How to clean drapes and curtains without unhanging them

Probably the most daunting part of cleaning drapes and curtains is removing them from their hanging hardware and then hanging them back up again. Especially if your house came with the drapes, the hardware can look downright suspicious and ready to attack at the smallest misstep of trying to remove them. But if the curtains don’t need a thorough cleaning at a dry cleaner, you can definitely get them in better shape while not taking them down.

First, get your vacuum and attach the upholstery attachment (Google it if you aren’t sure which of the mysterious pieces the upholstery attachment is on your vacuum!) and then set the suction power on the lowest setting, and the power setting to lowest (some vacuums just have one low setting that does both). Then gently vacuum your drapes and curtains to remove dust and surface dirt.

If you have delicate, sheer or lace curtains, place a piece of nylon over the nozzle and secure with a rubber band or hair elastic. This will help prevent any accidental “eating” of your curtains by your vacuum if you aren’t paying attention.

Don’t forget you probably need to vacuum both sides of the curtains to thoroughly clean them.

Having trouble with the curtains trying to fly away on you while you clean them? Enlist one of your kids to hold the bottom while you vacuum.

How to clean and wash curtains