Top Ten Easy Curtain Care Tips: Expert Advice for Maintaining Your Curtains

Curtains are an essential part of our home decor, adding warmth, style and character to our living spaces. With the right care and attention, they can remain a beautiful and functional addition to our homes for years to come. In this blog post, we will share some friendly curtain care tips to help you maintain the beauty, freshness, and longevity of your curtains. From gentle dusting and spot cleaning to professional care and protection from sunlight, we've got you covered. So, let's dive in and give your curtains the love and care they deserve!

Dust and dirt can accumulate on curtains over time, especially if you live in a busy area or have pets. Our absolute top tip is to gently vacuum with a soft brush attachment  - this can help remove dust and prevent it from settling into the fabric. Make sure to vacuum both sides of the curtain for thorough cleaning and get into the pleats in the headings. Be gentle but thorough. Use steps and don't lean on the pole or track. 

2. Avoid Direct Sunlight

‘But they are curtains at a window!’ I hear you say, yes, but there are still ways of filtering the harmful direct rays.

We all know that sunlight can cause most things to fade or discolour over time and silk is especially prone to rotting in direct sunlight. However, if you add a sheer curtain or roller blinds these will help to filter sunlight and protect your curtains from UV rays.

Adding a professional window film is the best way to help eliminate harmful UVA and UVB rays.

Window Film

3. Line and interline.

Curtain lining and interlining not only hang and drape better but they also enhance privacy and shield the face fabric from dust, moisture and sunlight and help with acoustics. Opting for a blackout lining can effectively reduce heat and light, while adding an interlining offers an additional layer of protection. Curtains with interlining offer the best protection and also hang more gracefully, giving your windows a polished and elegant look. Talk to your curtain maker about the different types of lining and interlining that are best for your home and the face fabric you have chosen. If you are shopping on-line, check the quality offered is comparable to your local curtain maker.

4. Handle with Care

Motorisation is becoming more and more popular and affordable; this is the best option to minimise the handling of curtains. Corded poles and tracks are also good but if you can only have a manual option, use a draw-rod to prevent ‘hand-grab’ marks and the transfer of day-to-day dirt from your hands getting on the fabrics.

Motorisation - simple!

5. Cleaning

If you do need to have your curtains cleaned, use a professional curtain cleaner, but in our opinion, only if you absolutely have to.

Curtains are layers of fabric, often of different compositions and these will react differently when cleaned.

To remove wrinkles and creases from your curtains, use a handheld steam iron held near to the curtain to remove creases and wrinkles but always test a small inconspicuous area first to ensure the fabric can withstand the heat.

6. Store Properly

If you take your curtains down for any reason, to re-decorate or if you change them seasonally (yes, it’s a thing), make sure to fold them neatly maintaining their pleats (as if they are hanging at the window) and store them in a cool, dry place. Avoid packing the curtains tightly to prevent creasing and mildew and do not fold as this will give you horizontal marks that will be hard to remove. Wrapping in old sheets or the tubing they are delivered in from your curtain maker will protect curtains from dust and pests while in storage (ask to keep the tubing, we won’t be offended!).

Store lengthways, flat in protective bags, do not fold.

7. Look at them

Remember to look at your curtains – check for signs of wear and tear. Look for frayed edges, loose threads, or fading colours, and address any issues promptly to prevent further damage. By staying proactive, you can prolong the lifespan of your curtains and keep them looking as good as new.

Blinds, curtains and poles

8. Look after poles and tracks

The pole or track that you chose also needs looking after, dust can clog cords and damage runners. Whilst poles should look good and be strong enough to hold what are often very heavy curtains, they also need a regular dust and to prevent cords, runners or rings sticking. Check for signs of wear and tear to the brackets and supports and apply a silicone spray to prevent the runners dragging and breaking – apply with a duster to prevent staining fabric.

Extending poles cause unnecessary strain on the pleats where the rings bump backwards and forwards over the join so be wary of these for anything other than very lightweight fabrics.

Hooks and Rings should be high-quality, rust-resistant options that are going to be gentle on fabrics while providing a secure hold, these will also ensure smooth operation when opening and closing your curtains.

9. Adjust for Seasonal Changes

As seasons change, so do the environmental conditions that can affect your curtains. During colder months, keeping curtains closed can help insulate your home, retaining warmth and reducing heating costs. In contrast, during warmer months, allowing curtains to remain open can promote airflow and natural light, brightening your space (but when it gets too hot, close the curtains to keep the room cool).

10. The room environment

Over time, the pristine room we decorated with our beautiful new curtains becomes just another room in the house so take stock and think about the environment they are now in. Airborne pollutants, from inside as well as outside can settle on curtains and affect their appearance and longevity. Consider using an air purifier or ventilation system to reduce indoor pollutants.

Has the window sill become cluttered? Overcrowded window areas, filled with furniture or decorative items, can cause curtains to rub against objects, leading to wear and tear over time. To prevent unnecessary friction and potential damage, rearrange furniture and decor to create a clear space around windows.

And finally, pets – while we love them dearly, cats can claw, and dogs can drool so remember to minimise the risk of pet-related damage - consider placing scratching posts or toys away from your curtains and keep curtains stacked back away from doors and windows.

Conclusion

Caring for your curtains doesn't have to be complicated. By following these easy curtain care tips, you can ensure that your curtains remain beautiful, functional, and long-lasting. A little care goes a long way so give your curtains the attention they deserve and enjoy a stylish and welcoming living space for years to come!