Get matched with top drapery cleaners in Lansing, NY

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.

Insulating windows without plastic is usually the better method. Outside of simply replacing your windows, you could buy cellular shades, which trap air between the window and the home, add a window film that blocks UV rays and traps heat, or cover your windows with a low-emissivity coating called “low-E.”

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.

Hydrogen peroxide can be a good option for removing dried blood stains, but it’s an aggressive solution that could discolor or damage your carpet. It’s often a better option to call in a professional to deal with dried blood stains. A pro will have commercial cleaning solutions that do a better job as well as the experience necessary to get the stain out without doing irreparable damage to your carpet.