Over time, window treatments get dusty, dull, and dreary, just like everything else in the home. There are different ways to go about cleaning window treatments, depending on the fabric. Some may need to be dry cleaned, while others can be hand-washed or machine-washed. And, of course, spotting cleaning throughout the year will definitely help the longevity of your window treatments.

Step #1: Remove with Care

You can always call the company that installed your window coverings for help with removal. You can also recognize how the treatments are hung and carefully remove them from the rings or rods if drapery pins are used.

If your window treatments have grommets, you will need to take the rod from the bracket and slide the window treatment off. If clip rings are used, simply unclip them. Cornice boards can simply be brushed off with a chamois dipped in hot water.

Step #2: Clean Correctly

Follow these fabric-specific steps to keep your window treatments looking their best:

• Linen: Never wash or dry-clean.
• Cotton: Machine wash. Depending on the liner’s material, it might also be machine washable.
• Silk: It is too delicate for anything other than gentle hand washing with mild soap.
• Sheer: Soak in cold water before hand washing.
• Synthetic: Can be hand washed or machine washed. Never dry-clean.
• Wool/Cashmere: Always dry-cleaned.
• Velvet/Velvet Blended: Use a brush to remove dust. Gently wipe the fabric with a chamois cloth that has been soaked in hot water and the excess water has been wrung out.

Our pro tip for regular maintenance? Use a vacuum cleaner on both sides of curtains and drapes regularly to keep them looking their best.

Step #3: Dry Strategically

There are a few different approaches to drying and pressing cleaned window treatments. If possible, the best thing you can do for your window treatments is to hang them outside to air dry. This not only gets rid of excess water from the washing machine, it also prevents wrinkles and creases.

Another option is to lay them down on towels to dry inside. You may want to place plastic garbage bags under the towels if you have hardwood or laminate floors. If you’re in a hurry, you can then iron the window treatments using the appropriate fabric setting on your iron before hanging them back up.

If ironing window treatments seems daunting, you can also always try steaming them. Steaming window treatments is arguably the easiest way to remove wrinkles and creases that creep up over time, and it’s a safe alternative for all fabric types with the appropriate setting.

Step #4: Re-Hang Attentively

Make sure you allow your window treatments to completely dry before rehanging. Once hung, if you find that wrinkles have formed during the process, use a steamer to remove them.

Step #5: Inquire Confidently

Cleaning your window treatments yourself can feel like a big undertaking at times. Between taking them down properly, cleaning them, and then reinstalling them correctly, it can certainly seem overwhelming.

There’s nothing wrong with deciding it’s time to get some professional help! When it comes to things like hanging your curtains, it can be best left to the experts. That way, you can rest easy and relax knowing that your drapes will be removed, cleaned, and rehung correctly.

Drapery cleaning is an investment in the life and health of your home. Regular cleaning can help keep the dirt, dust, and debris at bay. It can also extend the life of your drapes. Drapery is a large investment for the home and regular cleaning not only protects your investment, but it also revives the appearance and removes any bacteria and various allergens that can affect your health.

Aside from creating custom-made draperies, we’re happy to help with cleaning and maintenance. If you need a professional eye on your windows in the New Year, be sure to reach out to us now — we fill up fast! Reach us by email: [email protected] or phone: (270) 781-7379.

See you soon,
Gina