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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.

Regular vacuuming, spot cleaning, and dust-resistant sprays can help maintain freshness and prolong the time between professional cleanings.

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.

You probably have mold on your shower curtains because mold and mildew thrive and spread in warm, dark, wet, and unventilated spaces. Your shower is the perfect environment, especially the shower curtains, because they trap water in the folds and creases, plus they’re exposed to the most water spray. The best way to ensure mold stays off your shower curtains is to keep it dry so it doesn’t have a place to grow. Doing this can also help keep mold off your bathroom ceiling.