Curtains accumulate dust, pet dander, smoke odour, and cooking smells over months and years of hanging. Despite being laundered infrequently, most curtains can be cleaned safely at home — the key is matching the cleaning method to the fabric type. Here's how to handle linen, sheer, and delicate curtain fabrics.
Read the Care Label First
Before anything else, check the care label. Look for:
- Machine wash symbol (tub with water): machine washable
- Hand wash symbol: hand wash only
- Dry clean only symbol: take to a dry cleaner; home washing risks damage
- Temperature symbols: maximum wash temperature
When no label exists (older curtains), treat the fabric as hand-wash only and test a small hidden area with water first to check for bleeding or shrinkage.
Sheer and Voile Curtains
Sheers are typically synthetic (polyester) or cotton voile — most are machine washable.
- Remove all hooks and rings before washing
- Place in a mesh laundry bag to prevent tangling
- Wash on a gentle/delicate cycle with cold water
- Use a small amount of delicate fabric detergent
- Remove immediately after washing to prevent creasing
- Hang directly back on the curtain rod while still damp — the weight of the damp fabric pulls out wrinkles as it dries, eliminating the need for ironing
Linen Curtains
Linen can be machine washed but tends to shrink — especially in hot water. Use cold water and a gentle cycle. Expect some shrinkage even with cold water washing; buy curtains slightly longer than needed to allow for it. Hang to dry immediately after washing.
Velvet Curtains
Velvet is high-risk for home washing — the pile can be crushed or matted by machine washing, and the fabric often requires dry cleaning. Unless the label explicitly says machine washable, take velvet to a dry cleaner.
Blackout Curtains
Blackout curtains have a coating on the reverse side that provides light-blocking. This coating can be damaged by machine washing. Check the label; if it says hand wash or dry clean, follow that instruction. Many blackout curtains recommend gentle cold machine wash — but dry flat rather than hanging, as the weight of the wet coating can pull the fabric.
Spot Cleaning (Between Full Washes)
For localised stains or odour without a full wash:
- Mix a small amount of mild detergent with cold water
- Blot (don't rub) the stained area with the solution from outside to centre
- Rinse by blotting with a clean cloth dampened with plain water
- Allow to dry in place with the curtain hanging
Dust Removal (Monthly)
Regular dust removal extends the time between full washes. Use a hand vacuum with a soft brush attachment, or take each panel outside and shake it. A dryer set to air-fluff (no heat) with a dryer sheet for 10 minutes also removes surface dust and refreshes the fabric.
Maidless dusts curtain panels and valances as part of a standard clean. Book a Toronto house cleaning — HST included.