How to Clean Your Curtains

Keeping your curtains free of dirt, mould, and dust is extremely important for your health and house hygiene. Your curtains may not look dirty, but they still can be a host to allergens and debris, so regularly cleaning your window furnishings helps you stay on top of maintaining a healthy home.

Curtains and blinds are often delicate and can be easily damaged during the cleaning process. We recommend you strictly adhere to the care instructions or consult a professional.

Before You Start Curtain Cleaning:

• Use a vacuum cleaner on a low setting with a soft brush attachment to quickly collect dust and remove excess dirt and lint. You can also use a lint roller or brush to remove dust if you do not have a specific vacuum head for cleaning curtains.
• Remove your curtains and all the hooks and rings. For pencil pleats, untie their cords and unfold the pleats prior to soaking or washing.
• Always read the label and clean and dry as directed.
• Shake your curtains outside before getting them wet. Curtain fabrics can be a host to dirt, dust, mould and mildew, and the more you can prevent the spread inside your home, the better.
• In most cases, hand-washing your curtains at home is the safest bet to keep the fabric intact. To hand-wash wide fabrics, you will need a large tub—ideally a bathtub.

Curtain Cleaning Tips

• Don’t use bleach on your curtains—bleach will ruin the colour of the fabric and possibly cause holes.
• Don’t tumble-dry your curtains.
• The gentler your cleaning methods, the longer your curtains will last. Using mild washing powders and detergents, line-drying, and keeping reactive fabrics in the shade while drying will preserve your curtains for longer.
• If your curtains are anything but cotton, do not let them fold on themselves while drying, as they may stick together and disintegrate when pulled apart. If in doubt, consult a professional—such as your local dry cleaners.

Can You Put Curtains in the Washing Machine?

Yes and no. Only machine-wash your curtains if the specific cleaning instructions on the label say they can be. Linens and some cotton blends can sometimes go through a delicate machine wash on a lukewarm or cold cycle. Hand-washing is safer for preserving your curtain fabrics for longer and avoiding snagging.

You should NOT put these materials in a washing machine unless otherwise specified:

• Thermal Curtains [Hand-wash only]
• Net Curtains, Voile Curtains, Sheer Curtains [Hand-wash only]
• Silk Curtains [Dry-clean]
• Velvet Curtains [Dry-clean]
• Curtains lined with two different fabric types [Hand-wash only]

How to Wash Lined Curtains

Lined curtains often have a polyester lining or a blend of cotton and polyester lining sewn to the back of the curtain. When washing a curtain made of different fabrics, accommodate for the most delicate fabric.

To Prepare

Soak in cold water for 10-15 minutes before cleaning your curtains, and then gently swish for 30-60 seconds to loosen any dirt. Drain the water and then begin the washing process.

To Wash

Separate the linings if possible and hand-wash both sides of the fabric in cold water individually with a mild detergent or powder.

To Dry

To prevent shrinkage, avoid heat during the washing and drying process. If you wash your curtains yourself, keep the lining separate from the other side of the curtain during the drying process if possible. Squeeze out excess water, but do not wring or tumble dry. Rather than hanging your clean curtains on the line with pegs, pop them back on their hooks and hang them outside in the shade until completely dry.

Before Hanging

If your lined curtains are a cotton or cotton-polyester blend, you can iron them on the fabric side on low heat prior to hanging.

How to Wash Curtains Without Lining

Unlined curtains have no lining sewn in. Because of this, they are hardier and lower maintenance when it comes to washing. Plus, the fabric tends to stay cleaner as there are no added places for dust to get trapped.

To Prepare

Soak unlined curtains in cold water for 10-15 minutes before washing, and then gently swish for 30-60 seconds to loosen any dirt. Drain the water and then begin the washing process.

To Wash

We recommend you abide by the specific cleaning instructions on your curtain's label— however, we also suggest machine washing on a cold, gentle cycle with a mild washing powder or detergent, as it is the least time-consuming method.

As previously mentioned, the least damaging way to wash your curtains is by hand, and unlined curtains are no exception. Hand-wash in cold water with a mild detergent to minimise wear and tear.

Steam cleaning curtains uses heat to dislodge dirt, dust, and mould. Depending on your steam-cleaning tool, you may not even have to remove your curtains from the rail to clean them!

To Dry

Squeeze water out, but do not wring or tumble dry. As long as the curtains are made of cotton or polyester, you can iron them on low heat prior to hanging them. Rather than hanging your wet curtains on the line with pegs, pop them back on their hooks and hang curtains outside in the shade to dry.

