Read the care label first
For sheers and drapes the washing instructions are always on the fabric label. Two curtains that look identical can behave very differently – one is fine in the machine, the other is dry clean only. If the label has been cut off or has faded, choose the gentlest method. Everything below is general guidance; where it disagrees with the label, follow the label.
Sheer curtains
Because they filter the light, sheer curtains trap more household dust, cooking smells and smoke than any other curtain.
- Collect the gliders or hooks in a bowl as you take the sheer down, so nothing gets lost.
- Shake it out or air it on the balcony first, so loose dust does not end up in the drum.
- Wash on a cool, delicate programme, or whatever the label says. A laundry bag stops the voile from snagging.
- Use a very low spin, or none at all.
- Rehang while still slightly damp – the weight of the fabric pulls out the creases and you rarely need an iron.
For greyed or yellowed sheers, use a whitener the label permits rather than bleach, which weakens fine fibres.
Curtains and drapes
Curtains and drapes are heavier and often lined. Face fabric and lining can shrink by different amounts, so the label matters even more here.
- If machine washing is allowed, use a cool, gentle cycle and do not overload the drum.
- Velvet, silk blends, embroidered fabrics and blackout-lined drapes are usually dry clean only – take them to a dry cleaner.
- Between washes, run the vacuum brush attachment from top to bottom; it means you can wash far less often.
Sash curtains (briz)
Sash curtains sit on slim rods fixed to the window or door sash, which makes them easy to wash:
- Lift the rods out of their holders on the sash.
- Slide the gathered fabric off the rods.
- Wash the fabric according to its label – usually a cool, delicate cycle.
- Thread it back onto the rods while still slightly damp and refit them; the gathers settle by themselves.
Roller, zebra and blackout blinds
These are never machine washed or soaked. Their coating keeps them flat; once soaked the fabric can ripple. Zebra blinds have two layers, so they need a little extra care.
- Dust with a soft brush attachment on low suction.
- Do not rub marks – dab them with a white cloth that is barely damp.
- Never roll the blind up until it is completely dry, or it may keep a crease.
The fabric of pleated blinds is treated the same way. For silhouette shades, clean the fine sheer layers with the brush attachment only, without pressing.
Venetian and vertical blinds
Aluminium and wooden venetians and vertical blind louvres need a different approach from fabric curtains. Our step-by-step guide on how to clean blinds covers each material.
Motorised curtains and blinds
The fabric on motorised curtains and blinds is cleaned just like its manual equivalent; the difference is the motor and wiring.
- Stop the blind before you start and, if you can, turn off the power at the plug or fuse box.
- Keep water, sprays and wet cloths well away from the motor housing, cables and remote.
- If a motorised curtain needs to come off its track, do not force the carriers. If you are unsure, ask us first.
Homes left empty for months
Before closing up a holiday flat, leave sheers and drapes clean and fully dry – dirty fabric in a closed, humid flat marks faster. Lower roller blinds on sunny windows so fabrics and furniture fade less. When you return, air the rooms first; a musty smell often goes with shaking and airing before any wash is needed.
If you would rather not do it yourself
Taking heavy lined drapes down from a high ceiling, getting them cleaned properly and rehanging them is real work. If you prefer to hand it over, see our curtain cleaning service – send us a photo on WhatsApp and we agree the price and timing with you.
How often, and what to avoid
For most homes, washing sheers a few times a year and drapes less often is enough; rooms near the kitchen need it more frequently. Avoid bleach, acetone and abrasive cleaners, drying fabric in direct sun or in a tumble dryer, and raising a blind while its mechanism is still wet. If a mechanism feels stiff while you are cleaning, do not force it – send us a photo via our contact page and we will take a look with you.