How to Wash Curtains at Home

How Often Should You Wash Curtains?

Curtains should be washed every 3–6 months in most homes — more frequently if you have pets, allergies, live in a dusty environment, or have curtains in the kitchen where they absorb cooking odors and grease. Even when curtains look clean, they accumulate significant amounts of dust, pollen, and airborne particles over time.

Step 1: Check the Care Label First

Curtain care varies widely by fabric:

• Polyester and synthetic curtains: Usually machine washable on gentle
• Cotton and linen curtains: Machine washable, but prone to shrinking — use cold water
• Sheer curtains: Machine washable on delicate with cold water, or hand wash
• Velvet, silk, or heavily lined curtains: Dry clean only in most cases
• Blackout curtains: Check label carefully — the blackout lining may not be washable

Step 2: Remove and Shake Out Before Washing

Remove curtains from the rod and take them outside to shake out loose dust before washing. This prevents excess dust from clogging your washing machine filter and reduces the amount of dirt in the wash water.

Step 3: Machine Wash on Gentle

• Wash curtains in a large-capacity machine — cramming causes poor rinsing and uneven washing
• Use cold water to prevent shrinking, especially for cotton and linen
• Select the gentle or delicate cycle
• Use a small amount of mild liquid detergent
• Wash one panel at a time if the machine is small
• For sheer curtains, place in a large mesh laundry bag to prevent snagging and tearing

Step 4: Dry Carefully to Prevent Wrinkles

The best way to dry curtains and minimize wrinkles is to hang them back on the rod while still slightly damp — gravity pulls out wrinkles as they dry. For curtains that need a dryer:

• Tumble dry on low heat only
• Remove while still slightly damp and hang immediately
• Never over-dry — heat causes shrinking and sets wrinkles permanently

How to Freshen Curtains Between Washes

Between full washes, keep curtains fresh with Febreze Fabric Refresher Spray — spray lightly and allow to air dry. This neutralizes odors from cooking, pets, and everyday use without washing. For dust removal between washes, use a vacuum with an upholstery attachment on low suction.

How to Remove Wrinkles from Curtains

• Hang while damp — the most effective method
• Use a handheld steamer held a few inches from the fabric
• Iron on the appropriate setting with a pressing cloth for delicate fabrics

Quick Tips for Curtain Care

• Vacuum curtains monthly with an upholstery attachment to reduce dust buildup between washes
• Open windows regularly to air out curtains naturally
• Measure curtains before washing and compare after drying — if they've shrunk, hang while damp to stretch back to size
• Store off-season curtains in a breathable bag, not plastic

Recommended Products

• XX-Large Mesh Laundry Bag — protect sheer and delicate curtains during machine washing
• Febreze Fabric Refresher Spray — freshen curtains between washes and neutralize odors