How to Wash Thermal and Blackout Curtains

Thermal and blackout curtains both have an acrylic layer that is heat-sealed to the back of the curtain. The acrylic coating is delicate and can be easily broken down without the correct care.

To Wash

Hand-wash in cold water with a mild laundry detergent or powder.

Do not allow the acrylic coat to fold over and stick to itself. When it unsticks, the coating may peel off and lessen the effect of the blackout/thermal curtains, making them look faded and unsightly.

To Dry

Do not wring out. Hang curtains back on the hooks and line dry in the shade. Again, do not allow the acrylic backing to stick to itself. Avoid ironing the acrylic, as this can make it melt— hanging them out immediately lets them dry with as few wrinkles as possible.

How to Wash Net Curtains, Voile Curtains, and Sheer Curtains

Net, sheer, and voile curtains are usually made with fine, delicate fabrics to let light into a room. As they are often light in colour, they can be prone to showing dirt and dust more than the other curtains.

To Prepare

Soak the curtains in cold water for 10-15 minutes before washing, then gently swish for 30-60 seconds to loosen any dirt. Drain the water and then begin the washing process.

To Wash

To avoid delicate fabrics tearing in the washing machine, hand-wash with cold water and a mild washing powder or detergent.

To Dry

Squeeze water out, but do not wring or tumble dry. Rather than hanging your wet curtains on the line with pegs, pop them back on their hooks and hang them outside in the shade to dry.

How to Clean Blinds

Cleaning Venetian Blinds and Wooden Shutters

First, close the Venetian blinds or wooden blinds and use a vacuum cleaner to remove dust from both sides. For a more thorough clean, wipe each slat with a damp cloth.

Cleaning Roller Blinds

Extend the roller blind fully and vacuum using a brush attachment. For light stains, use a damp cloth with mild detergent. Spot-clean stubborn stains with warm water and mild soap, then dry with a clean cloth.

Cleaning Roman Blinds

Roman blinds quickly collect dust and require regular cleaning. Use a vacuum with a soft brush attachment to remove surface dust. For stubborn stains, spot clean blinds with a damp cloth and mild detergent, being careful not to saturate the fabric. Always check the manufacturer's care instructions first, remove strings and dowels before soaking in mild detergent.

After washing, remove excess moisture by pressing between towels, then air dry naturally. Always allow the blinds to dry completely before hanging them to prevent damage to the pleats.

How to Clean Heavily Soiled or Mouldy Curtains or Drapes

Steam Cleaning

If the curtain fabric allows for heat (e.g. cotton, cotton/polyester, linen), you may be able to steam clean your curtains. The heat from the steam can dislodge dirt and allergens and sanitise your curtains by killing germs, bacteria, and mould. This is particularly effective for heavy drapes that are difficult to remove.

Brushing

If you have hardy or heavy-duty curtains that can be machine-washed, then brushing may be an option. Do a patch test before washing the whole fabric to ensure your curtains won't break down or fade.

After soaking your curtains in cold water for 10-15 minutes, use a medium to hard-bristled brush to lightly scrub the soiled or mouldy areas. Use diluted mild washing powder to create suds and work into the stained or mouldy areas. Rinse, then wash your curtains and dry as directed.

It is best to do this outside and with a mask covering your nose and mouth to avoid mould spores landing in your lungs or around the house.

Take Your Curtains to a Professional

If in doubt, take your curtains to a local dry cleaner who can remove mould and clean your curtains with minimal to no damage to your curtains' fabric. If your curtains are made of delicate materials, cleaning them yourself could damage them, or dry cleaning may be the best option if they are heavily soiled or mouldy.

Fresh Curtains, Fresh Home – Rug Doctor Can Help

Ready to revitalise your home environment? While delicate curtains, blinds and drapes need special care, a Rug Doctor Machine with the Hand Tool Attachment and Upholstery Cleaner are perfect for washing curtains at home and achieving professional-grade results. Find a Rug Doctor near you to discover how our cleaning solutions can help you create a healthier living space with cleaner home furnishings.

Updated July 15, 2025

Author: Gina Gibbs

Gina is the Business Manager at Rug Doctor NZ. With over 20 years at Rug Doctor, she's dedicated to helping New Zealanders keep their homes clean and healthy. Outside of work, Gina enjoys hiking, reading, and enjoying Vietnamese and Asian fusion cuisine. Oh, and let's not forget her expertise in cleaning up after everyone, especially her two kids!