DIY Ways to Clean Your Drapes, Curtains, and Window Panels

No doubts, curtains and drapes help to transform the outlook  of your home. But when not cared for appropriately, they quickly become an eyesore. Dust, dirt, and even pet hairs often settle on curtains, furniture, and other items in your home. And when these particles accumulate over time, they can cause health issues, especially for those with allergies.

While professional dry cleaning is the safest way to get your drape and curtains back in top shape, you can also DIY if you have the time, and depending on the fabric type. It is equally important to have ideas on the best types of curtains to buy for your home. 

In this short guide, you'll learn the different methods you can use to clean your drapes, curtains, and window panels.

Here's a list of what what you’ll need:

Materials

• Mild Detergent for machine or hand-washing
• Clean Water

Tools/ Equipment

• Large sink, tub, or basin
• Washing machine
• Pressing cloth
• Iron
• Vacuum with a dust brush attachment

How to Clean Cotton Curtains

1. Pre-treat stains by spot cleaning them before washing the curtains.
2. Fill a large basin or sink with cold water, add mild laundry detergent, and mix gently to create suds.
3. Immerse the curtain or drape it in soapy water and give it a gentle but thorough wash. If you’re using a washing machine, ensure to give enough room for the curtains to prevent them from getting crushed.
4. Dry the curtain on low heat in a machine dryer or air dry them in an open space.
5. Using the cotton setting, iron the wrong side of the curtain when it is still slightly damp to get rid of wrinkles.

How to Clean Silk Curtains

For silk curtains and drapes that are washable by hand, use lukewarm water and mild detergent.

1. Fill a large basin or tub with cool to lukewarm water, add a fair amount of mild laundry detergent, and wash gently with your hands. Gently squeeze the curtain back and forth to remove all stains and dirt.
2. Rinse the washed curtain in lukewarm water, swishing the silk around to release the soap. Do this until all the soap is released.
3. Squeeze gently to get rid of excess water. Then place the silk on a thick bath towel, roll the towel gently, and squeeze out any remaining water.
4. Air-dry the silk curtain indoors. Keep the fabric away from heat and direct sunlight.
5. Using the silk setting, iron the wrong side of the fabric when it is still slightly damp to straighten it. Ensure to place a pressing cloth over the silk when ironing to protect it from scorching.

How to Clean Synthetic Curtains

We recommend that synthetic fabrics like nylon and polyester should be cleaned by professional service because they can easily be degraded by conventional laundry detergents. Blackout curtains made from synthetic fabric, however, are easy to maintain.

1. Separate light-colored synthetic curtains from dark ones and wash them separately.
2. Use cold water, a delicate cycle, and mild detergent.
3. Machine-dry your synthetic curtains on low to medium heat.     

How Often Should You Clean Your Curtains?

Realistically, curtains and drapes can be washed by hand, machine, or professional service once every three to six months. However, for people with allergies, it can be done more frequently to alleviate symptoms.

How Do You Maintain Curtains?

Keep your curtains in top shape always with these easy steps.

• Weekly – Every week, give your curtain a good shake to dislodge dust and other debris that may have settled on it. This will help to reduce dust accumulation on the curtain before the next washing
• Monthly – Use the dust brush attachment rather than the upholstery attachment on the vacuum to clean your curtains from top to bottom. You may cover the end with nylon if the fabric is delicate. If you’re unable to vacuum your curtain, you can also run it through a dryer on the "fluff or no heat" setting for 5 minutes.

How Do You Clean Panel Curtains?

The best way to clean your panel curtain is to wash it on a gentle cycle, in a cool to lukewarm water with mild laundry detergent. You can wash them by hand, via a washing machine, or take them to a professional dry cleaner.

What Is the Most Common Window Treatment?

Roller blinds and roman shades are arguably the two most common window treatments in 2022. Both are versatile, easy to use, affordable, provide privacy, and most importantly, stylish and attractive. They’re good for covering different window sizes and they come in a variety of colors and designs, so you can find the perfect one for your window.

How Do You Clean Window Panels?

There's nothing more pleasing that a sparkling clean window panel. Here's how to clean your window panels

For curtains and the type of fabric, refer to any of the methods mentioned earlier in this article.

For roller blinds

• Use a microfiber duster or vacuum with a dust brush attachment to remove dust from the slats.
• Make a soapy solution with warm water and mild dishwashing detergent.
• Clean the slat surface with the soapy solution using a soft cloth or sponge.
• Allow to air dry.

There you go! Cleaning your drapes regularly keeps domestic health issues away, helps your unit last longer, and makes your home appear bright and beautiful at all times. While we recommend professional cleaning for your units, these DIY methods are also very effective.

And if you are looking to replace your units, shop any of our stain-resistant, top-quality window panels today.