Get matched with top drapery cleaners in Keystone, CO

The best way to clean drapes or curtains depends on the fabric. Always check the care tag for instructions before attempting to wash them.

You can typically clean drapes yourself if they are made of durable materials like cotton, cotton blends, polyester, or burlap, which can often be machine-washed. However, some fabrics can be hand-washed.

For delicate materials such as linen, silk, velvet, lace, sateen, or wool, it is best to hire a professional drapery cleaner. These fabrics are often dry-clean only and can be damaged, shrink, or be destroyed by machine washing or using the wrong cleaning solutions.

If the care tag is missing, the drapes are old, thin, brittle, or have existing damage like pulls or tears, it's safest to have them professionally cleaned. A professional will use the correct methods and solutions for a safe, deep cleaning.

The recommended frequency for professionally cleaning drapes varies. As a general guideline, aim for every four to five years. However, you should consider more frequent cleanings in specific circumstances. For homes with pets, heavy soiling, or residents with severe allergies, cleaning every two to three years—or even two to four times per year—is beneficial. Light-colored drapes may need cleaning every one to two years to maintain their appearance. Some also follow a biannual schedule, cleaning in the spring to remove winter dust and in the fall to remove summer pollen. In between professional services, lightly vacuum your drapes with a special attachment to remove surface debris, but avoid abrasive brushes on delicate fabrics like silk and linen.

Anything that might have been exposed to fumigation chemicals should be washed before use. Wipe down and sanitize surfaces like countertops and tables, and wash all utensils (or take care to store them in an airtight box beforehand), as well as anything else that could find its way into someone’s mouth, like kid or pet toys. 

Strat decluttering for the holidays by removing trash and organizing items into different piles that you’ll keep, donate and toss out. Whatever you intend to keep, find a specific place for it, and if you buy something, get rid of an item that’s taking up space. Start small, go room-by-room, and don’t try to declutter all at once—doing so can get overwhelming.