Curtain cleaning: label, weight and method
Follow curtain care labels: dust gently, wash only if allowed and check the weight and safe access before taking down large curtains.
Curtains and sheers are made of very different materials: cotton, linen, polyester, voile, velvet, wool or blends, sometimes with lining, blackout coating or a weighted hem. The sewn-in care label shows whether a fabric may go in the washing machine, at what temperature, whether it may go in the tumble dryer, and whether only dry cleaning is recommended.
If the label is missing, use only gentle dry care that the fabric tolerates. Do not experiment with water. Ask the maker or a textile specialist about valuable, old or coated curtains.
| Situation | Appropriate action |
|---|---|
| Light dust, vacuuming permitted | Clean upholstery head, low suction, support fabric without pulling. |
| Washing permitted by label | Note dimensions and removable fittings; check weight and machine capacity. |
| Not washable, coated or label missing | Do not test moisture speculatively; clarify care or ask a textile specialist. |
| Heavy or mounted high | Plan access and handling first; do not carry bulky loads on a ladder. |
Dust regularly instead of washing often
Dust only as the fabric care instructions permit. A clean upholstery head on low suction may help; support the fabric and work downwards without pulling it in. Do not shake large curtains out of an open window.
Frequent washing strains fibres and colours. Regular dusting extends the intervals between washes considerably.
- Brush attachment, low suction
- Work from top to bottom
- Support the fabric by hand
- Do not forget hems and folds
Further reading
Washing washable curtains properly
Remove hooks, gliders and weights unless they are sewn in. Shake the curtain out and wash it according to the label, usually on a gentle or delicate cycle with little detergent. Large curtains should lie loosely in the drum; do not overload the machine.
Choose a low spin speed so that fewer creases form. If you are unsure whether a fabric will shrink, it is better to wash too cool than too warm.
Further reading
Treating non-washable fabrics gently
A “do not wash” label rules out machine washing. For velvet, wool, linings and coatings, the actual label determines care. Brushing, vacuuming and water are not automatically suitable. Gently blot a fresh liquid spill dry and ask a textile specialist about further treatment.
A hidden test does not replace missing care approval. Ask a textile specialist about persistent stains or unclear instructions.
Drying and rehanging
Many curtains dry best hung slightly damp directly on the curtain rod. Their own weight pulls out creases, and you often save yourself ironing. Put a towel underneath if they are still dripping. Only use the tumble dryer if the label allows it, as heat can cause shrinkage.
To hang them, stand on a stable household stepladder, not a chair, and get help with large curtains. Do not lean out of the window.
- Dry slightly damp on the rod
- Tumble dryer only if the label allows
- Stable stepladder, never a chair
- Get help with large curtains
Further reading
Routine and limits
A good rhythm is dusting as part of apartment cleaning, and a thorough wash or professional clean once or twice a year depending on fabric, location and label. Near the kitchen or with a lot of street dust it may be needed more often. Ventilate regularly so that less dust settles.
With PUTZIO you can book regular apartment cleaning in the supported municipalities around Zurich and Rapperswil-Jona for CHF 40 per hour. Curtains can be vacuumed as part of normal cleaning. Textile cleaning, taking down large curtains at great height or special treatments are not included.
Further reading