How Often Should Your Drapes Be Cleaned?
If you have allergies or asthma, your drapes could be contributing to your discomfort. When’s the last time you decided to clean your curtains? If it was more than a year ago, they’re way overdue for some freshening up. Here’s how often drapes should be cleaned in South Amboy, NJ.
A general rule of thumb
Depending on the kind of drapery you own, your curtains should be cleaned every three to six months. For most people, that’s not feasible on their own. Some drapes are heavy, elaborate or made of delicate fabric, and it can be difficult to take them down for cleaning. In this case, try cleaning your drapes at least once per year. It’ll make a big difference for respiratory problems—plus, your home will look and smell fresher.
Can I clean my own drapery?
If you want to clean your drapes on your own, you can. We recommend saving heavy or delicate fabrics for the professionals, but sturdy everyday fabric can usually be cleaned at home. Here are some tips for DIY cleaning. Be sure to test your draperies to make sure they’re colorfast:
- Vacuum and brush: If you have particularly heavy or durable drapes, you can simply run your vacuum over them when you’re cleaning your carpets. You may want to use the extension hose and brush for best results.
- Cotton curtains: Cotton curtains are notorious for showing stains, so you’ll probably need to spot clean before washing them. Pre-treat the stains with a cotton-friendly stain remover. Remove all hardware, then pop them in the washer on a cool, gentle cycle. Be sure to wash them with plenty of room, as they can get crushed during the spin cycle. Then dry them on low in the dryer, removing before they’re completely dry. Finally, iron and rehang.
- Synthetic curtains: Synthetic curtains can be cleaned similarly to cotton curtains. Pre-treat stains, separate light from dark material and wash on a cool, gentle cycle. To dry, put them in the dryer on low or medium heat, then hang to get the wrinkles out. There’s no need to iron unless the wrinkles don’t release after hanging.
- Sheer curtains: Sheer curtains need more care than other types, so you’ll probably have to wash them more frequently. First, soak them in cold water and laundry detergent for five minutes, then drain. Wash them on the delicate cycle, then dry on a no-heat setting. Hang them to try and pull out as many wrinkles as possible.
The key to keeping your drapes looking clean in between washes or professional cleanings is to frequently shake out the dust. You can gently vacuum them weekly, and make sure to dust the curtain rods and hardware as well.
The better you take care of your curtains, the longer they’ll last—and the better your house will look and feel. For professional drapery cleaning in South Amboy, NJ, get in touch with Lov ‘N Kare Carpet Center. We’ve been serving area customers for over 70 years, and look forward to assisting you soon!