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The best way to clean drapes depends on the material, as certain washing methods are necessary for more delicate materials. You can follow the general guidelines below in most cases:

• Cotton: Machine wash

• Lace: Hand wash

• Linen: Dry clean

• Polyester: Machine wash

• Silk: Dry clean or steam clean

• Velvet: Dry clean

• Wool: Dry clean

You should also consider if there’s any existing damage to the drapes, like pulls or small tears, that could get worse with aggressive washing. Additionally, older drapes may require special care from a professional to preserve them but still leave them clean.

Some fabrics can be machine washed, but delicate or large drapes require professional cleaning to prevent shrinkage or damage.

You should hire a professional to clean your drapes every four or five years or every two to three years if you have pets or it experiences heavy soiling. Light-colored drapes may require washing more often—every one to two years—to keep them looking fresh and clean. In between professional cleanings, it’s a good idea to vacuum your drapes lightly with a special drape attachment to remove surface dirt, pet hair, and other debris. Avoid using abrasive vacuum brushes on more delicate materials, though, like silk and linen.

You should dry clean your drapes twice per year: once in the spring and once in the fall. Cleaning drapes in the spring will remove dust, pet hair, pet dander, and other contaminants that build up during the winter, and cleaning them again in the fall will remove pollen and other outside contaminants that accumulate in your drapes in the spring and summer. You should consider cleaning your drapes three or four times per year if you have a lot of pets or if someone in your household has severe allergies.