Get matched with top drapery cleaners in Marion, PA

You’ve stored your coats away all summer long, but now that the temperatures drop, you notice they smell weird as you pull them from storage. What’s the deal? If your clothes smell weird after you stored them, they may have been in a moist, dark environment for several weeks or months. This environment is ideal for mildew growth, which can make clothes smell musty.

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.

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.

Regular vacuuming, professional dry cleaning, and avoiding direct sunlight prolong the curtain lifespan.