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Short answer
Curtains absorb smells from the air: damp and mould give a musty smell, kitchens add cooking oil and spices, and smoke clings to fabric. Most odours lift with airing, vacuuming and washing or steaming to the care label, then drying completely. A musty smell that returns after washing usually means mould, which needs treating or the curtain replacing.
What causes each smell?
| Smell | Cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Musty or damp | Moisture; curtains touching wet glass; closed rooms | Air, wash, dry fully; keep off the glass |
| Cooking oil and spices | Kitchen fumes settling on fabric | Wash or steam; use the cooker hood |
| Smoke or incense | Smoke particles in the fibres | Air outdoors, then wash or dry-clean |
| New-fabric smell | Finishes, coatings or packaging | Air for a few days; usually fades |
| Pet smell | Hair and oils on low hems | Vacuum, wash, keep pets off the hems |
How do you get rid of curtain smells?
- Air: open windows and curtains, or hang them outdoors in the shade on a dry day.
- Vacuum with a soft brush, top to bottom, to lift dust and particles.
- Wash or dry-clean to the care label. See How to Wash Curtains.
- Steam curtains that cannot be washed; heat and moisture release many odours, then air the room. See How to Steam and Iron Curtains.
- Dry completely before rehanging in a closed room, or the musty smell comes back.
Watch out
Avoid heavy fabric sprays and perfumes on curtains. They mask the smell rather than remove it, and some can mark or discolour fabric. Test anything on a hidden area first.
Does a musty smell mean mould?
Often. If a musty smell returns soon after washing, or you can see grey, black or green spots, mould is growing in the fabric or lining. Brush spores off outdoors, wash and dry thoroughly, and fix the cause: condensation, closed rooms or a curtain touching the glass. See Mouldy Curtains and Rainy Season Care.
How do you stop curtains smelling?
- Kitchen curtains: short, washable polyester, or a blind. See Kitchen and Bathroom Curtains.
- Air rooms daily and keep curtains a little away from the glass.
- Vacuum monthly and wash or clean on a regular routine.
- Polyester absorbs less moisture and odour than cotton or linen.
Frequently asked questions
Why do my curtains smell musty?
Usually damp: curtains touching wet glass, closed rooms or curtains rehung before they were dry. A smell that returns after washing often means mould.
How do I get rid of a cooking smell in curtains?
Wash or steam them to the care label and air the room. Use the cooker hood when cooking.
Why do new curtains smell?
Finishes, coatings and packaging can leave a smell. Airing for a few days usually clears it.
Can I spray curtains to remove smells?
Sprays usually mask smells and can mark fabric. Air, vacuum and wash instead, and test any product first.
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.