamer, mild detergent, soft cloths
- 1
Regular Routine
Every 1–2 weeks, vacuum curtains from top to bottom using the soft brush attachment. Alternatively, give curtains a gentle shake to dislodge dust. Spot-clean marks immediately with a damp cloth and mild detergent.
- 2
Deep Cleaning by Fabric Type
Sheer/polyester: gentle machine wash, cold water, mild detergent — remove all hardware first. Cotton/linen: hand wash in lukewarm water with gentle detergent, or machine wash on delicate. Velvet/heavyweight: dry clean only. Lined curtains: check the care label — the lining often dictates the cleaning method. Always check the care label before washing any curtain.
- 3
Steaming
Use a handheld steamer with slow vertical strokes from top to bottom. Keep curtains hanging — no need to take them down. Steaming kills dust mites and refreshes fabric. Keep the steamer slightly away from silk and velvet to prevent water spots.
- 4
Drying
Air dry outdoors in shade — never in direct sun, which fades fabric. Never tumble-dry on high heat. For best results, re-hang curtains while slightly damp and let gravity pull out remaining wrinkles.
- 5
Sun Damage Prevention
Use fade-resistant fabrics (polyester, acrylic, solution-dyed). Add blockout lining behind the face fabric as a UV shield. Layer sheers in front of curtains for additional protection. Rotate panels annually (swap left and right) to even out fading on leading edges. For north- and west-facing windows, prioritise UV-resistant fabrics.
Questions
- How often should I wash my curtains?
- Most curtains only need washing 1–2 times per year. Regular vacuuming every 1–2 weeks removes most dust and allergens. Wash more frequently if you have pets, allergies, or live near a busy road.
- Can I machine-wash curtains with blockout lining?
- Check the care label first. Many blockout-lined curtains can be machine washed on a gentle/delicate cycle in cold water. However, frequent washing degrades the blockout coating over time. Spot-clean and steam when possible to extend the lining life.
- How do I get mould off curtains?
- For washable fabrics, soak in a solution of white vinegar and cold water (1:4 ratio) for 30 minutes, then wash as normal. For dry-clean-only fabrics, take them to a professional cleaner. To prevent mould, ensure good ventilation and never pack damp curtains away.
- Why are my curtains fading even though I have blockout lining?
- The blockout lining protects the room from light, but the face fabric still receives direct UV through the glass. Consider adding a sheer curtain in front, applying UV window film, or choosing UV-resistant fabric for replacements.