From blocking the sun and increasing privacy to incorporating some color and style to your space, it is easy to see the benefits of hanging drapes on your windows. Silk, linen, and cotton curtains are popular fabrics, but you should invest in a more durable option if you have pets and children in the home. Considering burlap is strong and resistant to weathering and tears, it is a smart option for your window coverings. With proper care and cleaning, your burlap drapes will last many years to come. With this guide, you will learn how to clean and protect your new burlap drapes.

Monthly

Dirt, dust, hair, and debris will build up on your curtains, no matter which fabric option you choose. Thankfully, cleaning this light debris off your burlap curtains is a simple process.

Each month, connect a brush attachment to your vacuum cleaner. Start at the top of your curtain and move the brush attachment down to the bottom of your drapery. Work your way across the entire burlap panel, suctioning dirt and dust from your curtains. To prevent added dust from blowing back onto your window treatment, make sure to empty your vacuum canister after cleaning each panel.

Yearly

Even with monthly maintenance, your burlap drapes may require a hand washing once a year. This will remove stubborn dirt and dust that will eventually stain the burlap fabric.

To wash your drapes, fill a large tub or your sink with lukewarm water. Do not use hot water, since the higher temperatures will cause the burlap to shrink. Add a tablespoon of powdered laundry detergent. Use your hands to swirl the powder, ensuring the detergent dissolves into the water.

After vacuuming your drapes, remove from the curtain rod and place in the tub. Allow to soak for a few minutes, but use your hands to gently scrub the soapy solution onto the burlap. Rinse the curtain panels with cold water under your sink or tub faucet. Make sure to rinse away all of the leftover soap and dirt.

Spread a towel on a flat surface and lay the burlap panel on top of the towel. Roll up the towel and burlap curtain together, allowing the towel to absorb moisture from the curtain. Do not try and dry the burlap by wringing it over the tub, since this could damage the wet burlap fibers.

Once the panels are dry, hang them on a rack to continue drying. Use an iron on a low setting to remove any wrinkles before hanging back on your curtain rod.

Proper cleaning and care will ensure your burlap drapes stand the test of time. With these tips, you can enjoy the beauty, function, and durability of burlap curtains for many years.