It’s a good idea to wash curtains every six months or so to avoid allergens from building up in them and to get rid of any odors from cooking, exercising, or pets. You might want to wash your curtains as often as every three months if you have multiple pets, someone in your family is highly allergic to dust or pet dander, or you cook often with aromatic spices or oils. You might consider a standalone cleaning if you get stains on your curtains or they are visibly soiled.

If you proactively avoid grime buildup and mold growth, you can clean the shower curtains as needed. However, if you forget to take preventive action, a good rule of thumb is to clean fabric curtains about every three months. And you’ll clean plastic liners and curtains every three to four weeks.

There are several ways to store clothes properly and keep them smelling good. You can keep clothing in a climate-controlled closet for best results, but if this isn’t in your budget, there are many DIY solutions. From using air freshener sprays to keeping a box of baking soda in the closet, you can eliminate unwanted odors. Always store clean, dry clothes in the closet to minimize odors.

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.