How Much Does Drapery Cleaning Cost? [2026 Data]

In 2026, the national average cost for professional drapery cleaning is $190. Most homeowners pay between $100 and $250, with the spread driven by the number of curtains, fabric type, and design complexity. If your drapes need extra care, like specialized handling for silk or lace, expect costs to land toward the higher end.

Drapery Cleaning Cost Factors: What Affects the Price?

Drapery and curtain are often used interchangeably, though drapes typically come in thicker materials and cover more of the window. Both share similar cleaning needs because they are commonly made from delicate fabrics that require careful handling.

Number and Size of Sets

A set of drapes refers to all the curtains that make up one window covering, which can include multiple panels, and both the size and panel count affect your final price. Many professionals charge a minimum service fee, so if you have multiple sets, scheduling them together in one visit is usually the more cost-effective approach.

Material

Fabric type is the single most important factor in drapery cleaning costs, with material alone capable of swinging the price from $60 to $400 per set depending on which cleaning method it requires. Check the care instruction tab on your drapes before scheduling a cleaning, as it will specify whether hand washing, dry cleaning, steaming, or machine washing is appropriate. Costs vary by fabric type, as the breakdown below shows.

Design

How your drapes attach to the rod directly influences the cleaning method and cost, with pocket and tab styles typically running $60 to $150 per set because they lack special hardware. Curtains with attached rings or grommets require more delicate handling, which pushes the average price up to $200 per set.

Cleaning Method

The four main drapery cleaning methods are dry cleaning ($150 to $400), steam cleaning, hand washing, and machine washing ($75 to $150), and the method your fabric requires is a primary driver of cost.

Dry cleaning delivers the deepest clean and is the most common professional choice, though it requires off-site transportation and more turnaround time than the alternatives. Between professional cleanings, vacuuming, dusting, and shaking out your curtains can help extend the time between appointments. Costs vary by cleaning method, as the breakdown below shows.

Labor

Labor makes up the largest share of drapery cleaning costs, with professional house cleaners charging $30 to $50 per hour for basic services. A full home deep clean generally runs $200 to $400, and pros will often add an extra charge when drapes require additional attention beyond standard cleaning.

Size

Professional drapery cleaners often price by the foot or by the pleat, with costs averaging $2 to $7 per foot or $1 to $5 per pleat depending on the company. Some cleaners charge by the panel instead, and final pricing in any format will vary based on the curtain's material and weight.

On-Site vs. Off-Site

On-site drapery cleaning costs an average of $50 more than off-site cleaning, where you handle removal and transportation yourself. If you have already hired a house cleaning team to hand or machine wash your curtains, the on-site upcharge typically does not apply since the crew is already in your home.

Window Cleaning

Taking down your curtains often reveals just how much grime has built up on the glass behind them, making it a natural time to schedule a window cleaning as well. Professional window cleaning costs $150 to $300 for the whole house, with most pros charging $4 to $15 per window plus a flat service fee.

Tipping

For one-off jobs like drapery deep cleaning, tipping 15% to 20% of the total bill is a thoughtful gesture for your professional cleaner. Ongoing tipping for dry cleaners or regular home cleaners is less common, though an annual holiday tip is a welcome way to show appreciation.

Repairs

If your cleaner also has tailoring skills, it is worth factoring in the cost of any drapery repairs while the curtains are already down. Pricing varies depending on the work needed, whether that is hemming, grommet replacement, or patching a tear.

Drapery Material Costs: Which Material Fits Your Budget?

Your curtain's material has the greatest influence on cleaning costs, so checking the care label before purchasing is a smart move that can save you from unexpected expenses later. Following the manufacturer's instructions carefully is essential, since using the wrong method can shrink or permanently damage the fabric. Here’s what each drapery material costs to clean based on its required cleaning method: 

Linen

Linen drapes should always be dry cleaned, with standard sets costing $70 to $110 per set. Adding grommets or rings to the equation can push that price up to $200 per set.

Cotton

Most 100% cotton curtains can be machine washed, with cleaning costs averaging $65 to $150 per set. Always check the care label for drying instructions and whether darker-colored panels should be washed separately to prevent color transfer.

Silk

Silk is one of the most challenging drapery materials to deep clean, with dry cleaning costs running $80 to $200 per set. Between professional cleanings, a light steaming can smooth out wrinkles without risking damage to the fabric.

Polyester

Polyester drapes are among the most low-maintenance options, as most can be machine washed or hand washed and cleaned for an average of $65 to $90 per set. While some polyester drapes can go in the dryer, hanging them to dry is generally the safer choice for preserving their shape.

Velvet

Velvet curtains bring a rich, dramatic look to any room, but they require professional dry cleaning to stay in top condition. Expect to pay $60 to $150 per set on average to have velvet drapes properly cleaned, and you can explore the full maximalist home aesthetic they complement so well.

Lace

Lace curtains are too delicate for machine washing or dry cleaning in most cases, making hand washing the only appropriate method. Cleaning costs run $150 to $350 per set depending on the intricacy of the lace and the specific care instructions on the label.

Wool

Wool and cashmere drapes demand the same careful handling as fine knitwear, and dry cleaning is the recommended method for both. Plan to spend $60 to $150 per set to have these drapes professionally cleaned.

How Often Should Draperies Be Cleaned?

You should have your drapes professionally cleaned at least annually. There may be some factors, like if you have pets or if anyone smokes in your home, to increase the frequency to two to three times per year to keep your drapes (and home) smelling fresh.

In between sessions, remove dust and pet hair from your drapes at least once a week. You can do this on your own with a vacuum or by removing them from the window and shaking out the dust outside.

DIY vs. Hiring a Pro

Learning how to clean drapes and curtains is a must for homeowners looking to cut cleaning costs. Any materials that can handle machine washing, hand washing, or steaming are doable on your own. You'll spend less than $10 for cleaning materials and between $20 and $40 for a hand steamer.

Deeper cleaning and dry cleaning though, are best handled by your local drapery cleaning professional. If you're looking to balance the two options, remove the dust from your curtains with a vacuum once a week and opt for professional cleaning between seasons.

How to Save Money on Professional Curtain and Drapery Cleaning Costs

Minimizing the cost of cleaning curtains is possible when you handle all the small tasks surrounding the process. For example, learn to hang curtains like a pro and remove them before your cleaners arrive. Additionally, consider the following.

• Shake off your curtains outside to remove the top layer of dust before cleaning.

• Address any stains that require pre-soaking.

• Handle basic drapery repairs yourself, such as small tears or attaching new rings.

• Speak with at least three house cleaners to compare estimates.

• Pair drapery cleaning with larger home cleaning contracts.

How Angi Gets Its Cost Data

Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We extensively research project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We rely on reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects. 

Want to help us improve our cost data? Send us a recent project quote to [email protected]. Quotes and personal information will not be shared publicly.