Using a curtain cleaner

Stop thinking about how you clean drapes at home. It’s time to call in the curtain cleaners.

Getting an expert curtain cleaner to do the job will ensure they are cleaned and dried, and you won't damage them in the curtain cleaning process.

Darren Ormes of Shogun Drycleaning says that you not only have your curtains cleaned, but also your blinds too.

"Curtains can be cleaned onsite or they can be taken away and, depending on the curtain fabric and style, they'll be hand-washed, dry-cleaned or laundered," he says.

"We'd recommend having curtains taken away to be cleaned, as you get a much better job, but some people are happy for it to be done at home."

Curtain cleaning with the professionals

Curtain care involves an industrial washing machine, with very gentle agitation so they clean properly without causing damage. A decision is then made on each curtain to ensure they are cleaned in the best way.

"Our head drycleaner will check out every curtain that comes in and make the call if it is better to dryclean or launder," says Darren. "Usually only rubber-backed curtains, where the rubber has started to delaminate, will need hand-washing. Some materials, depending on the manufacturer's recommendation, may also do better with dry-cleaning."

Onsite curtain cleaning services are carried out in a similar way to upholstery cleaning, with a steam cleaner and water extractor.

Cleaning blinds by hand

As for blinds, Darren says these are mainly done by hand. "These are laid out in a tank filled with a cleaning solution and some hand-scrubbing is done," he says. "Then they are hung up and literally hosed off; it is by far the best way to get the dirt off. Although it is quite labour intensive, it does work, and it's worth it."

Other types of blinds, such as roman blinds, can be quite delicate and may need to be cleaned by hand.

Times and processes involved with cleaning curtains

According to Darren, it only takes about 24 hours to have your curtains taken down, cleaned, dried and rehung. "In the meantime, we have 'loan' curtains, which we'll hang for the short time you're without your own, so you still have your privacy," says Darren.

As a rule of thumb, a professional curtain cleaning service costs around $40 per drop (with a width up to 2.5metres) to have your curtains professionally cleaned.

Find a local curtain cleaner to make your curtains look as good as new: