Did you know that dirty curtains are one of the biggest air pollutants in your home? Over time, they quietly gather dust, bacteria, and mould spores, which can lead to various health issues. Knowing how to clean your curtains properly will help to keep you and your family safe, as well as extending the lifespan of your window dressings. Here are some top tips for keeping your curtains clean, fresh, and in tip-top condition, regardless of what life might throw at them.

Cleaning dry clean only curtains

Nobody likes seeing curtains that are covered in stains or smell bad. But you need to be careful when maintaining your curtains to avoid damaging them and ensure that they continue looking their best in your home. We recommend that you only dry clean your curtains. This is because the main fabric, interlining, and lining are all likely to shrink at different rates in water. Even on delicate cycles, washing machines can cause curtains to pucker or hang poorly. If you’re keen to do your bit for the planet, try to source an eco-conscious dry cleaner that uses non-toxic solvents, such as GreenEarth® dry cleaning at Johnsons. It’s much better for the planet and for your curtains, too!

Regular at-home curtain maintenance

To keep your curtains fresh between professional cleans, we recommend vacuuming them monthly or using a handheld clothes steamer. Here’s how to safely vacuum your curtains at home:

• Using a soft brush attachment, begin vacuuming at the top of the curtain and work your way down, brushing gently to avoid pulling the fabric.
• Don’t forget to run over the reserve side and linings – the lower edges are like magnets for dust and pet hair!
• Reduce the suction power to avoid drawing any delicate fabrics into the nozzle. Our top tip: Stretch an old stocking over the nozzle and secure it with a rubber band to soften the contact.

Alternatively, you could use a handheld clothes steamer to relax any creases and lift minor odours from your curtains. Traditional irons aren’t recommended as they can leave marks, especially on delicate or patterned fabrics. Here’s how to do it:

• Fill the steamer with clean water and allow it to heat up fully.
• Hang your curtains so that they are fully extended. It’s important to ensure that they aren't bunched or folded at all.
• Hold the steamer a few inches away from the fabric at the top of the curtains. Move the steamer downwards in vertical strokes, allowing the steam to gently ease out the creases. Keep the steamer moving constantly to avoid over-saturating any one area.
• Leave the curtains to air-dry fully before drawing them closed again.

If your curtains need a deeper clean, there are lots of companies out there who will offer specialist in-situ curtain cleaning, such as ServiceMaster and Safeclean. This is a great solution for curtains that are particularly heavy or intricately hung.

How to remove mould from curtains without washing

Mould can be unpleasant to find. But it doesn’t necessarily mean that your beautiful curtains are ruined. Here are some methods you can try:

• Use a vacuum with a HEPA filter or a stiff-bristled brush to lift any mould spores from the surface. Make sure you dispose of any vacuum bags afterwards to avoid spreading the spores.
• If your curtains have stubborn spots of mould, try lightly spritzing a clean cloth with a solution of equal parts white vinegar and water and dab gently. Test it on an inconspicuous area first to ensure that your solution won’t damage the fabric.
• Dry your curtains thoroughly using a dehumidifier, or keep the window open and let the breeze dry them.

Our top tip: Prevent is key to keeping your curtains free from mould. Ensure that every room in your house has good airflow – open your windows regularly and use a dehumidifier to soak up any condensation. You could even place a few sachets of silica gel on your windows to absorb excess moisture.

The best way to clean blackout curtains

Blackout curtains are especially sensitive thanks to their coated linings. Washing them can damage the backing or lead to peeling, which will make them less effective at blocking out light. Here’s how you should clean blackout curtains:

• Vacuum them first, just as you would with regular curtains.
• Spot clean the fabric side with a damp cloth and mild detergent if needed. Try not to get the blackout lining wet, as this can cause it to warp or separate it from the main fabric.
• You could also steam the face fabric if you wish – but make sure you don’t steam the coated lining!
• If your blackout curtains need a deeper clean, take them to a reputable dry cleaner who is familiar with coated fabrics.

Time for a new pair of curtains?

Sometimes, despite our best efforts, curtains reach the end of their lifespan. If they remain stained, discoloured, or musty even after a deep clean, then it might be time to invest in a fresh set. We offer beautiful made-to-measure curtains in a huge range of nature-inspired fabrics that are designed to fit any window size or style. All of our curtains are handmade in the UK by skilled artisans using eco-friendly techniques and can be delivered in as little as eight weeks. We can also add various linings, heading styles, edges, and tie backs to complete the look. Browse our fantastic collection of made-to-measure curtains and get inspired to bring a touch of nature into your home.