How to Wash Curtains: A Care Guide by Fabric Type
By the JOTEX Fabrics product team · Updated
Short answer
Always follow the care label first. Most polyester sheers and dimouts can be machine washed cool on a gentle cycle and rehung damp. Coated blackouts, velvets, linens and lined or interlined curtains are safer hand washed, sponged or dry cleaned. Vacuum curtains regularly between washes, and never wring, tumble dry hot or iron the face of velvet.
Before you wash
- Read the care label. It overrides any general advice, including this guide.
- Take the curtains down and remove hooks, pins, weights and any detachable lining.
- Shake and vacuum them first to remove loose dust.
- Measure the drop so you can check for shrinkage afterwards.
- Test the colour by dabbing a damp white cloth on a hidden corner; if colour transfers, dry clean instead.
How to wash each type of curtain fabric
| Fabric | Washing | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| Polyester sheer | Machine wash cool on a gentle cycle, in a laundry bag; short, low spin | Snags; hang straight away to avoid creases |
| Polyester dimout | Machine wash cool and gentle, or as the label says | Overloading the machine; heavy curtains may need a large machine |
| Coated blackout | Hand wash or sponge in cool water, or a very gentle cool cycle if the label allows | Never wring, fold hard or tumble dry; the coating can crack |
| Velvet | Usually dry clean; follow the label | Crushed pile; never iron the face |
| Linen and linen blends | Dry clean, or wash cold and gentle if the label allows | Shrinkage and creasing |
| Cotton and cotton blends | Wash cool as the label says | Shrinkage and colour loss |
| Jacquard | Polyester: gentle and cool; cotton-rich: dry clean | Snagged floats; do not wring |
| Lined or interlined curtains | Dry clean | Layers can shrink at different rates and pucker |
| Outdoor acrylic | Brush off dirt, sponge with mild soap and lukewarm water, rinse, air-dry | Harsh cleaners |
| Medical curtains | Follow the collection's care label and the hospital laundry process | Bleach and temperatures above the label |
Use a mild liquid detergent, no bleach, and no fabric softener on coated or technical fabrics. Wash dark and pale colours separately the first time.
Washing by curtain style
- S-fold. Unclip the curtain from the track carriers; the S-fold tape usually stays sewn on. See S-Fold Curtains.
- French and pinch pleat. Remove every pin hook first. Ask your curtain maker whether the buckram in the heading is washable; if not, dry clean so the pleats keep their shape. See French Pleat Curtains.
- Eyelet. The rings usually stay in. Wash on a gentle cycle in a large laundry bag so the rings do not knock the drum. See Eyelet Curtains.
- Pencil pleat. Remove the hooks and loosen the gathering cords so the curtain lies flat; re-gather after drying.
- Detachable linings. Wash or clean them separately, following their own label. See Curtain Lining.
Drying and ironing
- Rehang curtains while still slightly damp. Their own weight pulls out most creases and helps them settle to the right length.
- Avoid tumble drying unless the label allows it, and then only on low heat.
- Dry dark colours out of direct afternoon sun to prevent fading.
- Iron on the reverse side at a low setting while slightly damp, or use a steamer once the curtains are hanging.
- Never iron the face of velvet or the coated side of a blackout.
- Re-dress pleated curtains after hanging: arrange the folds and tie them loosely for a day or two.
How often should you wash curtains?
| Curtain | Vacuum or shake | Wash or clean |
|---|---|---|
| Sheers | Every month | Every 3 to 6 months |
| Dimout and blackout | Every month | Once or twice a year |
| Velvet, lined and interlined | Every month | Professional cleaning every 1 to 2 years |
| Kitchens, busy roads, dusty areas | Every 2 weeks | More often, as needed |
Regular vacuuming with a soft brush attachment is the single best way to keep curtains clean and make them last. In Malaysia's humidity, dust holds moisture and can lead to mildew, so do not leave curtains unvacuumed for long.
Mildew and stains
- Mildew spots. Act quickly: brush off what you can outdoors, then wash or sponge with mild detergent and dry thoroughly. Improve airflow in the room. Deep or old mildew on natural fibres may not come out; ask a professional cleaner.
- Water marks and spills. Blot at once with a clean, dry cloth. Do not rub.
- Sun fading. Fading cannot be washed out. A lining or a sheer in front of the main curtain protects it on sunny windows.
- Yellowing sheers. Often caused by dust and smoke; regular washing prevents it. Do not use chlorine bleach unless the label allows it.
Common washing mistakes
| Mistake | What happens |
|---|---|
| Hot wash or hot dryer | Shrinkage, especially of cotton and linen; cracked coatings |
| Wringing or a fast spin | Creases that will not drop out; damaged coatings and pile |
| Overloading the machine | Curtains do not rinse clean and crease badly |
| Leaving curtains in the machine | Deep creases and a musty smell |
| Bleach on coloured fabrics | Patchy fading |
| Machine washing lined curtains | Face and lining shrink differently and pucker |
Frequently asked questions
Can I put curtains in the washing machine?
Many polyester sheers and dimouts can go in the machine on a cool, gentle cycle if the care label allows. Coated blackouts, velvets, linens and lined curtains are safer hand washed, sponged or dry cleaned.
What temperature should I wash curtains at?
Follow the care label. If it allows machine washing, a cool wash is the safest choice for most curtain fabrics and reduces the risk of shrinking and fading.
How do I stop curtains shrinking when washed?
Wash cool, avoid the tumble dryer, and rehang the curtains while slightly damp so their weight helps them keep their length. Dry clean natural fibres and lined curtains.
Can blackout curtains be washed?
Yes, carefully. Hand wash or sponge coated blackouts in cool water, or use a very gentle cycle if the label allows. Never wring, fold hard, tumble dry or iron the coated side, as the coating can crack.
How often should curtains be washed?
Sheers every 3 to 6 months and heavier curtains once or twice a year, with monthly vacuuming in between. Curtains near kitchens or busy roads need cleaning more often.
How do I get creases out of curtains after washing?
Rehang them while slightly damp and let their weight pull the creases out. For stubborn creases, steam them while hanging or iron the reverse on a low setting.
Curtain maker, upholsterer or designer?
Specifications are public on every collection page. JOTEX dealers can log in for live stock and pricing. Contact the JOTEX team to request samples or open a dealer account.