Do you remember the last time you cleaned your curtains and drapery? Probably it was a long time ago or never. The curtains in our homes do their job quietly; they block out the sunlight, offer privacy and style to the rooms. But over time, curtains are also slowly collecting dust, odours, allergens and even bacteria. However, they are also the most overlooked areas in our home cleaning routines.  

While it is possible to wash curtains and drapery at home, doing it wrong could do more harm than good. From fabrics shrinking to setting in stains, even small mistakes can result in permanent damage. In this blog, we will help you know about the do’s and don’ts of curtain cleaning, helping you make smart decisions for your home’s cleanliness – whether you chose to DIY or you are considering professional curtain and drapery cleaning services. 

Curtain cleaning matters more than you think!

Curtains and drapery act like soft air filters for your home. They trap airborne particles, such as dust, pollen, pet hair, cooking fumes, smoke, mould spores and damp odours. Over time, this accumulation doesn’t only make your curtains look dull, but it can also affect your indoor air quality which is harmful especially if someone suffers from allergies or asthma in your home. Regular curtain and drapery cleaning keeps your home looking newer, as well as much healthier. 

The Do’s Of Curtain and Drapery Cleaning At Home 

If you’re planning to clean your curtains at home, here are some essential things that you should absolutely do to avoid damaging the quality of your curtains:

• Do Check the Care Label First
  Make sure to check the fabric care label on your curtains and  drapery. This will tell you if your curtains are machine-washable, dry clean only or safe to steam clean. If you skip this step, you could end up shrinking, discolouring or ruining your curtain fabric. 
• Do Vacuum Your Curtains Regularly
  A quick vacuum on the curtains and draperies with a brush attachment can remove the surface dust, fur and loose debris. This simple habit can delay the need for deep washing and better control allergens.
• Do Remove Hooks and Accessories
  When washing curtains and draperies, always take out the hooks, rings or other metal accessories to avoid rust stains or tearing of fabric.
• Do Spot Test for any Cleaning Solutions
  If you are going to use stain remover or any chemicals, always do a patch test on an unnoticeable spot first. Sometimes the fabrics react badly to certain cleaners that could discolour or fade the fabric.

• Do Use Gentle and Mild Detergents
  If your curtains and draperies are machine-washable, use gentle cycles with cold or lukewarm water. Use a mild detergent and avoid bleach or anything strong unless specified safe to use. 

• Do Dry Curtains and Drapery Properly
  Ideally, curtains and drapery should dry in a shaded area. Avoid direct sunlight, especially for darker or patterned fabrics as sunlight can lead to fading. Always make sure curtains and draperies are completely dry before rehanging them to prevent mould forming. 

The Don’ts of Curtain and Drapery Cleaning At Home

Even after being very careful, a few common mistakes can ruin your curtains and draperies. Here’s what to avoid while cleaning curtains at home:

• Don’t Ignore the Type of Fabric
  Different fabrics require different treatments. Velvet, silk and linen can all be very delicate fabrics and may require dry cleaning or professional cleaning. Treating them like your regular laundry can lead to permanent damage. 
• Don’t Overload The Washing Machine
  Curtains and draperies need space to move freely when they are getting cleaned. If you have too much laundry in your machine, cleaning will not be uniform, or your curtains may get tangled, or the seams may be stressed by pulling on the fabric. 

• Don’t Scrub Stains Too Hard
  Scrubbing at stains, or other cleaning features, only spreads stains, or damages delicate fibres. Instead, gently blot with a clean cloth and spot clean where required.

• Don’t Use High Heat For Drying
  If you use a dryer, especially on high heat, you’ll permanently shrink/warp your curtains. Most fabrics do better in air drying. 

• Don’t Forget To Rehang Promptly
  Leaving curtains and drapery folded or crumpled after drying can leave them bunched and wrinkled. If you can, hang them up while still slightly damp, to let them fall back naturally when they are dry.

When To Leave It To The Experts

DIY curtain cleaning is fine if you’re dealing with a lightweight machine-washable plain curtain, but in some cases, hiring a professional is the best way to go. Here are five occasions when it’s appropriate (and safer) to hire a professional curtain cleaner:

• You have heavy-weight or layered curtains and drapery such as blockouts or thermal-backed curtains.
• The fabric is delicate, vintage, or expensive.
• You have mould, strong smells, or deep stains.
• You want a steam clean without removing the curtains.
• You don’t have the time, space, or tools for a DIY clean.

At The Expert Cleaner, we provide curtain and drapery cleaning services in Australia, both on-site and off-site. Our team will assess the type of curtains you have and use the safest and most effective cleaning method possible to give you back a fresh and restored look, without the hassle of DIY. 

Whether you have sheer drapes, blockout curtains, or delicate fabric curtains such as velvet or lace, we have all the tools and expertise required to take care of them.

Interested in our process? Check out our Curtain Cleaning Service to see how we can professionally refresh your curtains and draperies without damaging a single thread.