Clean curtains with a steam cleaner in 8 steps

Curtains hang in the same place for years. They collect dust, cooking odors, and dust mites without you noticing right away. Taking them down and washing them is a chore: removing the hooks, risking shrinkage, ironing, and then hanging everything back up again.

With a steam cleaner skip that step. You clean your curtains while they remain hanging. The power of steam lifts dirt and odors from the fibers and lets the fabric fall smoothly again.

What steaming does and does not do

Good to know beforehand so you know what to expect.

Yes:

• Freshens the fabric and removes odors

• Removes light wrinkles and fold lines

• Tackles dust mites and bacteria with heat

• Loosens surface dirt and dust

Not:

• Removing stains. A steam cleaner does not suck anything up. Grease and dirt are loosened, but you then wipe them away yourself with a cloth.

• Replacing a wash for heavily soiled curtains. If there is years of buildup, washing or dry cleaning is the first step. After that, maintain them with steam.

Check your fabric first

Always check first that your curtain is suitable for steam cleaning. Check the care label or ask at the home furnishings store. Then test it for five seconds on the folded edge at the bottom and wait an hour.

What you need

• Your steam cleaner, filled with clean water

• The upholstery attachment with the white drying cloth around it

• An extra dry microfiber cloth for wiping afterward

• A towel to hang behind the curtain, if needed

Every model works for curtains. The difference is convenience. A handheld model such as the TS Compact is easier to hold up high and is ready to use in ten seconds. If you use a TS1, TS2, or TS3 Edge, attach the same upholstery attachment to the hose and keep the appliance on the floor.

Do you have hard water at home? Use demineralized water. This prevents limescale in the appliance and limescale spots on your fabric.

Do not add cleaning products to the water reservoir. The steam does the work, and cleaning products can damage the pipes and boiler.

Step by step

Step 1: vacuum or brush the curtain

Remove loose dust and lint first. Otherwise, the steam will press them into the fibers.

Step 2: pull the curtain slightly away from the wall

This prevents moisture from getting onto the wallpaper or window frame. If needed, hang a towel behind the fabric.

Step 3: fill and heat the appliance

Fill the reservoir and let it heat up. For the TS Compact, this takes about ten seconds; for the TS3 Edge, about one minute; and for the TS1 and TS2, two to eight minutes.

Step 4: steam away from yourself first

This is the step that makes all the difference. The first burst contains condensation. Spray it into the sink before you start. If you don't, the water will soak into your cloth and leave your curtain soaking wet instead of clean.

Step 5: wrap the cloth around the upholstery attachment

Attach the white drying cloth to the furniture attachment. It distributes the steam, catches loosened dirt, and keeps the attachment away from the fabric. Does your model have the Wet & Dry button, like the TS Compact and the TS3 Edge? Then choose dry steam. It leaves less moisture on the fabric.

Step 6: work from top to bottom

Start at the rail and work downward in calm, vertical strokes. Hold the attachment a few centimeters from the fabric, or place it lightly against the fabric if the care label allows it. Gently pull the fabric taut with your free hand; the wrinkles will come out faster.

Step 7: wipe down and let dry

Wipe over the areas where dirt has come loose with a dry microfiber cloth. Then open a window. A thin curtain will be dry within half an hour; heavy fabric may need one to two hours.

Step 8: empty the reservoir

Empty the water reservoir after every use. This prevents limescale buildup and keeps your appliance performing well for years.

Common mistakes

• Staying in one place for too long. Keep moving. Staying in one place causes wet spots and, with some fabrics, shiny patches.

• Working from bottom to top. Moisture moves downward. Starting at the top reduces extra work afterward.

• Using the attachment without a cloth. Then hot metal comes directly into contact with the fabric.

How often?

For most households, two to four times a year is enough. Do you live on a busy road, smoke indoors, have pets, or suffer from allergies? Then every two months is a good routine. Kitchen curtains need more attention because grease settles into the fibers.

Tip: You already have the furniture attachment in your hand. In the same go, include your sofa and your mattress along. That's the entire household's textiles in one go.

Frequently asked questions

Can I steam my curtains while they are hanging?

Yes. Steam vertically, from top to bottom, while the curtain remains hanging. There is no need to take it down.

Does steam remove stains from curtains?

No. Steam loosens dirt but does not vacuum anything up. Wipe away the loosened dirt yourself with a cloth. For a stain in the fabric, washing or dry cleaning is the better option.

Does steam work against dust mites in curtains?

The heat tackles dust mites and bacteria. For people with allergies, that's a reason to include curtains, mattresses, and sofas in one go.

Which appliance is best for curtains?

Every model can do it. With a handheld model such as the TS Compact works most comfortably at height because you only hold the appliance itself. With the TS1, TS2, and TS3 Edge, you use the same furniture attachment on the hose.

Can I put descaler or detergent in the reservoir?

No. Water only. Use descaler separately to maintain the appliance. If you have hard water, use demineralized water.