An Expert Guide to Cleaning Curtains

Curtains are one of the easiest places to overlook when it comes to keeping your house clean. I think of them as a kind of fabric filter for the room: they're constantly exposed to open windows, airborne pollen, household dust and insects, so even when they look clean, they can be holding onto a surprising amount of debris.

Don't wait for them to look dirty

My biggest cleaning hack is therefore quite simple: don't wait for soft furnishings to look dirty before cleaning them. For longevity, monthly vacuuming is essential to keep your curtains in good order, particularly after pollen season, ladybird season and spider season.

Start with the care label and a vacuum

Good-quality handmade curtains, particularly lined or interlined curtains, are rarely suitable for washing at home. Before doing anything, check the fabric care instructions and give the curtains a thorough vacuum using the upholstery attachment. Work from the top down, paying particular attention to hems, folds and the area around the curtain heading, where dust tends to settle.

Washing curtains at home

For curtains that are machine washable – generally unlined curtains or sheers – remove the hooks and use a gentle cycle with a mild detergent. Overloading the machine can also prevent the fabric from being properly rinsed, so larger or heavier curtains may be better washed separately.

It's also important to check the buckram used in the heading is suitable for machine washing, not just the curtain fabric itself. Different components of a curtain can react differently to water and heat, so checking the whole construction is essential.

Don't forget the poles and tracks

I also wouldn't forget the curtain poles, tracks and surrounding window area. There's little benefit in cleaning the fabric and then immediately putting it back against a dusty track or windowsill. A quick wipe of the pole or track and a vacuum around the windows makes the whole job more effective.

Lined and interlined curtains: call in a professional

For lined or interlined curtains, I only recommend using a professional curtain cleaner, such as Pilgrim Payne & Co or Churchill. I would also check that they offer a clear guarantee regarding shrinkage. Faded areas can deteriorate during the cleaning process, blackout linings can blister, and the face fabric, interlining and lining can all shrink at different rates.

It really is a job for a professional who understands how curtains are constructed, rather than simply treating them like ordinary household laundry. I have witnessed far too many disasters in this area.

The rest of the room

The same principle applies elsewhere in the room. I would give upholstered furniture, cushions, rugs and other soft furnishings some attention too. Wash removable covers according to their care instructions, vacuum upholstery and floors thoroughly, and don't forget less obvious fabric surfaces such as fabric lampshades.