How to clean curtains

Author Victoria RobinsonProduct ManagerWritten 06/01/2021Updated 05/01/2026

Mist slate patterned wave curtains on patio doors in dining room

Find out the best way to clean your curtains

With the right care and maintenance you can keep your curtains looking as good as the day they were fitted. All our curtains are dry clean only, but there are other ways to keep your curtains looking great for longer. We’ve got some simple methods for regular cleaning plus expert advice on effective stain removal.

This handy guide for all our curtain types, including blackout, covers how to:

- Clean your curtains regularly with a vacuum to avoid dust build up

- Use a hand-held steam to neaten creases and wrinkles

- Keep your room well-ventilated to avoid mould build up

- Remove stubborn stains with a damp cloth

Watch our step-by-step guide

Our video guide has plenty of advice on the cleaning process, from choosing the right cleaning methods to using the right technique. Take a look to learn more.

Clean with a vacuum

The easiest way to clean your curtains is to vacuum them using the soft brush attachment of your vacuum cleaner that is designed for furniture and upholstery. Doing this regularly will help keep them free from dust or pet hair that might accumulate over time.

Start by closing your curtains fully, then gently brush the attachment over the front of the curtains.
You’ll get the best results by moving from the top to the bottom, paying special attention to the edges. Repeat on the linings or reverse side of your curtains.
Don’t forget the bottom edges of your curtains where they meet the windowsill or floor, which collect dust.

Steam clean your curtains

If your curtains get creased or wrinkled, the best way to neaten them up is to lightly steam them using a hand-held steam cleaner. Here's how:

Wait until your steamer has reached the correct heat and move it over your curtains.
Start at the top and work in large sweeping movements to the bottom of the curtains.
While your curtain is still slightly damp, you can finish off the look by smoothing out any creases and creating neat folds in line with how the curtain hangs.

Dark grey velvet roman blind under floral print curtains in a bright living room with blue and rose pink accents

Keep mould at bay

If your room suffers from condensation on the windows, this could result in the build-up of mould on your curtain lining. Mould is very difficult to remove effectively without discolouring fabric, so take preventative measures to keep mould at bay.

Keep your room warm and well-ventilated at all times.
Simple measures such as opening a window can help reduce the spread of mould.
For rooms particularly prone to dampness, invest in a dehumidifier.
Replace single-glazed windows with double glazing to reduce draughts and retain heat.

Dry cleaning

If your curtains require a deeper clean, please note that all our curtain fabrics are dry clean only. This means we do not recommend machine washing your curtains, even on a cool wash or delicate cycle. Using warm water and mild laundry detergent to hand wash your curtains is also not recommend for any Hillarys curtain fabric. This is because the curtain and the lining can react differently, one shrinking while the other doesn’t, or shrinking at different rates, which will cause puckering.

It’s easy to know what fabrics and linings require professional dry cleaning. Look for the P sensitive symbol sewn into the care label. It’s good practice to check with your local dry cleaning company before taking your curtains down, and remember there may be up to 3% shrinkage of the fabric during your products first dry clean. The Textile Service Association website recommends reliable dry cleaning services by postcode, as well as giving advice on garment care.

Darcia velvet cointreau floor length curtains paired with grey roman blinds in living room

Delicate materials

Velvet curtains can be a gorgeous lux look at your window, but cleaning them comes with its own challenges. Velvet is a luxurious fabric with a delicate pile that can be easily damaged by improper cleaning methods. Machine washing, even on gentle cycles, can crush the pile and distort the texture, leaving the curtains looking worn and uneven. Instead, velvet curtains should be cleaned using low-suction vacuuming as above or by gently steaming to lift dust and refresh the fabric, and only steam from the lining side.

Avoid getting water or steam on the face of the fabric as this may cause permanent damage. For deeper cleaning, professional dry cleaning is recommended to preserve the integrity of the material.

Why it matters

Keeping your curtains clean isn’t just about appearance—it helps maintain fabric quality, prevents allergens, and extends the life of your window treatments. Dust and dirt can weaken fibres over time, while mould and moisture can cause permanent staining. Regular care ensures your curtains stay looking fresh and functional for years.

Spot cleaning

If you’ve just got a small stain on your curtains it may be worth trying spot cleaning before you head down the dry cleaning route. Start with more natural solutions rather than going straight for detergents or stain removers, no matter how gentle they are, as they can sometimes lead to either the colour or fabric being compromised and always test on an unseen area first.

Try removing the stains using warm water and a clean cloth first. Gently dab at the stain until it starts to lift. For stubborn stains you can try cleaning with vinegar, as recommended by Ideal Home. A store cupboard essential, dilute your vinegar with water so it doesn't damage the fabric of your curtains by mixing an equal ratio together in a bowl and testing on an unseen area. Using a clean, soft cloth, dab the vinegar solution onto the stains. Apply a generous amount, and let the vinegar soak into the curtains. Leave for an hour, then use a new cloth and water to remove the vinegar from the curtains. The stain should lift along with it.

Common mistakes to avoid

Machine washing dry-clean-only curtains This can cause shrinkage, colour fading, and damage to delicate linings
Using harsh chemicals or bleach Strong cleaning agents can weaken fibres and ruin the finish of your fabric
Skipping spot testing Always test any cleaning solution on a hidden area first to avoid visible damage
Over-steaming or wetting the fabric Excess moisture can lead to watermarks or distortion, especially on velvet or blackout linings
Ignoring care labels These provide essential guidance for safe cleaning, never assume all fabrics can be treated the same way

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