How to Wash Curtains: A Fabric-by-Fabric Guide

Before You Wash: Check the Care Label

Always check the care label on your curtains before washing. The label will indicate the maximum wash temperature, whether machine washing is safe, and whether dry cleaning is required. When in doubt, err on the side of caution — a cooler wash or professional clean is always safer than a ruined curtain.

This guide covers the most common curtain fabrics and how to care for each one.

General Rules for Washing Curtains

• Remove hooks and rings before washing — metal hardware can snag fabric and damage the drum of your machine
• Shake curtains outdoors first to remove loose dust before washing
• Wash one panel at a time if possible, to avoid overloading the machine
• Use a gentle or delicate cycle for most curtain fabrics
• Use a mild, colour-safe detergent — avoid biological detergents on delicate fabrics
• Never wring curtains — this distorts the fabric and can damage the header
• Rehang while slightly damp — the weight of the curtain helps it drop back into shape as it dries

Washing by Fabric Type

Linen

Linen is durable but can shrink if washed at high temperatures. It also wrinkles easily.

• Machine wash: Yes — cold or 30°C, gentle cycle
• Detergent: Mild, non-biological
• Drying: Hang immediately while damp; avoid tumble drying
• Ironing: Iron while slightly damp on a medium-high setting for best results
• Note: Expect slight shrinkage on first wash — account for this when ordering

Cotton

Cotton is one of the most washable curtain fabrics, but can also shrink.

• Machine wash: Yes — 30–40°C, gentle cycle
• Detergent: Mild, colour-safe
• Drying: Hang while damp; tumble dry on low if needed
• Ironing: Iron on medium-high while slightly damp

Velvet

Velvet requires the most care of any curtain fabric. The pile can be crushed or marked if handled incorrectly.

• Machine wash: Not recommended for most velvet curtains
• Dry clean: Strongly recommended
• Spot cleaning: Use a damp cloth and blot gently — never rub
• Steaming: A handheld steamer held at a distance can refresh velvet and restore the pile
• Note: Never iron velvet directly — always use a pressing cloth or steam only

Silk

Silk is delicate and prone to water spotting and colour loss.

• Machine wash: Not recommended
• Dry clean: Always recommended for silk curtains
• Spot cleaning: Use a specialist silk cleaner and blot carefully
• Note: Silk is particularly vulnerable to UV damage — lining is essential to protect the face fabric

Polyester / Synthetic Blends

Synthetic fabrics are generally the most practical to wash and maintain.

• Machine wash: Yes — 30–40°C, gentle cycle
• Detergent: Standard mild detergent
• Drying: Tumble dry on low, or hang to dry
• Ironing: Low heat only — synthetics can melt or mark at high temperatures

Sheer / Voile

Sheers are lightweight and delicate but generally washable.

• Machine wash: Yes — cold or 30°C, delicate cycle
• Detergent: Mild, non-biological
• Drying: Hang immediately — sheers dry quickly and rehang beautifully when still slightly damp
• Ironing: Low heat, or steam only

What About Lined Curtains?

Lined curtains are more complex to wash because the face fabric and lining may have different care requirements and shrinkage rates. If the two layers shrink at different rates, the curtain will pucker or distort.

For lined curtains — especially interlined or blackout-lined panels — professional dry cleaning is usually the safest option. Always check the care label and, if in doubt, consult a specialist curtain cleaner.

How Often Should You Wash Curtains?

As a general guide:

• Sheers and lightweight panels: Every 3–6 months
• Main curtains in living areas: Once a year
• Bedroom curtains: Every 6–12 months
• Kitchen curtains: Every 3 months (more exposure to grease and steam)

Between washes, regular vacuuming with a soft brush attachment removes dust and extends the time between full washes.

Professional Curtain Cleaning

For velvet, silk, heavily lined curtains, or any curtain you're unsure about, professional cleaning is always the right choice. A specialist curtain cleaner will clean, press, and return your curtains in perfect condition — often for less than the cost of replacing a damaged panel.