Your curtain cleaning service will depend on the type of curtains in your home, and the type of treatments they need. They’ll start by inspecting your curtains to understand the materials they’re made of and decide on the best cleaning methods. Generally, here’s what you can expect when your curtain cleaner shows up:

Curtain dry cleaning

While some types of curtains can be washed in the washing machine, steam and dry cleaning techniques are much more commonly used. Dry cleaning is the best method for the most delicate curtain fabrics like velvet, velour, tapestry, wool, chenille, brocade, and silk. But also those with a block-out lining that’s easily damaged. Your curtain cleaner will carefully take down your curtains (they’ll bring a step ladder) and take them to their dry cleaning facility. They’ll remove dust before pre-treating any stains. Next, they’ll put the curtains into a dry cleaning machine with a solvent, which removes the dirt before spinning to dry. Finally, they’ll return your curtains and hang them up for you so you don’t have to do a thing.

Curtain steam cleaning

Curtain steam cleaning is a popular method for cleaning drapes. Your cleaner may even be able to leave your curtains hanging while they do it, speeding up the process. They’ll use a steam cleaning machine with a jet nozzle to gently steam the fabric from top to bottom on both sides. This helps break down dirt, which your cleaner will gently brush away with a soft-bristled drapery brush. Once your curtains are cleaned, they’ll need around 30 minutes to fully dry.

Other upholstery servicesMost curtain cleaning professionals also offer other types of upholstery cleaning - often during the same service. You might like to bundle your curtain cleaning with blind cleaning, carpet cleaning, mattress cleaning, or couch cleaning to get the best value money (and an all-over clean house).