How to clean your curtains

Curtain fabrics require specific care instructions related to their composition. It’s wise to understand and follow these as they will protect the fabric and increase the lifetime of your curtains. It’s also important to be aware of the potential for shrinkage depending on the composition as a result of washing.

If those instructions indicate you can machine wash, the safest option is to use a cold wash cycle using a mild detergent. We highly recommend handwashing your curtains to protect delicate fabrics and pleats.

Some curtains may have decorative embellishments that can be damaged by machine washing, even if the fabric itself is machine washable. If in doubt, always opt to handwash.

Before cleaning, vacuum your curtains to remove loose dust and debris and carefully take your curtains down removing all hooks and rings. Ensure you have checked the colourfastness before washing by testing a small area, such as the reverse of the hem.   

Learn more about colourfastness

Due to the amount of fabric you are cleaning, a bathtub can be an ideal location for handwashing. Use a mild detergent and gently wash the fabric without soaking, rubbing, or wringing.

Bleach will generally breakdown the fabric and should not be used at any stage of the process.

Unlined curtains

Unlined curtains are typically low-maintenance and can be easily washed at home. Always consult the care label and if appropriate, gently hand wash in cold water with a mild detergent.

Lined curtains

Lined curtains are more difficult to wash yourself. We recommend visiting a specialist drycleaner to wash lined curtains.

If you do wash your lined curtains yourself, be sure to check if the composition of the face fabric and lining as they are often different materials. When there are different fabrics involved, washing your curtains can cause one side to shrink and making your curtains pucker. Where possible, remove the lining and wash it separately. Always wash in cold water with a mild detergent.

Voile curtains

Voile curtains are often made of lighter fabrics, so they are easier to take down and hand-wash in cold water. Once dry, you can give voile curtains a warm iron.

Thermal Curtains

Handwash thermal curtains in cold water, taking care not to let the thermal coating stick to itself. Don’t rub or wring the curtains as you wash them and never apply heat to the backing, as it will melt.

Learn more about the types of lining fabrics and how to choose the right one for your interior

To dry your curtains, best practice is to hang them by their hooks in the shade on a robust line.

At no point should you put your curtains in the dryer, use pegs or hang them over anything, as you will get marks on the fabric.

Once dry (and if the fabric allows), you iron your curtains on the fabric side on a warm setting or simply hang them back in place. The weight of the curtains will help any creases to naturally come out.

In between cleaning, you can use a vacuum cleaner attachment to keep your curtains free of dust.