Can You Wash Blackout Curtains? (Find Out Now!)

Whether the blackout curtains are custom-made or you purchased them from a local retail store, figuring out how to properly clean them can be a struggle. So, with that said, “can you wash blackout curtains?”

In short, yes, you can wash blackout curtains. However, since blackout curtains have triple lining to defend against the light from outside and many have a rubber or foam coating on the back, they cannot simply be thrown in your washing machine. Instead, they must be cleaned using specific methods, such as spot cleaning with a mild detergent, steam cleaning, dusting with a feather duster and vacuum, and deep cleaning with soapy water.

Continue reading to learn more about the correct way to care for blackout curtains in a way that preserves their integrity and keeps them looking great for many years to come.

Blackout curtains are a type of curtain that are designed to completely block sunlight from entering a room, regardless of the time of day. Their construction varies, but most blackout curtains consist of a fabric front and a thick coating on the back that creates a solid barrier to block out the light. These curtains are an excellent choice for nurseries, media rooms, bedrooms, and are commonly seen in hospital and hotel rooms.

Because of the material’s density, blackout curtains can also be used to save energy. They can provide insulation against cold and heat from the outside, while also keeping air conditioning or heat trapped inside your home.

When it comes to washing blackout curtains, you should always read the care label first. This is the case with all types of curtains, but especially the blackout variety. Some may indicate that they are dry clean only, and others may recommend that you don’t completely immerse the material in water.

Regardless, in most cases, you can wash blackout curtains. However, you can’t just toss them in your washing machine and expect it to get the job done. The method for washing blackout curtains ultimately depends on the material it is made out of. While some have a thick rubber or foam coating on the back, others do not and are made of a woven triple weave fabric.

If dusting and vacuuming doesn’t yield the desired results, your next option is to spot clean with warm water and a mild detergent. We highly advise testing the detergent in an inconspicuous spot first to ensure that you don’t damage the fabric. Don’t use any detergent that has bleach or harsh chemicals, as these ingredients can change the fabric color. The color of the detergent could also leave marks on light-colored blackout curtains, so opt for one that is free of dyes.

Simply dip a clean sponge or cloth in a bowl of warm soapy water, wring it out, and blot the stains on the curtains. Rinse quickly before the detergent has had time to harden. For curtains with synthetic backing, you can give the back a brief wipe down.

On occasion, it may be necessary to deep clean your blackout curtains. In this case, you’ll want to remove the curtains from the rods and shake them out to remove any dirt or dust. Fill up your bathtub or a large sink with warm, soapy water. Place your blackout curtains in the water, making sure that they are fully submerged.

Gently swirl the curtains around inside the water. Then, wipe or rub down the coating on the back with a soft cloth or sponge. Drain the water and rinse the curtains twice with cold, clean water to remove excess soap. Finally, gently wring out as much water as possible and hang the curtains to dry.

Note: Do not perform this method if the material of your blackout curtains cannot be completely submerged.