Caring for curtains at home: a gentle approach

Keep the care instructions from the start

When your curtains arrive, photograph the label or save the care instructions for the exact fabric. Two cream fabrics may have different fibres, coatings or linings and need different care. A photo cannot tell you whether a fabric is machine washable.

If you cannot find the instructions, send the fabric code and a photo to the supplier before taking the curtains down. A quick check is preferable to finding that the curtains no longer reach the floor after washing.

Use a suitable tool for routine dusting

Use a clean, soft tool and support the fabric or slats as you work, rather than pulling on the fitting. If the care instructions allow vacuuming, use an attachment and suction level suited to the material. A delicate sheer may need a different approach from a heavy curtain.

Care depends on the type of curtain or blind

• Fabric and sheers: soak, use bleach or tumble-dry with heat only if the specific care instructions allow it.
• Roller and zebra blinds: follow surface-cleaning instructions for the particular blind fabric; do not treat them like washable curtains.
• Wooden blinds: avoid excessive moisture and products not approved by the supplier.
• Motorised systems: keep water and cleaning solutions away from electrical parts.

Photograph a stain before treating it

A fresh mark can make you want to scrub straight away. First, take a photo, note what caused it if you know, and find the fabric code. Ask the supplier how to treat it instead of trying several cleaning products on the same spot.

If the same area keeps getting damp or marked by rain, condensation or a leak, address the source of moisture as well. Curtain care is much easier once the window area stays dry.