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Short answer
Vacuum hanging curtains monthly with an upholstery brush on low suction, working from top to bottom. Steam them while hanging to relax creases and freshen the fabric, and blot small marks with a damp cloth and a little mild detergent, after testing a hidden spot. This keeps curtains fresher between washes but does not replace one.
How do you vacuum hanging curtains?
- Draw the curtains closed so the whole face is flat and reachable.
- Use the upholstery brush on low suction, and work from the top down in overlapping strips.
- Do the heading and the pleats, where dust settles, then the back.
- Hold the hem with one hand so the fabric does not get sucked in.
- For fine sheers, use the lowest setting, or stretch a piece of nylon stocking over the nozzle.
- Dust the top of the track, pole or curtain box too.
Can you steam curtains while they hang?
Yes. A handheld steamer relaxes creases and freshens the fabric. Test on a hidden corner, work from the top down, and keep the steamer moving so the fabric does not get wet.
- Sheers and polyester curtains: steam freely, from a short distance.
- Velvet: steam from a distance without touching the pile, and brush it gently in the pile direction afterwards.
- Coated blackouts: steam only the face fabric, lightly, never the coated side.
- Linen and cotton: steam relaxes creases but they will crease again; that is part of their look.
How do you spot-clean a hanging curtain?
- Test on a hidden spot, such as the inside of a side hem.
- Blot fresh spills with a clean, dry cloth. Do not rub.
- Dab with a cloth dampened in water and a drop of mild detergent, working from the outside of the mark inwards.
- Blot with a cloth dampened in clean water to remove the detergent, then let it air-dry with the window open or a fan on.
Watch out
Do not soak a hanging curtain or use a carpet cleaner on it. Too much water can leave tide marks, shrink the fabric and damage blackout coatings.
For specific stains, see Sofa Stain Removal; the same rules apply to curtains.
How do you freshen curtains that smell?
Open the windows and run a fan to air the room, steam the curtains lightly, and find the cause: cooking fumes, smoke, damp or mould. If the smell returns quickly, the curtains need a full wash or professional cleaning. See Why Do Curtains Smell?.
When do curtains need a proper wash?
- When they look dull or grey even after vacuuming.
- When a smell comes back after airing.
- On a routine: sheers every three to six months, heavier curtains once or twice a year.
- For velvet, lined, interlined or large curtains, use a professional curtain cleaner.
See How to Wash Curtains and Fabric Care Calendar.
Frequently asked questions
How often should you vacuum curtains?
About once a month, more often near kitchens, busy roads or open windows.
Can you steam clean curtains without taking them down?
Yes. Steaming while hanging relaxes creases and freshens the fabric. Keep the steamer moving and never steam the coated side of a blackout.
Can I use a carpet cleaner on curtains?
No. It puts too much water into the fabric, which can leave marks, cause shrinkage and damage coatings.
How do you clean blackout curtains without taking them down?
Vacuum them gently and spot-clean marks with a barely damp cloth. Never soak, iron or steam the coated side.
Curtain maker, upholsterer or designer?
Specifications are public on every collection page. JOTEX dealers can log in for live stock and pricing, and our team can send samples or open a dealer account.