Your curtains already work hard, they block light, give you privacy, and filter allergens. But when did you last give them a proper clean?
Whether you’re cleaning curtains at home, searching for “curtain steam cleaning near me” or (still) wondering how to steam clean curtains while hanging, this guide will walk you through the best tips for every curtain fabric. We’ll also help you decide when it’s best to go for professional help, like in-home curtain cleaning or our pick-up and delivery curtain cleaning services.
Why Regular Curtain Cleaning Is a Must in Singapore?
Singapore’s hot and humid climate create the perfect breeding ground for dust mites, mold, spores and allergens, and your curtains quietly collect them all. Without regular cleaning, your curtains could be quietly contributing to:
- Allergy flare-ups
- Poor indoor air quality
- Musty odors
- Dull, unappealing window treatments
Regular curtain cleaning, whether DIY or professional curtain steam cleaning services, helps extend your curtain’s lifespan and keeps your home fresh and healthy.
🧼Link It to Your Routine: Curtain Cleaning + Aircon Servicing
Many households in Singapore already schedule aircon servicing every few months to keep their air clean and cool, so why not treat your curtains the same way?
Curtains in enclosed room trap dust, odours, and allergens, even after your air conditioning has been serviced. That means clean air ends up flowing through dirty fabric, undoing the benefits of your aircon maintenance.
How to Identify Your Curtain Fabric
Before choosing a cleaning method, identify your curtain fabric. Check the care label (usually in the side seam or hem). No label? No worries, you can try these tests:
- Smooth and stretchy = polyester
- Soft, lustrous, cool = silk
- Textured, natural feeling = cotton or linen
- Thick, plush, directional texture = velvet
- Melts, chemical smell = synthetic fabric
- Burns quickly, paper smell = natural fiber
- Burn slowly, hair-like smell = silk
Curtain Cleaning Methods: Your Options
Not all curtains are equal, and not all can go straight to the wash.
Some can be machine-washed with ease, while others need a delicate touch or even professional help. When considering how to clean your curtains, there are generally three options:
- Best for: Cotton and polyester curtains
- Pros: Cost-effective, thorough cleaning
- Cons: Risk of shrinkage, not suitable for delicate fabrics
- Best for: Silk, velvet, and lined curtains
- Pros: Safe for delicate materials, preserve structure
- Cons: Higher cost, require professional service.
- Best for: Regular maintenance and freshening
- Pros: Sanitize without chemicals, curtains stay hanging
- Cons: Limited stain removal, requires proper equipment.
Fabric-Specific Curtain Cleaning Guide
Affordable, durable, and low maintenance, polyester is practical favorite:
- Why they’re popular: Breathable, versatile, widely available.
- Cleaning tip: Wash on a gentle cycle with mild detergent.
- Best practices: Use a gently cycle with mild detergent. Avoid high heat settings to prevent melting or shrinking.
- Ideal for: High-traffic areas like living rooms or kids’ bedrooms.
Elegant but delicate, silk adds luxury to any space, but needs exra tender loving care.
- Why they’re popular: Elegant
- Cleaning tip: Always opt for professional dry cleaning. Avoid direct sunlight to prevent fading.
- Best practices: If washing at home, use cold water and air dry
- Ideal for: Formal rooms or master bedrooms
Linens gives a breezy, natural vibe, perfect for tropical Singapore.
- Why they’re popular: Breathable, natural durable, and stylish texture
- Cleaning tip: Dry cleaning is safest.
- Best practices: If washing at home, use cold water and air dry to avoid shrinking.
- Ideal for: Living areas or reading nooks.
Simple and versatile, cotton is one of the easiest fabrics to clean
- Why they’re popular: Breathable, versatile, and widely available.
- Cleaning tip: Most cotton curtains are machine-washable.
- Best practices: Use a mild detergent and avoid high dryer heat to prevent shrinkage.
- Ideal for: Nearly any room in the house.
Thick and plush, velvet adds a touch of drama and warmth
- Why they’re popular: Superior light blocking, luxurious appearance
- Cleaning method: Professional curtain steam cleaning or dry cleaning to prevent crushing its texture.
- Best practices: Never machine wash. This crushes the pile texture
- Perfect for: Bedrooms rooms where blackout is needed.
Steam Cleaning VS Dry Cleaning: Which One Should You Choose?
What Fabrics Work Best with Steam Cleaning?
Here’s a quick guide to help you decide the best cleaning method based on your fabric and lifestyle.
Steam Cleaning
✔️Best for routine cleaning and freshening up
✔️Works well on cotton, polyester, and velvet (with care)
✔️Our at-home curtain cleaning service lets you steam clean curtains while hanging, no need to remove or rehang the curtains.
Dry Cleaning
✔️Ideal for silk, velvet or lined curtains
✔️Recommended for delicate or structured curtains.
Drop-off service typically includes dry cleaning, meanwhile, at-home service is focused on steam cleaning while curtains remain hanging.
Still unsure? Just drop us message on WhatsApp or fill out our home services form, and we’ll help you asses the best method based on your curtain material and lifestyle.
