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Curtain Cleaning in London: Cost, Process, Fabrics and What to Expect
Your curtains are one of the largest fabric surfaces in your home, yet most people go years without cleaning them properly. Dust, cooking smells, pet hair, pollen, mould spores and cigarette smoke all build up in curtain fabric over time. This affects your indoor air quality, makes your rooms smell stale, and can even trigger allergies and asthma.
Professional curtain cleaning in London does not have to be expensive or difficult. At Whiteleys Cleaners, we offer a full collect, clean and rehang service across London. We take your curtains down, clean them using the right method for the fabric, and bring them back looking fresh and smelling clean. We also offer free collection across South London and a 25% discount for first-time customers.
Why You Should Clean Your Curtains Regularly
Curtains act like a giant filter in your home. They hang near windows where dust, pollution and moisture collect. Over time, this build-up causes several problems.
Allergies and breathing problems. Dust mites, pollen and mould spores trapped in curtain fabric can cause sneezing, itchy eyes, and breathing difficulties. If anyone in your home has asthma, eczema or hay fever, dirty curtains make symptoms worse. Regular curtain cleaning removes these allergens and improves the air quality in your home.
Bad smells. Cooking odours, cigarette smoke and pet smells absorb into curtain fabric and stay there. You might not notice it because you live with it every day, but visitors often can. A professional clean removes these trapped odours completely.
Fabric damage. Dirt, dust and sunlight work together to break down curtain fabric over time. The fibres weaken, colours fade, and the curtains start to look old and tired. Cleaning your curtains regularly actually extends their lifespan by removing the grit and grime that damages the fibres.
Appearance. Clean curtains look noticeably brighter and fresher. You will be surprised how much better a room looks when the curtains have been professionally cleaned. Colours look deeper, patterns look sharper, and the whole room feels cleaner.
How Much Does Curtain Cleaning Cost in London?
Curtain cleaning costs depend on several factors: the size of the curtain, the type of fabric, the level of soiling, and whether any special treatment is needed. Here is a general guide to help you budget.
A standard lined curtain panel typically costs from around £15 to £30 to clean. Larger or floor-length curtains may cost a bit more. Very heavy fabrics like velvet or interlined curtains are at the higher end because they need more careful handling and longer drying times.
Sheer curtains and voiles are usually less expensive to clean because they are lighter and easier to handle. Net curtains typically cost from around £8 to £15 per panel.
For a precise quote based on your specific curtains, please book a collection or contact us with details about your curtains (fabric type, size, and number of panels). We will give you a firm price before we start any work.
Note: I am not quoting exact fixed prices here because curtain cleaning costs vary depending on fabric, size and condition. The figures above are approximate ranges to give you a general idea. Please contact Whiteleys Cleaners directly for a current, accurate quote.
How Professional Curtain Cleaning Works
Many people put off cleaning their curtains because they think it will be a hassle. With our service, it is actually very easy. Here is the step-by-step process.
Step 1: You Book a Collection
Visit our online booking page or call us. Tell us how many curtain panels you have, what fabric they are made from (if you know), and choose a collection date. If you are not sure about the fabric, do not worry — we can identify it when we collect.
Step 2: We Collect Your Curtains
Our driver comes to your home and carefully takes down your curtains. We handle the hooks, rings, eyelets and any other fittings. You do not need to do anything except open the door. If you prefer, you can take them down yourself before we arrive and we will just pick them up.
Step 3: Inspection and Cleaning
Back at our workshop, we inspect each curtain panel. We check the fabric type, look for stains, test colourfastness, and decide on the best cleaning method. Some curtains need dry cleaning. Others can be wet cleaned. Very delicate fabrics may need specialist hand cleaning. We choose the method that will give the best results without risking damage to the fabric.
Step 4: Finishing
After cleaning, we steam press or hand finish each panel so it hangs properly when you put it back up. We fold and package each panel carefully to prevent creasing during delivery.
Step 5: Delivery and Rehang
We deliver your clean curtains back to your home. If you booked our rehang service, we hang them back up for you. If not, we deliver them folded and ready for you to hang yourself.
The whole process usually takes five to seven working days, depending on the fabric type and how busy we are. If you need a faster turnaround, let us know when you book and we will do our best to help.
What Types of Curtains Can Be Professionally Cleaned?
We clean virtually every type of curtain fabric. Here is a guide to the most common types and how we handle them.
Cotton Curtains
Cotton is one of the most common curtain fabrics. It is durable and cleans well, but it can shrink if washed at the wrong temperature. We wet clean cotton curtains at a controlled low temperature to avoid shrinkage, then press them while slightly damp to get a smooth, crisp finish.
Linen Curtains
Linen is a beautiful natural fabric but it creases easily and can shrink. We usually dry clean linen curtains to keep their shape and texture. After cleaning, we steam press them carefully. Linen does have a natural slightly rumpled look, so we aim for a finish that looks crisp but still has the soft, relaxed character of linen.
Silk Curtains
Silk is the most delicate curtain fabric and needs expert handling. Water can leave marks on silk, and rough handling can damage the fibres. We always dry clean silk curtains using gentle solvents. We then hand press them at a low temperature. If your silk curtains are very old or fragile, we will let you know if there is any risk before we start.
Velvet Curtains
Velvet curtains are heavy, luxurious and often very expensive. They need specialist dry cleaning because water can crush the pile and ruin the texture. We dry clean velvet curtains and then steam them in a way that lifts and restores the pile. The result is curtains that look and feel as good as new.
