Curtains play a bigger role in your home than most people realise. They frame your windows, soften your interiors, and quietly collect dust, allergens, smoke, and everyday odours. While floors and carpets often get regular attention, curtain cleaning is commonly forgotten until stains or smells become noticeable.
For Australian homes, where dust, pollen, coastal air, and changing seasons all have an impact, keeping curtains clean is essential for both appearance and indoor air quality. At Supreme Cleaners, we often speak with homeowners who are surprised by how much fresher their space feels after professional curtain cleaning.
So, how often should curtains actually be cleaned? Let’s break it down in a practical, easy-to-follow way.
How Often Should You Clean Your Curtains?
As a general guideline, curtains should be cleaned every 6 to 12 months. However, the right frequency depends on several factors specific to your home and lifestyle.
If you live in a busy urban area or near a main road, your curtains are exposed to more airborne dust and pollution. Homes near the coast may also experience salt and moisture in the air, which can settle into fabrics over time. Households with pets, young children, or allergy sufferers may need curtain cleaning more frequently, often closer to every six months.
Fabric type also matters. Sheer and lightweight curtains tend to trap dust more quickly, while heavier blockout curtains absorb odours and airborne particles over time. Regular maintenance helps prevent grime from becoming embedded in the fabric, making cleaning easier and extending the life of your curtains.
While light surface dusting can be done at home, deeper cleaning is best handled by professional curtain cleaning, especially for delicate or lined curtains.
Signs Your Curtains Need Cleaning
Even if you can’t remember when your curtains were last cleaned, there are clear signs that shouldn’t be ignored. Curtains that look dull or faded may be holding onto a layer of dust. Lingering cooking smells or musty odours are another common indicator, particularly in kitchens and living areas.
Allergy flare-ups can also be linked to dirty curtains, as fabric traps pollen, pet dander, and fine dust. In some cases, you may notice visible marks around the edges or lower sections where curtains brush against windowsills or floors.
Addressing these signs early through regular curtain cleaning helps maintain a healthier and more pleasant home environment.
Benefits of Professional Curtain Cleaning
While vacuuming or spot-cleaning curtains might help temporarily, it rarely removes deep-seated dirt. Professional curtain cleaning offers a thorough approach that goes beyond surface-level results.
Experienced technicians understand how different fabrics respond to cleaning methods such as steam or dry cleaning. This ensures dust, allergens, and odours are removed without causing shrinkage, colour loss, or fabric damage. Professional services also save time and effort, especially for large or heavy curtains that are difficult to remove and rehang.
Using trusted curtain cleaning services also helps preserve the original look and feel of your curtains, keeping them fresh and presentable for longer.
How much does a curtain dry cleaning cost?
One of the most common questions homeowners ask is about pricing. The cost of curtain dry cleaning in Australia varies depending on several factors rather than a flat rate.
Curtain size plays a major role, as larger or floor-to-ceiling curtains require more time and resources. Fabric type also affects pricing, with delicate materials or lined curtains needing specialised care. Additional considerations may include whether the curtains need to be removed and reinstalled, as well as the level of soiling.
Rather than focusing on the cheapest option, it’s worth considering the value of proper fabric care. Quality curtain dry cleaning helps maintain appearance and reduces the risk of damage that can occur with incorrect home washing.
Is it worth getting curtains dry-cleaned?
For many households, dry cleaning is absolutely worth considering, especially for curtains made from delicate or structured fabrics. Dry cleaning is particularly suitable for blockout curtains, silk, velvet, and lined materials that may not respond well to water-based cleaning.
This method removes oils, odours, and fine particles without saturating the fabric, helping curtains retain their shape and finish. Compared to washing at home, dry cleaning reduces the risk of shrinking, fading, or uneven texture.
For everyday curtains in high-use areas, dry cleaning can be a practical way to refresh fabrics without compromising their quality. When combined with regular maintenance, it helps extend the overall lifespan of your curtains.
DIY Curtain Cleaning vs Professional Services
Some homeowners choose to clean curtains at home, especially lightweight or machine-washable styles. While this can work for basic upkeep, DIY methods often fall short when it comes to deep cleaning.
Home washing can be harsh on fabrics, particularly if care labels are misunderstood or ignored. Steam cleaning at home may also leave behind moisture, leading to mould or lingering odours if not dried properly.
In contrast, professional curtain cleaning uses appropriate techniques for each fabric type, ensuring thorough cleaning without unnecessary wear. This makes professional services a reliable choice for maintaining both hygiene and appearance, especially in busy Australian households.
How Curtain Cleaning Improves Indoor Air Quality
Curtains act like filters, trapping airborne particles that circulate through your home. Over time, this buildup can affect indoor air quality, especially for those sensitive to dust or pollen.
Regular curtain cleaning removes these trapped particles, helping create a fresher and healthier living space. This is particularly important in bedrooms and living areas where curtains are used daily and remain closed for extended periods.
Clean curtains also reduce odours caused by smoke, cooking, or pets, making your home feel more comfortable and inviting.
Final Thoughts
Curtains are an important part of your home’s comfort and style, yet they’re often overlooked when it comes to regular cleaning. By scheduling curtain cleaning every 6 to 12 months and paying attention to signs of dust and odours, you can keep your interiors looking their best.
Choosing professional curtain cleaning services ensures your curtains receive the right care, no matter the fabric or size. At Supreme Cleaners, we focus on helping homeowners maintain clean, fresh curtains that enhance their living spaces without unnecessary hassle.
If your curtains are due for a refresh, professional cleaning can make a noticeable difference to both your home’s appearance and indoor environment.
