3 min readWhether you call them drapes, linens, or curtains, one thing is for sure: window treatments add a wealth of depth, character, and style to our spaces. However, despite their large impact on our overall designs, it can be easy to forget that they also need a bit of upkeep to look their best.
Integral to our design schemes, yet so easily overlooked, drapery loses its charm when coated in dust and grime. Unkept curtains can make a whole room look neglected, diluting the design and cheapening the look of your home. It can be hard to find the perfect care regimen, so we asked designers for their best advice on how and when to clean your drapes.
Follow Your Fabric’s Lead
Chances are, if you’ve invested in drapes, you’ve likely spent a great deal of time figuring out which fabric works best for your home, climate, and aesthetic. Johanna Lyle, founder of the North Carolina-based design firm Jo Lyle & Co, says figuring out what your fabric needs is the best place to start when planning your cleaning schedule. Cotton, linen, or polyester are certainly not all cut from the same cloth, and there are different cleaning instructions depending on your threads.
“Honestly, I don't think there is a single best frequency. Every room is different,” says Lyle. “Some fabrics collect dust more rapidly, and some rooms are dustier by nature. My philosophy is that when it looks like it needs cleaning, it's time to clean!”
Another important factor to keep in mind is the location of your drapery. Spots prone to moisture, like a bathroom, or splatters, like a kitchen, may necessitate more frequent cleaning.
Mind Your Tags
Just like your favorite shirt, your drapes likely have cleaning instructions listed on either their packaging or tags. Whether it's a hieroglyphic code of complex symbols or a simple “dry clean only” stamp, sticking to the suggested care instructions not only keeps your drapes looking and smelling their best but boosts the longevity of your fabrics. If you can’t decode the cleaning recommendations on your own, interior designer Blair Moore says it’s time for a trip to the cleaners. “When drapes truly need cleaning, I always recommend working with a professional who understands the fabric,” says Moore.
But don’t aim for a clinical-level clean at all times. According to Moore, a little dirt can add a touch of character, bringing a more lived-in vibe. “I also don’t like to over-clean natural textiles. I love things in a home to age, soften, and develop character. I embrace a little evidence of living rather than constantly trying to clean it away,” she says.
How to Clean Your Drapes at Home
Once you’ve assessed the dirt level and taken your fabric type into consideration, it’s time to plan your cleaning routine. Giving your drapes a good shake before your weekly dusting is a great way to maintain them between deep cleans, which Chloe Heath, principal designer at Heath Interiors, recommends doing every few months.
“For cleaning, most drapes just need a good shake and a light vacuum with an upholstery attachment every few months, depending on the fabric type. Steaming is also a great way to keep them feeling fresh. After steaming mine, I will spray a very light linen spray,” says Heath. If you’re hoping to go for a little less maintenance, or have stains to treat, Heath says a yearly trip to the cleaners should do the trick.
Should You Swap Your Panels?
Drapes are a big investment for homeowners with massive influence on your overall design scheme. While switching out cushions and table runners to match the changing seasons might be nice, our Next Wave designers say your one set of drapes can stay up year-round.
“Swapping out drapery for seasonal shifts sounds like a dream, but is unrealistic for many homeowners. Custom drapery is easily one of the biggest line items in a furnishings budget, so most people don't want to double down for fall/winter and summer/spring drapes,” says Lyle.
If you haven’t invested in panels yet or are shopping for a fresh set, Moore suggests looking for fabrics that aren’t super seasonal. “For me, I think of a home naturally evolving like the seasons rather than reinventing the wheel around each season,” says Moore. “I tend to use earth-toned linens, wools, and natural textiles that have enough depth and movement to live in every season. The same linen can feel breezy with the windows open in August and incredibly cozy against a New England winter.”
