Skip to main content

How to wash and dry your curtains to keep allergies at bay

Your curtains and draperies play a significant role in your home, protecting you from harsh sunlight and adding sophistication to your space. Unfortunately, your curtains also collect dandruff, dust, dirt, and other allergens that can cause mild to severe health issues for any inhabitants.

To keep your space clean, stick with us as we guide you through the best practices for cleaning curtains so you can keep your home dust and allergen-free.

How often should you clean your curtains?

Depending on your curtain’s material, you may have to clean them more often. Pet hair, dust, dirt, and other small particles can easily collect on your curtains. However, a quick swipe of a lint roller once a week and a light dusting during your household cleaning routine can keep your curtains in check.

Sometimes these drapes need a little more TLC. Every three to six months, it’s time for a deep clean.

woman opening sheer curtains
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Best practices for making your curtains last longer

First, it’s essential to check the labels and read over the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning the curtains. Depending on the brand and material, you may need to wash them by hand, throw them in the machine, or send them to the dry cleaners.

Regardless of what the instructions say, checking for colorfastness can prevent the color from bleeding during the cleaning. Simply fill a small glass with warm water and a few drops of mild detergent. Find a hidden corner on your draperies and dip it into the glass. If the color bleeds, you will have to take the curtains to a professional cleaner.

You may also need to take a trip to the cleaners if you have delicate or expensive trimmings. Try to avoid regular dry cleaners as they may not have the right experience to clean them properly.

Last, to keep your curtains up to par, dust often. Vacuum or dust the rods and shake the fabric to release any hidden dirt in the folds.

Materials and tools

  • Washing machine and dryer (optional when following curtain care instructions)
  • Large sink, tub, or basin
  • Mild dish detergent (for hand washing)
  • Mild laundry detergent (for machine washing)
  • Iron and ironing materials
person vacuuming curtains with brush attachment
Irine and Andrew/Shutterstock

How to clean cotton curtains

Cotton curtains are low maintenance, so the cleaning process is quick and simple.

Treat stains

Cotton fabrics are easily stained, so check your curtains often and treat them with a fabric stain remover as quickly as you can.

Wash on a gentle cycle

Wash your curtains one at a time to allow them ample space in the machine. Use a gentle or delicate setting with cold water and a mild laundry detergent.

Dry on a low-heat setting

Once washed, place your cotton curtains into a machine dryer on a low heat setting. Allow the draperies to dry until they are just damp but not wet. If they dry completely in the machine, you’ll be left with tons of wrinkles in your curtains.

Iron while damp

While your cotton curtains are still damp, grab the iron. To prevent searing, use a pressing cloth and iron on the backside. As soon as you’re finished, hang up the curtains to air-dry.

How to clean sheer curtains

Sheer and lace fabrics need more attention than other materials, so these curtains will need more frequent cleaning to stave off any discoloration and tearing.

Let the fabric soak in cold water

Fill your tub or basin with cold water and place your sheer curtains inside so that they are entirely covered. Add a small amount of mild laundry detergent and soak the fabric for five to ten minutes.

Wash on a gentle cycle

If the instruction label permits it, wash your sheer curtains on a gentle cycle with mild laundry detergent. Otherwise, hand wash the fabric with mild dish detergent.

Dry and hang

Once washed, place your sheer curtains in a machine dryer and set it to a no-heat air-dry setting. Place some cloth towels in the dryer alongside the sheer curtains to prevent them from balling up and losing their shape.

While they are still damp, hang your curtains up on the rod, reshape them, and allow them to air-dry.

large living room with tall curtains
New Africa/Shutterstock

How to clean silk curtains

Silk is a delicate fabric to work with, so it’s best to hand wash this material.

Hand wash

Fill a basin or tub with lukewarm water and mix in some mild dish detergent. Place the silk curtains in the soapy water and work the fabric so that the detergent saturates the material. After washing, rinse the curtains in lukewarm water until there are no more suds.

Place the fabric on a dry towel and roll the curtain up in the towel to remove excess water.

Let them air dry

Hang your curtains indoors to air dry. Avoid placing the silk curtains near a heat source or vent, as doing so can damage the fabric.

Iron while damp

If necessary, iron your silk while it is still damp. Set your iron to a silk-specific or low setting, and gentlly iron the curtains from the backside. Use a pressing cloth to protect the fabric and prevent water stains.

How to clean room-darkening and synthetic drapes or curtains

Most synthetic drapes can withstand a cycle in a standard washer or dryer. If the instruction label states otherwise, opt for hand washing or take the curtains to a professional cleaner.

Wash in cold water

If you have curtains of multiple colors, separate them into piles of lights and darks to avoid color bleeding. Set your washing machine to a cold, gentle cycle, and add a mild laundry detergent. Avoid using any bleach, as this could ruin the fabric.

Set the dryer to tumble

Dry the synthetic or blackout curtains on a low to medium heat setting and let the fabrics tumble dry. As soon as they’re dry, hang them on the rods to prevent wrinkles.

