Curtains play a crucial role in many homes, protecting privacy and increasing light control. They are often difficult to remove, so washing them can feel impractical and cumbersome. Over time, they collect dust, allergens, and odors that can impact the look of a space and the indoor air quality. Some people might hesitate to wash curtains, fearing damage or inconvenience, while others view this as a necessary part of home maintenance.
How often you wash your curtains, if at all, depends on a range of factors, including fabric type, household conditions, and personal preferences. Understanding both the benefits and potential drawbacks of washing curtains will help you make the best decision for your situation.
To determine how often you should wash your curtains, you must first understand the type of curtain fabric you use, the impact of allergens and dust in your home, and the potential effects of washing on different types of curtains.
Why Cleaning Curtains Matters
Curtains do more than just frame windows and provide privacy; they also serve as a filter, trapping dust, pet dander, pollen, and other airborne particles that circulate throughout the house. When filters become clogged, the air quality suffers, which is concerning for anyone with respiratory issues or allergies. Cleaning curtains on a regular basis will help to reduce allergens and create a healthier living environment.
Curtains can also trap moisture, creating a breeding ground for mold and mildew. This can result not only in fabric discoloration, but also in an unpleasant odor and poor air quality.
Dirty curtains impact the overall appearance of the room. Dust and other particles on curtains will make them appear dull or dingy and will cause them to hang poorly. In homes with smokers, pets, or heavy cooking fumes, the curtains absorb odors that linger in the air, leaving your home smelling musty and stale.
Curtains may not require as much care as other upholstered pieces, but they should be maintained on a regular basis, particularly in high-traffic areas or areas with a high output of grease, dirt, or other air particles.
Factors That Influence Washing Curtains
Every curtain situation is unique, and how frequently you wash your curtains will be determined by a variety of factors such as the type of curtain fabric, your living environment, and your personal preferences.
Fabric Type
Care and laundering requirements vary depending on the curtain fabric. If your curtains have a care tag, always follow the instructions listed. Wash any curtains using a delicate setting with cold water.
Delicate Fabrics
- Frequent washing can cause damage to fabrics such as certain velvets, lace, and silk.
- For regular maintenance, delicate fabrics may need to be dry cleaned or spot cleaned; always check the tags first.
- If the delicate fabric is a synthetic blend, it may be possible to hand wash it or machine wash it in a mesh bag.
Heavy Fabrics
- Thick fabrics, such as heavy cotton, linen, velvet, or blackout curtains, can trap more dust and debris than lighter fabrics. Check the labels on these fabrics before you wash them.
- Cotton and linen may shrink when washed, so wash them delicately and in cold water.
- Velvet/poly blends will wash well, but color-check dark or vibrant colored curtains before putting them in the washing machine.
Machine-Washable Fabrics
- Cotton is one of the easiest curtain fabrics to wash. Light and medium-weight cottons wash well in the machine, but heavy cotton curtains may shrink.
- Polyester curtains are machine washable and ideal for homes that require low-maintenance window coverings. This includes sheer curtains made of polyester and nylon.
- Linen blends wash well but may need to be ironed after drying to remove wrinkles.
- Other synthetic blends, such as microfiber and acrylic blends, can be machine washed safely, but always follow the care instructions on the label.
Household Conditions
Your home’s environment plays a significant role in how quickly your curtains accumulate particles in the fabric.
- Homes with pets: Pets produce dander and odors that can cling to curtains. Curtains will need to be laundered more frequently, especially in rooms where pets lounge.
- Homes with Smokers: If smokers occur indoors, the smoke will discolor curtains and produce odors that become embedded in curtains.
- Cooking Odors and Grease: Curtains that are close to stoves will absorb the grease and smell of food.
- Allergies or Respiratory Issues: If anyone in your household has allergies or respiratory problems, you will need to launder the curtains to ensure excellent air quality.
- Humid Home Spaces: Bathroom or basement curtains that are exposed to more moisture are susceptible to mold and mildew.
