We get it. Life happens. Wine spills, kids climb, pets shed, and sometimes your beautiful fabric ends up wearing the week instead of the other way around.
But with a little care, and the right kind of caution, you can keep your curtains looking fresh for years to come.
Here’s a practical guide to cleaning and caring for your curtains.
We start with the golden rule: read the label!
Spot cleaning: less is more
The golden rule? Act fast. The sooner you treat a spill or stain on fabric, the better.
But before you go scrubbing, test any cleaning solution on a hidden section of the fabric, especially for velvets and delicate textures. Scrape or blot (don’t rub!) the mess.
For non-oil-based stains, use warm water and a gentle soap that doesn’t contain optical brighteners. Mix a small amount into warm water and dab it onto the stain gently. Blot dry with a clean towel.
For oil-based stains: apply a solvent-based cleaner, following the same steps above. And if in doubt? Clean the whole panel, not just a small spot, so you avoid patchy results.
Handle fancy fabrics with care
Velvet curtain care is its own special category. Feast your eyes on Beverly Hills by Catherine Martin for Mokum, pictured above, as you learn that these plush fabrics are durable, but they don’t love rough handling.
Avoid curtain hardware or stiff brushes rubbing against the fabric; use draw cords to open and close curtains without pulling, and always dry clean velvet curtains. Never throw them in the wash!
If you’re considering stain protection sprays for velvet, be extra cautious. Some high-pile or jacquard weaves can react by changing texture or finish.
When to get help with curtain cleaning
Professional cleaning helps restore the look and feel of your fabrics, and gives you a fresh start.
If your fabrics are dull, dusty or patchy, it’s time to get those curtains cleaned.
Some fabrics come pre-treated with stain resistance, like Mackenzie by Warwick, pictured above. Others can have stain resistance applied. Check the care label to find out!
A fabric protector won’t stop stains altogether, but it will make vacuuming and spot cleaning easier between professional cleans, and extend the life of your furnishings.
Caring for textured fabrics
Texture plays a starring role in the lived-in beauty of a relaxed, tactile fabric. The wool and linen Pirro by Warwick, pictured above, is a stunning example.
With some fabrics, you might notice some pilling over time. This occurs when loose fibres gather into tiny balls through natural friction, especially on soft, slubby weaves. It’s a common and easily managed characteristic.
Don’t worry, it happens, and can be part of how textured fabrics evolve with use. A quick once-over with a battery-operated depilling tool (found at most supermarkets) will keep the surface smooth and fresh if you prefer it that way.
Caring for curtains and upholstery doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right approach, and a light touch, you can keep your soft furnishings looking beautiful and lasting longer.
And when in doubt, call us. We’re always happy to offer care advice or connect you with a trusted professional cleaner.