Caring for your curtains is not difficult, but it is important to follow the label instructions and prevent damage. Clean curtains keep your home fresh and dust-free so you can enjoy your relaxation time without allergen-induced coughing and sneezing.

Editors' Recommendations

Amelia Wilson
Amelia Wilson (author pen name Amelia J. Wilson) is a content writer in Greenwood, IN. She often enjoys topics on…
Eucalyptus in the shower? Here’s how to grow this fragrant plant for your spa-themed bathroom
Hanging eucalyptus in your shower has a ton of benefits. Here's how to plant it for months of use
Eucalyptus plant in shower

Are you looking to create a spa-like experience in your luxurious bathroom? Eucalyptus in your shower can create a relaxing ambiance and add a refreshing and invigorating aroma to your daily routine. If you're curious about the benefits of having eucalyptus in the shower, how to grow eucalyptus indoors, and the proper techniques for harvesting and using it in your shower, you've come to the right place. We'll walk you through how to grow this fantastic plant indoors and why you need it in your shower today.
Benefits of having eucalyptus in the shower
Eucalyptus is a fantastic choice for your next shower plant. Its aromatic leaves are not only known for their pleasant fragrance, but this plant also sits at the top of many lists of medicinal herbs due to its numerous health benefits. Here are just a few benefits of having eucalyptus in the shower.
Spa-like fragrance
Imagine stepping into your shower and having a soothing and refreshing scent reminiscent of a luxurious spa greet you. Eucalyptus emits a delightful fragrance when exposed to steam and warm water, turning your daily shower into a revitalizing experience. The aromatic oils released by eucalyptus can invigorate your senses and awaken your mind for the day ahead.
Reduces stress
In today's fast-paced world, finding moments of tranquility and relaxation is essential. Eucalyptus has been used for centuries to reduce anxiety, as its fragrance has calming properties. When the steam from your shower activates the eucalyptus leaves, it releases essential oils that can help reduce stress and promote a sense of well-being. Breathing in the fragrant vapor creates a serene atmosphere, allowing you to unwind and melt away the tensions of the day.
Soothes respiratory issues
If you're battling respiratory issues like congestion or allergies, eucalyptus can offer relief. The aromatic compounds in eucalyptus leaves are actually known to have natural decongestant properties. When infused with steam, the eucalyptus vapor can help clear your nasal passages and soothe irritated airways. Breathing in this therapeutic mist can provide a comforting sensation, making your shower a sanctuary for respiratory wellness.

How to grow eucalyptus indoors
If you're sold on the benefits of having eucalyptus in the shower, you're probably wondering how to get your hands on some of this amazing plant. Instead of searching for pricey sprigs of eucalyptus online or in stores, try your hand at growing it on your own as a beneficial indoor plant. Here's how to grow and nurture eucalyptus plants.
Step 1: Choose the right eucalyptus variety
Before embarking on your eucalyptus-growing journey, it's essential to select the right eucalyptus variety to thrive indoors. Some eucalyptus species are better suited for indoor cultivation due to their compact size and adaptability to container gardening. Consider varieties like Eucalyptus gunnii or Eucalyptus globulus, which are commonly grown indoors for their aromatic leaves and manageable growth habits.
Step 2: Create the ideal growing conditions
This aromatic plant thrives in bright, indirect sunlight, so find a well-lit spot near a window where your eucalyptus can receive at least 6 hours of sunlight daily. Ensure the room temperature remains between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit, as the plant prefers moderate warmth. Adequate humidity is also crucial for its growth, so consider using a humidifier or placing a tray of water near the plant to increase moisture levels. Of course, growing it as a bathroom plant ensures wonderful levels of humidity that your eucalyptus will love.
Step 3: Plant and care for eucalyptus properly
When planting and caring for eucalyptus, make sure to use the following techniques to guarantee excellent growth and a healthy plant:

Read more
Say goodbye to dirt and odor: Learn how to wash pillows like a pro
Most people's pillows aren't even close to clean. Here's how to wash pillows and ensure they're fresh
Woman hugs pillows

Even if you succeed in choosing the right pillows for your maximum comfort and rest, you may not have considered the cleaning steps you'll need to take later to maintain their wonderful fluff and freshness. It may be the last thing anyone wants to think about, but the pillows where we place our heads at night are basically breeding grounds for bacteria and other microorganisms.

The average person spends one-third of their life asleep. During that time (it’s gross, but all too true), our skin and saliva can, shall we say, free themselves from the body, promoting the growth of bacteria inside our pillows and pillowcases in the process.

Read more
Keep your pool house tidy with these simple organization ideas
Tips for creating clever storage solutions to organize pool toys and chemicals in your pool house
Backyard pool with pool house on the side

Summertime means opening the pool house doors for the first time since winter. Chances are, you’ll have to embark on some late "spring cleaning" to get your pool supplies and equipment in order. But once it’s organized, you’ll also want to ensure it stays that way all summer. This will make it easier to find what you need, keep your kids safe, and have your pool supplies on hand all summer long.

So, we’re offering some tips for creating clever storage solutions to organize pool toys and chemicals in your pool house so you can get back to enjoying afternoons poolside.

Read more