The average drapery cleaning cost is $190, depending on the number of drapes, its material, and any existing damage.
When your dusty drapes start to give haunted mansion vibes, it might be time to call a professional drapery cleaner. Drapery cleaning costs an average of $190, though you can pay as little as $60 or up to $400 for the service. Curtain cleaning comes down to the total number of curtains, specific material, its design, and all the small details that typically tip the scales. Let's open the curtains and take a look.
The terms drapery and curtain may be used interchangeably, but drapes tend to come in thicker materials and cover more of the window. On the whole, the cleaning process is often quite the same, as both come in delicate materials.
A “set” of drapes is defined as the number of curtains used to make up one window covering, which could include multiple panels. The size and amount of panels in one set all factor into the final price.
Keep in mind many professionals will charge a minimum service fee. If you have multiple drapes, it may be more cost effective to have them all cleaned in one visit.
Your drapes should feature a cleaning instruction tab that details the nature of the fabrics and whether hand washing, dry cleaning, steaming, or even machine washing is preferred. Drapery material can sway curtain cleaning costs all the way from $60 to $400 a set—the full price range—since it is the most important factor in determining the cleaning method. We'll break down each type of fabric below.
Drapes and curtains attach to curtain rods in a variety of ways. Tabs, rings, pockets, and grommets can dictate the best cleaning method. For example, pocket and tab drapes will typically cost between $60 and $150 per set because they do not have special hardware. Curtains with attached rings or grommets require delicate methods, pushing the average price up to $200 per set.
The four main cleaning methods for draperies are dry cleaning, steam cleaning, hand washing, and machine washing. Dry cleaning is by far the most common if you're looking for the deepest clean, but keep in mind that requires off-site transportation and a bit more time. In between dry cleans, you can save time and money by vacuuming, dusting, and shaking out your curtains.
Here's how the cost of drapery cleaning breaks down by method.
| Drapery Cleaning Method | Average Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Machine Washing | $75 – $150 |
| Steam Cleaning | $75 – $150 |
| Hand Washing | $150 – $200 |
| Dry Cleaning | $150 – $400 |
The majority of drapery cleaning costs will go toward labor. Pros have specialized skills and access to equipment and chemicals that ensure a deep clean. Professional house cleaners typically charge between $30 and $50 an hour for basic services. Home deep cleans range between $200 and $400, though they will often charge extra to spend extra time on the drapes.
Professional drapery cleaners may offer an estimate by foot or by pleat. On average, expect to pay between $2 and $7 per foot to clean drapes or $1 to $5 per pleat. Other companies may charge by the panel as well, though prices will widely range depending on the curtain material and weight.
On-site cleaning costs an average of $50 more than off-site cleaning where you take care of the drapery removal and transportation. However, if you've hired a house cleaning team to hand or machine wash your curtains, you may not need to worry about the upcharge since they are already on-site.
The moment you take down the curtains, you're bound to notice how dirty your windows have become. Professional window cleaning costs between $150 and $300 if you choose to hire a team. However, this is the price of the whole house. Most pros charge between $4 and $15 per window with a flat fee for the job.
When working with professional cleaners, it's kind to tip between 15% and 20% of the total bill for one-off jobs such as drapery deep cleaning. Regular tipping for dry cleaners and ongoing home cleaners is not as common, though you can offer an annual holiday thank-you tip.
If you choose to work with a cleaner that has tailoring skills, consider the cost of drapery repairs as well. Prices range depending on if you require hemming, grommet replacement, or even patching a tear.
Your curtain's material has the largest say in drapery cleaning costs, so always take a look at the label before purchasing. Much like a great sweater, it's crucial to follow the instructions to avoid shrinking or damaging the fabric.
| Material | Method | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Linen | Dry Clean | $70 – $200 |
| Cotton | Machine Wash | $65 – $150 |
| Silk | Dry Clean or Steam Clean | $80 – $200 |
| Polyester | Machine Wash | $65 – $90 |
| Velvet | Dry Clean | $60 – $150 |
| Lace | Hand Wash | $150 – $350 |
| Wool | Dry Clean | $60 – $150 |
Linen drapes should always head to the dry cleaners. They will cost between $70 and $110 per set to clean, though grommets or rings could increase the price to $200 per set.
Most curtains made of 100% cotton can go in the washing machine. Washing cotton curtains costs between $65 and $150 per set on average. Check the instructions for drying instructions and whether they should be kept separate from other items in the machine—particularly if they are a darker color.
Silk drapes cost between $80 and $200 per set to dry clean. Silk is one of the trickiest materials to deep clean, though you can steam away wrinkles in between washes.
Most polyester drapes can head into the washing machine or get washed by hand. They can even go in the dryer in some cases, though hanging them to dry is often best. You'll pay an average of $65 to $90 a set to clean polyester drapes.
Velvet curtains may help us reach our maximalist home dreams, but you definitely need to send those off to the dry cleaners. Dry-cleaning drapes made of velvet costs between $60 and $150 per set on average.
Lace curtains should almost always only get washed by hand. They are far too delicate for the machine and likely for dry cleaning as well. You'll pay between $150 and $350 per set depending on the delicacy and instructions on the curtains.
Wool and cashmere drapes require just as much care as your favorite winter sweater. You'll pay between $60 and $150 per set to dry clean these drapes.
You should have your drapes professionally cleaned at least annually. There may be some factors, like if you have pets or if anyone smokes in your home, to increase the frequency to two to three times per year to keep your drapes (and home) smelling fresh.
In between sessions, remove dust and pet hair from your drapes at least once a week. You can do this on your own with a vacuum or by removing them from the window and shaking out the dust outside.
Learning how to clean drapes and curtains is a must for homeowners looking to cut cleaning costs. Any materials that can handle machine washing, hand washing, or steaming are doable on your own. You'll spend less than $10 for cleaning materials and between $20 and $40 for a hand steamer.
Deeper cleaning and dry cleaning though, are best handled by professionals. If you're looking to balance the two options, remove the dust from your curtains with a vacuum once a week and opt for professional cleaning between seasons.
Minimizing the cost of cleaning curtains is possible when you handle all the small tasks surrounding the process. For example, learn to hang curtains like a pro and remove them before your cleaners arrive. Additionally, consider the following.
Shake off your curtains outside to remove the top layer of dust before cleaning.
Address any stains that require pre-soaking.
Handle basic drapery repairs yourself, such as small tears or attaching new rings.
Speak with at least three house cleaners to compare estimates.
Pair drapery cleaning with larger home cleaning contracts.
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The best curtain cleaning method depends on its material. Always check the care tag before throwing your drapes in water, either by hand washing or in the washing machine. Some materials are too delicate for either process and must go to the dry cleaners for proper care.
Custom curtains or drapes are an investment, often costing hundreds of dollars. Just like rugs or fabric furniture, cleaning helps maintain its original quality and keeps it lasting for years to come. Skipping regular drapery cleaning can result in discoloration, odors, mold or mildew, and even allergens from dust buildup.
