Dust, pollen, bird droppings, and moisture are just some things that outdoor curtains retain throughout the entire season. Regular maintenance is required during the operating season. In the absence of maintenance, the fabrics fade quicker, and mildew starts to develop. In this guide, we'll cover monthly maintenance, deep cleaning, stain removal, and correct storage to ensure your outdoor curtains are up to your seasonal standards.
Check your fabric
Before grabbing any cleaning solution, flip your curtain and check for a care label. What kind of fabric your curtain is made of will determine which cleaning products and methods are appropriate.
Common outdoor curtain materials include solution-dyed acrylic (premium, fade-resistant, and mildew-resistant), and spun polyester (budget-friendly, easy care).
Polyester outdoor curtains are low maintenance and budget-friendly. They can be machine washed, but high heat can damage the fibers, so use cold water and low heat settings when drying.
Canvas and cotton blends are a bit more difficult to deal with because they are more sensitive. Also they are more prone to shrink during a wash and are more likely to develop mildew unlike synthetic options. Instead of fully washing these, they are better off being spot cleaned. Also, these fabrics need to fully dry before being folded or put away to avoid mildew.
Outdoor sheer fabrics are also a bit more fancy and need some more careful handling, but they are also more fragile. Hand washing is the safest bet for sheer fabrics.
If the care label is left off or is not understandable, then test some samples of the cleaning solution, but only in a hidden area. Make sure that you allow the area to fully dry to see if there has been any discoloration or damage.
Monthly cleaning routine
If you do a brief cleaning once a month, there should not be any buildup that causes permanent stains to form or mildew. The deep cleaning will also be a lot more feasible. This should take only around a few minutes.
Begin with a thorough shaking of each panel to remove dust and other loose debris. This is best executed outdoor on a nice breezy day where you are upwind.
Then, to remove any dirt that is stuck to the curtains, you can use a hose, and lightly use pressure to not damage anything. For curtains that are not heavily used, a hose is a good option to use to keep the curtains looking fresh.
When the fabric is wet, take the time to look the fabric over for any mildew spots that may be present. They are easier to notice on wet fabric. During your monthly routine, small spots that are discovered early can be treated before they become a larger problem. Take a look at the bottom hem and any folds that may trap moisture, as those are the areas that will often be the most problematic.
Let the curtains dry completely without moving from their place. Damp curtains that are moved to storage and then folded create an ideal environment for mildew growth.
Deep cleaning
Cleaning your outdoor curtains needs to be done at a minimum of two times for each season. If the curtains have a dull look, visible dirt, or a musty odor, make sure to do a full wash to the curtains regardless of how much time has passed since the last wash.
Prepare the curtains for the deep cleaning process. Take the curtains off the rod and shake them to remove large amounts of debris that may be present. Place them on a flat surface, and using a soft brush, get rid of any loose dirt that is present. For stains that are visible, apply a small amount of a mixture that contains mild dish soap and water, and let that sit for 15 minutes before cleaning.
Choose how you want to wash it. If washing by machine, use cold water, a gentle cycle, and a small amount of mild liquid detergent. Avoid bleach and fabric softeners, as they add to residue buildup and attract dirt. Fabric softeners also disrupt water-resistant coatings.
If you want to wash it by hand, you can fill a tub or a clean garbage bin with lukewarm water. Once you fill it up, you can add a small amount of liquid soap. Then, put the curtains inside and move the curtains up and down in the water to remove dirt from the fabric. After doing that for fifteen to twenty minutes, you can throw out the water and fill the container with clean water, making sure to swish the curtains a couple of times to rinse out all soap residue, as leftover soap could make the curtains turn out dull.
Make sure to rinse all soap out of the fabric after washing. Soap left in curtains will discolor and attract dirt. It is always better to rinse more than to not rinse enough.
Make sure to dry curtains properly. You can hang them back on the curtain rod or over a clean line. Never put outdoor curtains in a dryer. The heat can damage the fibers and warp or melt any grommets or plastic parts. Polyester is especially prone to shrinking or melting with high heat.
If the curtains are too large for a washing machine, clean them while they're still hanging. Just spray them with a hose, use a diluted soap solution with a soft sponge to gently scrub, and rinse thoroughly. This is ideal for large fabric curtains or canvas drapes that are difficult to handle when wet.
Mildew removal
Outdoor curtains can develop mildew, which can be problematic. Mildew should be removed as soon as it is noticed. Leftover mildew spores can stain fabric permanently, so it's better to act fast.
If it's light mildew, mix equal parts water and white vinegar in a spray bottle. Spray the affected area, scrub with a soft sponge, and rinse. The vinegar will kill mildew without damaging most outdoor fabric and should do the job.
You may need something stronger for deeper mildew damage. In a separate bucket, combine 1/4 cup of oxygen bleach (like OxiClean) with 1 gallon of water, then apply the solution to the affected mildew area and let it sit for 30 minutes. After it sits, scrub the area with a soft bristle brush, and then rinse thoroughly. Oxygen bleach is safer for colored fabrics than chlorine bleach, but it is still smart to test on a small, unnoticeable portion of the fabric first to ensure that it will not cause discoloration. Check your care label, as some solution-dyed acrylics do allow diluted chlorine bleach for stubborn mildew.
Stain removal
Certain stains require specific treatment. For bird droppings, first let them dry and then scrape the droppings off, and treat the area with an enzyme-based cleaner. For tree sap, rub the area with a cotton ball soaked in rubbing alcohol. For rust stains, use a fabric-safe rust remover and test on an inconspicuous area first, as some rust removers contain harsh acids that can damage synthetic fibers. The stains left behind by sunscreen and body oils can be removed by applying dish soap (like Dawn) directly to the spot before washing the fabric.
All cleaning solution residue must always be rinsed out. Stains on fabrics may worsen under exposure to sunlight if cleaning residue is left behind.
If your curtains have a lot of mildew, or if there are dark stains that have been present for a long time and are not budging, then the fabric is more than likely damaged beyond saving. Heavy mildew means spores have worked deep into the fabric fibers, and will likely return even after cleaning.
Seasonal storage and off-season care
When storing your curtains make sure they are fully clean and dry. Mildew loves dirt and moisture trapped in fabric. In places with mild winters, curtains can generally remain up all year with just a little care. Winter weather with freezing temperatures, prolonged snow, and rainy seasons cause curtains to wear out quicker.
When storing curtains, fold them loosely instead of tightly packing them. Tight folds can create permanent creasing in some fabrics. If you have space, it's a good idea to roll curtains over a cardboard tube to avoid fold lines.
When storing curtains, it's best to use a breathable container. Moisture gets trapped in plastic. Old pillowcases and fabric storage bags are better options. Store them in a dry shade outside of direct sunlight and with no extreme temperatures.
While you have your curtains taken down, use the time to clean the hardware too. Take a damp rag to the curtain rod, and when that's dry, apply wax or silicone spray to metal rods to avoid rust. Make sure the brackets that hold the rods in place are still tight and if any clips, rings, or chains on the rod have moving parts, they can use some lubricating too.
A simple routine saves money
Monthly rinsing prevents buildup. Deep cleaning every so often, before problems set in, keeps the fabric looking fresh and new. Drying fully before storage keeps mildew away. Adhering to these practices, you will get a lot more than just a couple more years of use out of your outdoor curtains.