How to Clean Sheer Drapes

Remove the curtain rod from the brackets and slide your sheer drapes off the rod. If you are using any hooks to hold the drape to the rod, remove these from the curtain.

Look at the tag on the curtain, which will typically be located at the top or bottom near a seam. Read the tag to find out whether the sheer drape is machine washable, and if so, whether it can be dried in a dryer.

Spray any stains or discoloration with a pretreatment if your sheers are machine washable. You can use a laundry stain remover or make your own: Pour some laundry detergent in an empty, clean spray bottle and then add enough water to thin it out so it will spray out of the nozzle easily. Work the treatment into the fabric with your fingernail or a small scrub brush. Spray it again, and then let the treatment sit for at least a half hour.

Wash the sheer drapes in a washing machine or by hand with a laundry detergent meant for delicate fabrics. For most fabrics, cold to warm water and the gentlest cycle on your machine are best, although the ideal washing method should be indicated on the curtain’s tag.

Remove the drapes from the washing machine and either lay them flat or hang them to dry. Do not put them in the dryer unless the tag specifically says that they can be dried in a machine; most of the fabrics that sheer drapes are made from tend to shrink in the dryer. When it comes to window treatments, even a small amount of shrinkage can ruin your curtains. If your drapes can go in the dryer, remove them promptly to prevent wrinkles.

Purchase a home dry cleaning kit if the drapes are not machine washable. Follow the kit’s directions to clean your drapes. In most cases, you will have to apply a pretreatment to any stains, which will come with the kit, and then place the drapes in a dry cleaning bag. Then, put the bag in your dryer and let it run for about an hour.

Take your window treatments to a dry cleaner in your area if you do not want to purchase a kit.

Rehang your curtains once they are clean and dry.