Made-to-measure curtains are a fantastic investment, tailored perfectly to fit your windows and crafted from high-quality fabrics. Treated and maintained well, and kept in the right conditions, they should last you a good 20 years or longer! However, to keep your curtains looking beautiful, they may need occasional cleaning depending on how easily dirty they get. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the best ways to clean your made-to-measure curtains from Cornish Curtains.
1. Dusting and Vacuuming Curtains
Before spot cleaning, start with a thorough dusting with a feather duster to reach the highest parts or a lint roller for lower areas. A very light vacuuming can help to remove surface dust, dirt, and pet hair. Use the upholstery or soft brush attachment on your vacuum cleaner to gently clean the curtain fabric. This prevents dirt from building up and helps maintain your curtains' appearance. Be cautious not to pull too firmly on the fabric, as this can cause wear. Concentrate your efforts on the heading area as this will collect the dust more easily. Using a step ladder to get to this area can help but be cautious to not pull on the pole or curtains.
2. Spot Cleaning Curtains for Small Stains
Spot cleaning is the ideal method for removing individual stains on your curtains. Use warm (not hot) water and a soft cloth to gently dab the stained area. Treating the stain as soon as possible will help the stain to not permanently set. Always test the solution on a small, discreet part of the curtain first to make sure it doesn’t harm the fabric. Always follow the cleaning solution instructions on the back of the bottle for best use. After cleaning let the area air dry with good ventilation in the room.
3. Dry Cleaning Your Made-to-Measure Curtains
Proper made-to-measure curtains (and not the cheap ones you see online), are dry clean only, meaning they should NOT be washed at home. If you are unsure, always check with us before, and take them to a professional for the best results. Inform the dry cleaner of any specific stains so they can treat them with care.
4. Machine Washing Curtains
Machine washing is NOT recommended for any Made-to-Measure curtains. This is because the lining and the face fabric are made from different fabric compositions, so when washed, the fabrics will shrink at different rates. The curtains will become distorted and may no longer hang or fit perfectly as when originally bought.
5. Preventing Mould on Curtains
Preventing mould is essential to keeping your curtains and windows clean. Once mould sets in curtains, the stain cannot be removed. Mould can be avoided with a few simple steps:
Ventilate regularly: Open windows daily to promote airflow and reduce condensation.
Clear moisture: Use a window vacuum to remove excess moisture from damp windows.
Keep windowsills tidy: Avoid clutter on windowsills and wipe underneath items frequently.
Use a dehumidifier: Placing a good dehumidifier near your windows can help control moisture and reduce the risk of mould.
Wall treatment: Ensuring no dampness is coming through your walls by repairing, fixing or properly insulating them.
6. Using Steam to Remove Wrinkles
A handheld steamer can be a great tool for freshening up curtains and removing any creases. Carefully follow the steamer instructions and avoid getting too close to the fabric, working very lightly. Steam cleaning can help maintain the smooth appearance of your curtains, making them look fresh and well-kept. We do not recommend using a steamer on linen based fabrics as they absorb moisture easily which can distort the fabric, causing it to drop. The same also applies for if you choose a linen based fabric and have a high humidity environment or damp walls as the fabric can drop or move.
7. Freshening Curtains with Febreze
Adding a light spray of Febreze to your curtains can keep them smelling fresh as part of your regular cleaning routine. Be sure to spray from a safe distance, at least 1m away and follow the bottle instructions to avoid oversaturation.
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