Dusting Tops of Curtains--is There an Easy Way?

Updated on June 26, 2011
K.R. asks from El Cajon, CA
11 answers

I'm frustrated my cleaning lady doesn't do this (among other things), so now I have to do it. What's the quickest/easiest way to clean the dust off the wavy top of curtains? I suppose I could take them down, but will a vacuum attachment do the trick? Bye bye cleaning lady.

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So What Happened?

Thanks! I don't know how my home-sewn valances would do in the wash, so I ran the vacuum with brush over them and quickly went over the fronts too. It was so quick and easy, i think I'll do it every few months or so. I'm not a neat freak, but just don't want the dust to build up or it'll stick and never get out! I have never thought about the smell in the home.

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K.L.

answers from Redding on

I run the vacuum across the top with the brush attachment on. It helps get the dust off the drapery rod too. I have those rings that show above the drapes so they can get dusty and you can see it from across the room. I also every few weeks when cleaning hold the drapes out and vacuum down each to suck out dust. I spent a fortune on them 29 years ago (drop in the bucket compared to todays cost) and only took them down once, just a couple years ago to have them drycleaned. They told me the drapes were in remarkable shape because I dont wash them too often but I do keep the dust out. Weve been a bit crazy all these years about not letting people touch them too. They grab the edge to yank them open to look out the window and I just cringe. Dont touch my drapes!! lol 29 years,, they still look great!

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A.H.

answers from Chicago on

No I don't do this because then I'd have to buy dust mite food.

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K.N.

answers from Boston on

Another way to do this, especially if their made of a heavy fabric or one with a great deal of texture to it:

Put your curtains in the dryer with a damp (not sopping wet) facecloth. Set it on the lowest setting (even just a fluff setting) for 15 - 20 minutes or so. Take 'em out, give 'em a good shake and re-hang. The dryer gets all the dust & helps remove odors also.

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S.K.

answers from Dallas on

I use a vacuum attachment. My dyson has one that works great. I know some cleaning services see that as an extra job like cleaning the baseboards. I knew one lady who would do one extra job like that with each visit. You just had to specify which one you wanted done each time.

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S.H.

answers from St. Louis on

yes, a vacuum attachment will do it....but sometimes, I just beat them with a broom, etc.

Updated

yes, a vacuum attachment will do it....but sometimes, I just beat them with a broom, etc.

1 mom found this helpful
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G.B.

answers from Oklahoma City on

I take my curtains down twice a year and wash them. They get dirty up there and they need to be washed. If they are formal drapes and you want to vacuum then they only need to be dry cleaned once every other year or so maybe, I'd still want them clean due to our allergies.

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J.L.

answers from Minneapolis on

.

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L.C.

answers from Los Angeles on

I don't know if you are near the HB/CostaMesa area, but I have a great cleaning lady who will do anything I ask. If you are interested in her phone number give me a private shout out and I will reply! Like you, I hate finding dust!

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J.L.

answers from Los Angeles on

run the vacumn attachement across the top and it will get most. Every few months you can toss them in the dryer (w/o heat depending on the material) or a thorough "dusting."

C.O.

answers from Washington DC on

I wash my curtains once a year....

I have a vacuum attachment that gets it done - in an OKAY fashion...

talk to your cleaning company and find out WHY they do not do this...like the quarter round and floor boards - torques my chain if they do that too!! :)

GOOD LUCK!!

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A.G.

answers from Norfolk on

The easy way would be not doing it and just washing your curtains every month or four, or if you are like me every 12. You might just be a neat freak.

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