Mist slate patterned wave curtains on patio doors in dining room

How to clean curtains

Product Manager

Written: 06/01/2021

Updated: 16/03/2023

7 steps for cleaning curtains

There’s no set time on how often you should clean your gorgeous curtains. Many lined curtains are not suitable for washing but follow the ideas here to keep your curtains looking great for longer and the best ways of cleaning them.

Start by cleaning the surrounding areas regularly

The bottom edges of your curtains are the first to show the dirt as they rest on the windowsill or floor, which collect dust.

By regularly dusting and vacuum cleaning your sills and floor coverings, you’ll help keep your curtains and curtain linings free from dust and dirt.

Next, vacuum clean your curtains

Dust will accumulate over time, but there is an easy solution. All lined curtains can be cleaned by using your vacuum cleaner.

1. Use the small brush attachment that is designed for furniture and upholstery.
2. Start by closing your curtains fully, then gently brush the attachment over the front of the curtains.
3. You’ll get the best results by moving from the top to the bottom, paying special attention to the edges. Repeat the same process on the linings or reverse side of your curtains.

Can you use a steamer on curtains?

Steaming is one of the best ways to get wrinkles out of curtains, handheld fabric steamers can be purchased on the high street or online.

1. First, close your curtains and clean with your vacuum cleaner.
2. Wait until your steamer has reached the correct heat and move it over your curtains.
3. Start at the top and work in large sweeping movements to the bottom of the curtains.
4. While your curtain is still slightly damp, you can finish off the look by smoothing out any creases and creating neat folds in line with how the curtain hangs.

Can you wash curtains?

There are different options for washing your curtains.

1. 1. Some fabrics such as like velvet, brocade, wool, or silk, are not suitable for a wet machine wash as the fabric is likely to shrink.
  2. Find out if your Hillarys curtains are suitable for washing or dry cleaning by checking the fabric sample on the website. This will tell you whether your curtains are vacuum clean only or if they can be dry cleaned or washed.
  3. Dry cleaning can be costly, but you’ll know that your curtains won’t run the risk of shrinking.
  4. If your curtains are not suitable for dry cleaning, follow the instructions above for cleaning with your vacuum cleaner and finish off with steam.

If your curtains are suitable for washing, follow the instructions below.

How to remove mould from curtains

If your room suffers from condensation on the windows, this could result in the build-up of mould on your curtain lining. Mould is very difficult to remove effectively without discolouring fabric, so take preventative measures to keep mould at bay.

1. 1. 1. Keep your room warm and well ventilated at all times.
    2. Simple measures such as opening a window can help reduce the spread of mould.
    3. For rooms particularly prone to dampness, invest in a dehumidifier.
    4. Replace single-glazed windows with double glazing to reduce draughts and retain heat.
      
      Save

How to remove stubborn stains from curtains

If you’ve tried vacuuming and you still have a dirty mark on your curtains, what else can you do?

1. 1. 1. 1. Rub the affected area gently with a clean cloth soaked in warm water.
      2. Avoid the use of detergents or stain removers as this may affect the colour of your fabric.

We hope you have found this guide to cleaning your curtains helpful. See our other ‘How to… cleaning guides’ for more top tips.

Find out the easiest and fastest way to clean your curtains

With the right care and maintenance you can keep your curtains looking as good as the day they were fitted. All our curtains are dry clean only, but there are other ways to keep your curtains looking great for longer. We’ve got some simple methods for regular cleaning plus expert advice on effective stain removal.

This handy guide for all our curtain types, including blackout, covers how to:

- Clean your curtains regularly with a vacuum to avoid dust build up

- Use a hand-held steam to neaten creases and wrinkles

- Keep your room well ventilated to avoid mould build up

- Remove stubborn stains with a damp cloth

Watch our step-by-step guide

Our video guide has plenty of advice on the cleaning process, from choosing the right cleaning methods to using the right technique. Take a look to learn more.

Our handy guide covers how to:

Clean your curtains regularly with a vacuum to avoid dust build up

Use a hand-held steam to neaten creases and wrinkles

Keep your room well ventilated to avoid mould build up

Remove stubborn stains with a damp cloth

1. Start by cleaning the surrounding areas regularly

The bottom edges of your curtains are the first to show the dirt as they rest on the windowsill or floor, which collect dust.

By regularly dusting and vacuum cleaning your sills and floor coverings, you’ll help keep your curtains and curtain linings free from dust and dirt.

1. Clean with a vacuum

The easiest way to clean your curtains is to vacuum them using the soft brush attachment of your vacuum cleaner that is designed for furniture and upholstery. Doing this regularly will help keep them free from dust or pet hair that might accumulate over time.

Start by closing your curtains fully, then gently brush the attachment over the front of the curtains.

You’ll get the best results by moving from the top to the bottom, paying special attention to the edges. Repeat on the linings or reverse side of your curtains.

Don’t forget the bottom edges of your curtains where they meet the windowsill or floor, which collect dust.

2. Steam clean your curtains

If your curtains get creased or wrinkled, the best way to neaten them up is to lightly steam them using a hand-held steam cleaner. Here's how:

Wait until your steamer has reached the correct heat and move it over your curtains.

Start at the top and work in large sweeping movements to the bottom of the curtains. For velvet curtains, only steam from the lining side.

Avoid getting water or steam on the face of the fabric as this may cause permanent damage.

While your curtain is still slightly damp, you can finish off the look by smoothing out any creases and creating neat folds in line with how the curtain hangs.

Dark grey velvet roman blind under floral print curtains in a bright living room with blue and rose pink accents

3. Keep mould at bay

Keep your room warm and well ventilated at all times.

Simple measures such as opening a window can help reduce the spread of mould.

For rooms particularly prone to dampness, invest in a dehumidifier.

Replace single-glazed windows with double glazing to reduce draughts and retain heat.

5. Remove stubborn stains

If you’ve tried vacuuming and you still have a dirty mark on your curtains, what else can you do?

Rub the affected area gently with a clean cloth soaked in warm water.

Avoid the use of detergents or stain removers as this may affect the colour of your fabric.

4. Dry cleaning

If your curtains require a deeper clean, please note that all our curtain fabrics are dry clean only. This means we do not recommend machine washing your curtains, even on a cool wash or delicate cycle. Using warm water and mild laundry detergent to hand wash your curtains is also not recommend for any Hillarys curtain fabric.

It’s easy to know what fabrics and linings require professional dry cleaning. Look for the P sensitive symbol sewn into the care label. It’s good practice to check with your local dry cleaning company before taking your curtains down, and remember there may be up to 3% shrinkage of the fabric during your products first dry clean.