Polyester and Synthetic Curtains
Synthetic curtains are generally easier and cheaper to clean. They can usually be wet cleaned without any risk of shrinkage or colour loss. They dry quickly and resist creasing. Most polyester curtains come out looking almost brand new after a professional clean.
Sheer Curtains, Voiles and Nets
These lightweight fabrics are delicate and can snag or tear if handled roughly. We wash them carefully in mesh bags at a low temperature, then hang them to dry. Sheer curtains often come out brilliantly white after cleaning, especially if they had started to turn grey or yellow from dust and sunlight.
Interlined and Blackout Curtains
Interlined curtains have an extra layer of fabric between the face fabric and the lining. This makes them heavier and more complex to clean. Blackout curtains often have a rubber or PVC coating on the back that can peel if cleaned incorrectly. We assess each pair individually and use the safest method to avoid damaging the lining or coating.
Can You Wash Curtains at Home?
You can wash some curtains at home, but there are real risks. Here is what can go wrong.
Shrinkage. Many curtain fabrics shrink when washed in water, especially cotton, linen and some blends. Even a small amount of shrinkage can mean your curtains no longer reach the floor or cover the window properly. Once a curtain has shrunk, there is no way to stretch it back.
Colour bleeding. Some dyes are not colourfast and will run when wet. This can ruin the curtain and stain other items in the wash. You might not know a fabric is not colourfast until it is too late.
Weight when wet. Large curtains become extremely heavy when wet. A pair of floor-length lined curtains can weigh 10 to 15 kilograms when soaked. Most domestic washing machines cannot handle this weight, and trying to lift dripping wet curtains from the machine to a drying line is a real struggle.
Creasing and damage. Tumble drying curtains can cause permanent creasing, heat damage and shrinkage. Air drying takes a long time and curtains often end up stiff and wrinkled.
For lightweight polyester or cotton curtains, home washing can work if you are careful. But for anything lined, interlined, silk, velvet, or particularly expensive, professional cleaning is the safer option. For a full guide to at-home curtain care, see our article on how to clean curtains at home.
How Often Should You Clean Your Curtains?
Most experts recommend cleaning your curtains every 12 to 18 months. However, you may need to clean them more often if:
- You live near a busy road (pollution and exhaust particles settle on curtains)
- You have pets (pet hair, dander and odours build up fast)
- Anyone in your home has allergies or asthma
- You smoke indoors
- Your kitchen curtains are exposed to cooking grease and steam
- You notice visible staining, discolouration or musty smells
Between professional cleans, you can keep your curtains fresher by vacuuming them regularly with an upholstery attachment. This removes surface dust and helps prevent build-up deep in the fabric.
Areas We Cover for Curtain Cleaning in London
Our curtain cleaning service with free collection and delivery covers a wide area of London, including:
- Clapham, Battersea and Wandsworth
- Balham, Streatham and Brixton
- Bromley, Beckenham and West Wickham
- Croydon, Shirley and Coney Hall
- Crystal Palace, Penge and Sydenham
- Dulwich, Herne Hill and Camberwell
If your area is not listed, contact us anyway. We may still be able to arrange a collection depending on your location.
Curtain Cleaning FAQs
How long does curtain cleaning take?
The typical turnaround is five to seven working days from collection to delivery. This allows time for inspection, cleaning, drying and pressing. Heavier fabrics like velvet may take a day or two longer. If you need a faster turnaround, let us know when you book.
Will my curtains shrink during cleaning?
We take every precaution to prevent shrinkage. We test the fabric, check the care label, and choose the cleaning method that minimises any risk. For fabrics prone to shrinkage (like cotton and linen), we dry clean rather than wet clean. In rare cases, very small amounts of shrinkage (less than 1%) can occur with natural fabrics, but this is usually not noticeable.
Can you remove stains from curtains?
Yes, we treat stains individually before cleaning. Common curtain stains include water marks, mould spots, grease splashes and sun fade. Most stains can be removed or significantly reduced. Very old or heat-set stains may be more difficult, but we will assess each case and let you know what to expect.
Do you take curtains down and rehang them?
Yes, we offer a full take-down and rehang service. Our team will carefully remove your curtains, noting the position of hooks and fittings, and rehang them when we deliver. This is available for an additional charge. If you prefer to handle the hanging yourself, we can simply collect and deliver the curtains folded.
Can you clean curtains with blackout lining?
Yes, but blackout-lined curtains need special care. The rubber or PVC coating on blackout lining can peel or crack if cleaned with the wrong method. We inspect each pair and choose the safest approach. In some cases, very old blackout lining may be too deteriorated to survive cleaning — we will let you know before we start.
Is it worth getting curtains professionally cleaned?
Yes, for most people. Professional curtain cleaning removes allergens, odours and built-up grime that vacuuming alone cannot reach. It extends the life of your curtains, keeps them looking their best, and improves the air quality in your home. Compared to the cost of replacing curtains (which can run to hundreds or even thousands of pounds for quality fabric), professional cleaning is very good value.
Book Your Curtain Cleaning Today
Ready to get your curtains looking and smelling fresh again? Book your free collection online and get 25% off your first order with Whiteleys Cleaners. We handle everything from collection to delivery, so you do not have to lift a finger.
If you also need curtain alterations or shortening, we can do that at the same time as cleaning — saving you an extra trip and extra cost.
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