HOW TO WASH CURTAINS AND DRAPES
Curtains and drapes are typically decorative and not as prone to stains as regularly handled items like clothes, towels, bedsheets and comforters. However, they can still collect dust, mold and other residue, which is why it’s important to clean them several times per year. Depending on the fabric, you may choose to machine wash, hand wash, spot clean or dry clean your curtains.
It can be easy to forget that curtains and drapes need some TLC every now and then. Here’s how you can help ensure they stay looking fresh and beautiful.
HOW OFTEN SHOULD YOU WASH CURTAINS
How often you should wash your curtains depends on their placement and usage. If it’s a washable shower curtain that’s used daily, regularly exposing it to water, soil and mold, consider washing it at least once per month. If it’s a window curtain that doesn’t see much action, a few times per year will do.
If you have pets or are allergy prone, cleaning more frequently to remove dust and dander may be wise.
CAN YOU WASH CURTAINS IN THE WASHING MACHINE?
Just like with clothes, the type of fabric will help determine if you can wash curtains in the washing machine. Check your care tags to be sure. Unlined curtains made from sturdier materials like cotton, nylon or polyester may be able to go in the wash, while more delicate fabrics may require hand washing or dry cleaning.
Blackout curtains or drapes—which are not the same as curtains—may be lined or made from heavier fabrics, preventing them from going in the washing machine. Regardless of whether you are washing a window curtain, drape or shower curtain, it’s important to check the care label for proper cleaning instructions.
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SHOULD YOU WASH CURTAINS IN HOT OR COLD WATER?
You should always check the care tag label on your curtains before washing them and follow those instructions. Avoiding hot water may help preserve the color, especially on dark curtains. Warm, cool or cold water are generally more suitable.
HOW TO WASH CURTAINS IN THE WASHING MACHINE
Prior to washing curtains in the machine, you will want to remove any hardware and check the care tag for instructions and fabric information to make sure they actually belong in the washer. You will also want to spot-test an area to make sure the detergent you use won’t ruin the fabric.
Keep reading for more detailed instructions on how to wash curtains in the washing machine.
SUPPLIES
Mild detergent
Towels
TOOLS
- Washing machine
1. SPOT-TEST YOUR CURTAINS
Prior to washing your curtains, you will want to make sure your laundry detergent or preferred cleaning solution won’t ruin the fabric. Spot-testing the solution on a small, inconspicuous area or corner of fabric is a quick and easy way to do this. After placing the solution on your curtains, dab a paper towel over it to see if any color transfers.
If the fabric’s dye starts to bleed while spot-testing, you may want to spot-test a more mild cleaning agent before deciding if you should put the curtains in the washer. And again, always defer to the instructions on your care tags.
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2. PREP YOUR CURTAINS
After taking your curtains down, make sure to remove any rings, hooks or other hardware pieces.
3. SET YOUR WASH CYCLE AND WATER SETTINGS
Set your washing machine to the cycle and temperature recommended on your curtain’s care tag. Most likely, you will want to use cold water and a gentle cycle with slow spin speeds, especially for darker colors. If you are washing lighter colors or a more durable shower curtain, you may be able to use warm water.
Consider your fabric type. If you are washing a delicate fabric, you may want to place the curtain in a mesh bag prior to washing. If you are washing a shower curtain that’s made from plastic or something similar, throwing a few towels in the wash with it can help wipe off dirt and residue during the cycle.
4. ADD DETERGENT
Use a small amount of detergent when cleaning curtains. If you have a stain that needs treating, try to spot-clean it before laundering the entire curtain.
5. DRY ON LOW OR HANG TO DRY
How you dry your curtains will depend on the fabric and care tag instructions. Some fabrics can go in the dryer on low heat, while others—like shower curtains made of plastic or vinyl—will need to hang dry.
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HOW TO HAND WASH CURTAINS
Handwashing is ideal for curtains made from delicate fabrics or those with stains that need gentle or spot treatment. Gently working the fabric in a bucket of cool, sudsy water should typically do the trick, but you may need to give it some extra attention if you’re trying to work out tough stains.
SUPPLIES
Bucket, tub or utility sink
Detergent or dish soap
TOOLS
- Sponge, washcloth or soft scrub brush
1. REMOVE ANY HARDWARE
Just like when you machine wash, you will need to remove any hardware from your curtains before washing.
2. READY YOUR WATER
Fill a sink, bucket or tub with enough water so that you can gently submerge and work the curtain. Check your care tags to make sure you use the right temperature, but cool or cold water is likely ideal. Add a small amount of dish soap or laundry detergent to create a sudsy solution.
If you are cleaning a more durable type of curtain, like a plastic shower curtain, you may not need to fill the tub or container. Instead, try laying down the curtain in a tub and dampening it with water before gently scrubbing with a cleaning solution.
3. TIME TO WASH
If you have a stain that needs treating, try to spot clean it before laundering the entire curtain. When it’s ready for washing, gently work the fabric in the water with your hands.
4. RINSE AND REPEAT
Drain your sudsy water and refill your basin with clean water. Submerge your curtain and move it around in the water to help rinse out the suds. Replace the water again, rinse and repeat until the water comes out clear of soap.
5. HANG DRY
If your curtains are too delicate to go in the washer, chances are you will also want to skip the dryer and hang dry them. Depending on the delicacy of the fabric and how easy it wrinkles, you may want to gently press out any excess water by hand over a tub or sink, or you can lay it out on the floor in between towels and gently roll or press it dry.
TIPS FOR CLEANING CURTAINS
Here are a few additional tips on how to wash curtains:
If you have lined, heavy or blackout curtains, the washing machine is likely not the best approach to cleaning your curtains. Check the care tag to see if dry cleaning, hand washing or spot cleaning is most appropriate.
Consider gently vacuuming, dusting or lint rolling your curtains if the fabric can handle it. If you have allergies, this can be a way to help keep dust at bay.
Depending on the fabric, you may be able to iron your curtains to help keep them looking crisp and hanging straight. Check your care tag to be sure.
Steer clear of bleach and harsh cleaners.
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