Curtain cleaning: fabrics, costs and service options
Curtain cleaning depends on the amount of fabric, its construction and the help you want at home. Two windows might have a few lightweight sheers or many lined panels. A useful quote therefore focuses on the curtains themselves, not the size of the property.
Which curtains need cleaning?
Sheers, heavy decorative curtains and blackout curtains differ in weight and construction. Linings, coatings, trims and multiple layers can affect treatment. Mention any mixture of types that need cleaning together.
Roman blinds, panel curtains and fabric vertical blinds can have additional fittings or mechanisms. Check that the company handles these systems. Fabric cleaning does not automatically include repairs to tracks, cords or motors.
Estimate the amount of fabric
Count individual curtain panels rather than windows. A pair means two panels; extra sheers or blackout panels count separately.
Where pricing is by square metre, the usual basis is the ungathered fabric width multiplied by the length. Window recess or track width is not a reliable substitute. Add the areas of the individual panels and confirm how lined or multilayer curtains are measured for billing.
For example, four panels each 1.5 m wide and 2.5 m long total 15 m². An approximate size is sufficient for the initial request. You do not need to take curtains down just to enquire or measure awkward places yourself.
How much does curtain cleaning cost?
Many textile cleaners charge by fabric area and curtain type. A lightweight unlined sheer is not directly comparable to a heavy or coated curtain. Some charge per item: check which size and treatment that price covers.
Illustrative calculation using an assumed rate: at CHF 9 per m² including VAT, cleaning 15 m² costs CHF 135. This is not a recommended market price or a Quoti tariff. Collection, fitting and other agreed services are not included in this example.
| Cost component | What to check before accepting |
|---|---|
| Cleaning | Fabric type, measured area, minimum quantity and included finishing or pressing. |
| Taking down and rehanging | Fixed fee or time charged, minimum duration, high tracks and access equipment. |
| Transport | Collection and return, service area and any minimum order value. |
| Additional work | Stain treatment, repairs or shortening priced separately; confirm VAT. |
Washing or professional cleaning?
The care label is the starting point. Material, construction and condition also matter. Professional wet cleaning is not the same as home washing. Request the service you need without having to choose a technical process yourself.
If the label is missing, fabric documents or information from the curtain retailer can help. The specialist can assess what is possible before treatment. With lining or blackout coatings, the visible outer fabric alone may not establish suitability.
Shrinkage, stains and existing damage
Curtains can change in length or shape during care. A blanket promise that every fabric will remain unchanged would therefore be unreliable. Have the original dimensions and condition recorded if the curtains need to meet the floor precisely.
Mention stains, nicotine, odours, weakened areas or damaged coatings in advance. Cleaning can treat dirt, but cannot simply restore faded colour or damaged fibres. Complete stain removal cannot be promised for every material.
If you also want curtains shortened, agree the cleaning, final dimensions and subsequent alteration together. Alteration is not automatically part of a cleaning order.
Organise collection and fitting
Taking down, cleaning, returning and rehanging are separate tasks. You can request a complete service or handle some tasks yourself. Cleaning curtains while they hang is only an option where the fabric, dirt and method are suitable.
- Identify each panel. Match curtains to windows using a room name and photo, for example. Similar-looking panels may have different lengths.
- Agree handling of fittings. Decide who removes and replaces hooks, gliders or weights. Not every component is easily removable.
- Prepare access. Mention high tracks and obstacles such as furniture so the company can plan suitable equipment.
- Check on return. Arrange return delivery or rehanging and check the panels, drape and agreed finishing together.
Compare quotes on the same basis
Have each quote specify the same fabric types, quantities, treatment and fitting requirements. Check the total and arrangements for problematic fabrics or extra work. A low rate per square metre means little if transport and rehanging are missing.
Turnaround depends on quantity, treatment and logistics. Agree collection and return separately, especially if rooms need privacy in between. Staggered collections can be useful for larger premises.
Frequently asked questions
How often should curtains be cleaned?
It depends on use and soiling. Cooking fumes, smoke and busy rooms can call for more frequent care than a rarely used room. Care instructions and actual condition are more useful than one fixed schedule for every fabric.
Can I have only some curtains cleaned?
Yes. Treating matching panels together can help keep their appearance and care condition consistent. Check whether minimum order values and transport costs suit the smaller job.
Do I need to know the exact fabric?
No. The visible curtain type and an approximate quantity are enough for the request. A care label, fabric documents or professional assessment can clarify details before a firm agreement.
Are taking down and rehanging included?
Not automatically. Request this help explicitly and agree access, time and transport. A collection-only service may expect the curtains to have already been taken down.
Can blackout curtains be washed?
It depends on the product. Coating, lining and care labelling need to be considered. The term blackout curtain alone does not identify a suitable washing programme.
