How Much Does It Cost to Dry Clean Curtains? (2024 UK)

Keeping your curtains clean is just one way of making sure that your home is looking extra fresh, keep germs out of your house and allow enough light to get into your home.

But keeping curtains clean can be a daunting task! And often, people worry about how much it’ll cost them to keep their curtains looking spick and span. 

It’s a confusing process because there are a lot of factors to consider before you dry clean your curtains. But if you keep on reading, you’ll learn some useful tips that you can take on board before you go out to dry clean your curtains.

 

How Much Does It Cost to Dry Clean Curtains?

Sadly, there is no one dry cleaning pricing system in the UK, so it’s virtually impossible for me to give you an exact price for your dry cleaning.

Why am I not able to tell you the exact price?

There are several factors that will impact the price you’ll end up paying for your dry cleaning, these factors are:

1. What material are your curtains made from?
2. Are your curtains lined or unlined?
3. How long are your curtains?
4. How heavy are your curtains?
5. What dry cleaner are you going to use – a known name or a single company.
6. Where you live.

Based on your answers to the questions above, a dry cleaner will decide what price to give you. 

It’s worth pointing out that some dry cleaners will charge you based on the weight of your curtains, and others will charge you based on the length of your curtains.

Additionally, dry cleaners almost always want to know if your curtains are lined or not, and this is reflected in the rate they charge you. Prices may also vary depending on how many curtains you want to be cleaned – you may be able to strike a deal if you want lots of curtains washed.

The type of curtains that you have will vary how the cleaning is priced. Some lighter types of curtain, for example, are priced per square metre, however others are priced by weight instead. On average, you can expect to pay the following according to Checkatrade:

• A basic, unlined curtain will cost between £3.70 and £6 per square metre, with an average of £4.85
• A basic, lined curtain will cost between £4.25 and £7 per square metre, with an average of £5.60
• A heavy lined curtain will cost between £4.75 and £8 per square metre, with an average of £6.40
• Net curtains will cost between £3.95 and £5.53 per square metre, with an average of £4.74
• Standard lined curtains will cost between £10 and £14 per kilo, with an average of £12
• Interlined curtains will cost between £12.50 and £16.50 per kilo, with an average of £14.50
• Blackout lined curtains will cost between £14 and £18 per kilo, with an average of £16
• Shower curtains will cost between £9.90 and £13.86 per kilo, with an average of £11.88

As mentioned above, these prices are only averages and they may differ significantly in the area you live in.

 

Where Can I Go to Get My Curtains Dry Cleaned?

There are many big names you can go to and there are also lots of small dry cleaners that you can use.

Here are some examples:

• Johnsons
• Timpson – might be in a Morrisons store
• Do an online search for ‘dry cleaners near me’ to find cleaners near you

Always do your homework before you use a dry cleaner. Read the company’s reviews online, ask your neighbours/friends for tips/advice, and don’t be afraid to go into a shop to get a quote and to ask questions before you agree to the dry cleaning.

 

Why Do I Have to Get My Curtains Dry Cleaned?

Here are a few reasons why you should dry clean your curtains:

• It tells your to do so on the label
• Keeps them clean
• Gives your curtains a longer life
• Health benefits
• Allows light to get into the room
• Gets rid of odours
• Appearance

 

How Often Should Curtains Be Dry Cleaned?

Some people never, ever clean their curtains, let alone dry-clean them. Usually, these curtains start to look old and grubby with age, and they’re usually a paradise for germs. So, if you don’t want to fall into this category you need to keep your curtains clean.

Here’s often you should dry clean your curtains:

• If you have a particularly dusty home (those who live near the sea/have a fireplace/smoke/live on a farm), you should aim to dry clean your curtains every year or so.
• If you need to keep your house clean for medical reasons, then dry cleaning your curtains every 4/6 months will do the world of good.
• If you tip something over your curtains you should clean them as soon as possible.
• Every 2 years or so will do the trick if you don’t want to clean your curtains too often.

 

What Curtains Must Be Dry Cleaned?

• Any curtains that come with a tag that says the curtains are ‘Dry Clean Only’ must be dry cleaned.
• Specific materials – silk, tapestry, wool, brocade, velvet, chenille and velour – must be dry cleaned.

 

What Will Happen If I Wash My ‘Dry Clean Only’ Curtains?

While it may be tempting to avoid dry cleaning your curtains, after all, you may be able to clean your curtains at home in the bath, it’s not advised.

Think about it, there’s a pretty good reason why the maker of your curtains put a label saying ‘Dry Clean Only’ on your precious curtains. So, listen to what they have to say.

Failing to do so will probably result in you ruining your curtains; the colour may fade, the material may warp, your curtains may not dry and go back to shape, and ultimately, you may have to buy new curtains to replace the old ones.

 

How Do I Keep My Curtains Clean After Dry Cleaning Them?

Check out these simple tricks to keep your curtains cleaner for longer…

• Dust or hoover your curtains, if it’s safe to do so.
• Clean around the windows, including the sills.
• Perhaps you can steam your curtains with a handheld steamer to keep them looking fresh – check labels!
• Make sure plenty of air gets into the room – open the windows to reduce the risk of condensation and mould forming.