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Short answer
To store curtains, clean them and let them dry completely, then fold them loosely or roll them, and keep them in a breathable cotton bag in a cool, dry, dark place, not in plastic. Roll velvet with the pile facing out and avoid sharp folds in coated blackouts. In Malaysia's humidity, add moisture absorbers and check stored fabric every few months.
How do you prepare curtains for storage?
- Clean first: dust, food and skin oils attract mould and insects. See How to Wash Curtains.
- Dry completely, for a day or more after they feel dry. Damp curtains in storage grow mould.
- Remove hooks and metal parts, which can rust and mark the fabric.
- Label each set with the room, window and size.
Watch out
Never store curtains in sealed plastic bags or boxes. They trap moisture, and in Malaysia's humidity, that means mould.
Should you fold or roll curtains?
| Curtain | How to store |
|---|---|
| Sheers and dimouts | Fold loosely along the pleats, or roll |
| Velvet | Roll with the pile facing out, or hang; never press flat |
| Coated blackout | Roll or fold loosely; avoid sharp creases in the coating |
| Lined curtains | Fold loosely with the lining inside |
| Pleated curtains | Fold along the pleats, as when stacked open |
Refold along different lines every few months so creases do not set. See How to Steam and Iron Curtains to remove creases after storage.
Where should curtains be stored?
- Cool, dry and dark: a wardrobe or cupboard inside the home, not a store room against an outside wall.
- Breathable bags: cotton bags or old cotton sheets.
- Moisture absorbers or a dehumidifier in the cupboard.
- Off the floor, away from water pipes and air-conditioner drains.
- Check every few months, and air the fabric on a dry day.
See Rainy Season Care.
How do you store spare fabric?
- Roll it on a tube rather than folding, to avoid permanent creases.
- Keep the label with the collection, colour and dye batch, so a repair or a matching cushion can be ordered later.
- Out of the light: fold lines and exposed edges fade.
- Keep a small piece of each fabric used in the home for future colour matching.
See Buying Curtain Fabric Online for why dye batches matter.
Frequently asked questions
How should I store curtains?
Clean and fully dry, folded loosely or rolled, in a breathable cotton bag in a cool, dry, dark cupboard.
Can I store curtains in plastic bags?
No. Plastic traps moisture, and in Malaysia's humidity that means mould.
How do I store velvet curtains?
Roll them with the pile facing out, or hang them. Never press velvet flat under weight.
How do I stop stored curtains going mouldy?
Make sure they are completely dry, use breathable bags and moisture absorbers, and check them every few months.
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.