- Climate and Environment: Homes in urban areas will see a faster buildup of pollution, dust, and grime from outdoor pollution. Coastal area homes may see a faster accumulation of salt on curtains. Frequent washing will be required to keep curtains from deteriorating.
Personal Preferences
Some homeowners will prefer crisp and clean curtains, while others do not mind minor dust buildup.
- For those that want the best air quality and pristine curtains, laundering curtains frequently will be a necessity. It is best in this case to choose curtains that are easy to wash in low-maintenance fabrics such as lightweight cotton, linen blends, polyester, or polyester blends.
- Those who prioritize convenience or delicate or heavy curtain fabrics may opt for alternative cleaning methods such as vacuuming or steaming rather than frequent washing.
How Often to Wash Curtains
Based on these factors, determine how frequently you should wash your curtains.
- 3-6 months: Most curtains benefit from a full wash or deep cleaning at least twice a year to remove dust and other allergens.
- Every 1 to 2 months: Homes with pets or smokers will benefit from a more frequent laundering. This will also benefit curtains in high odor or moisture areas.
- Once a year or as needed: Curtains that are heavy or delicate will need laundering once a year or if you notice their color or quality deteriorating.
Tips for Washing Machine-Washable Curtains
Make sure the curtains you are washing can be machine washed before using these tips to prevent fabric damage.
- Harware: Remove any hooks, rings, or other hardware before washing to prevent damage.
- Detergent Choice: Wash with a mild detergent to avoid harsh chemicals that might break down the fabric.
- Mesh Bag: If the curtains are made with a semi-delicate fabric or sheer, consider using a mesh bag to protect the curtains from snags in the washing machine.
- Wash Cycle: Use a gentle cycle and cold or lukewarm water to prevent shrinking or fading.
- Check Colorfastness: Color-check fabrics in deep or bright colors before washing by testing a small corner of the curtain on the backside using a small amount of detergent and water. Use a white rag to rub in the soap and make sure none of the color transfers.
- Drying: If the fabric is prone to wrinkling, hang curtains to dry rather than using the dryer, or remove from the dryer before fully dry and hang to dry completely.
- Minimize Shrinkage: Some fabrics, such as cotton or linen, will be prone to shrinking, so air or line dry rather than use a dryer.
- Steam or Iron: Some fabrics will need to be steamed or ironed to restore their flat appearance. Use the appropriate steam or iron setting to prevent fabric damage.
Alternatives to Machine Washing Curtains
Not all curtains are machine washable. Thankfully, there are several excellent alternatives that will keep your curtains fresh and clean without putting them in the washing machine.
Vacuuming
Vacuuming is a simple and effective method for cleaning curtains or drapes that are difficult to remove due to their weight or delicate fabric. Use a vacuum with a brush attachment or a hand-held vacuum on a low setting to gently clean the fabric of the curtains without taking them down.
Steam Cleaning
A fabric-safe steam cleaner can help to lift stains, dust, and odors from curtains while refreshing the fabric. The steam will clean dust mites and mold without the need for harsh chemicals. This method works well for heavy fabrics such as velvet or other thick drapes that are difficult to take down. Check care instructions for tolerance to heat. Test the steamer on a back corner before proceeding.
Spot Cleaning
This method works well if the spots or stains are localized to one location. Use a mild and color-safe detergent. Wet a cloth or sponge with water and soap and dab gently.
Dry Cleaning
Some fabrics like silk, wool, taffeta, brocade, some velvets, satin, and certain blends, require dry cleaning to maintain their quality. Dry cleaning will remove deep-set stains, odors, and dust without water. If your curtain’s label says “dry cleaning only,” machine washing them could cause discoloration, shrinkage, or other damage.
Air-Freshening and Odor Removal
If your curtains are not visibly dingy or dirty but have picked up some unpleasant odors, freshening them is a quick process. Hang curtains outside in the sun and fresh air for a few hours to get rid of stale odors. To neutralize stubborn odors, mist water-safe fabrics lightly with a fabric spray containing water and a few drops of essential oils. You can also lay them flat and sprinkle them with baking soda and leave it to absorb odors. Shake them out before rehanging them.
