We’ve all been there. You’re relaxing at home when you hear a “ding” on your phone.

“Hi, we’re nearby. Can we drop by later for a visit?”

Or worse — your mother-in-law announces she’ll be visiting tomorrow. Suddenly, you look around your living room with fresh eyes and notice those curtains that seemed “fine” yesterday now look dirty and unkempt.

Don’t panic. While professional curtain cleaning is the gold standard, here’s your emergency curtain refresh playbook to get things looking guest-ready — fast.

Items to Grab

Before you start, here's a list of everyday items to help you:

• Vacuum cleaner with brush attachment
• Lint roller (or masking tape)
• Fabric refresher spray
• Steam iron or garment steamer
• Clean microfiber cloth
• Hair dryer (optional)

Quick Fix #1: Vacuum

⏱ Time needed: 5–7 minutes

Use your vacuum’s brush attachment on low to medium suction. Work top to bottom, especially on pleats and folds where dust hides, hems where pet hair collects, and behind the curtains where wall dust settles.

👉 Pro tip: Hold the curtain with one hand to avoid sucking the fabric into the vacuum.

Quick Fix #2: Stain Removal

⏱ Time needed: 3–5 minutes per stain

For small stains that suddenly become obvious under bright daylight:
Blot with a damp cloth (don’t rub). For greasy marks, mix a little dish soap with water. Work from the outside of the stain toward the center and dry with a clean cloth. If needed, use a hair dryer on a cool setting.

⚠️ Always test on a hidden corner first.

Quick Fix #3: Steam Away Wrinkles & Odours

⏱ Time needed: 10–15 minutes

Nothing makes curtains look “just washed” faster than steam. Use a garment steamer or your iron’s steam function. Steam from the back side when possible, keeping the device moving to avoid water spots. Lightly tug the fabric while steaming for a wrinkle-free drape.

No steamer? Hang curtains in the bathroom while you take a hot shower — let the steam do the work.

Quick Fix #4: The Lint Roller Lifesaver

⏱ Time needed: 2–3 minutes

Perfect for removing pet hair, surface dust, and tiny debris. Roll in long downward strokes and change sticky sheets often. If you don’t have a lint roller, masking tape wrapped around your hand works just as well.

Quick Fix #5: Fabric Refresher Spray

⏱ Time needed: 2 minutes

A light mist of fabric refresher can neutralise cooking smells, add a clean scent, and reduce static. Spray lightly from about 15cm away, test on a hidden spot first, and ensure good ventilation.

When Quick Fixes Aren’t Enough

Sometimes, despite your best efforts, curtains need more than an emergency refresh. Deep-set odours, visible stains, heavy dust build-up, or delicate fabrics simply cannot be fully addressed with quick fixes. That’s when it’s time to call in the professionals.

Schedule Regular Professional Curtain Cleaning Sessions

Of course, there’s only so much last-minute fixes can do. If your curtains are stained, dusty, or haven’t been cleaned in years, a quick steam won’t hide the problem. That’s where professional curtain cleaning comes in.

With Washlab’s specialised dry clean and wash services, your curtains don’t just look fresher—they feel lighter, smell cleaner, and last longer. Instead of rushing to cover up the problem every time guests drop by, you’ll have the confidence of knowing your home already looks its best.

Relax, You’ve Got This

Guests don’t expect a showroom-perfect home, but they will notice if curtains look dusty or dull. With these quick hacks, you can make your curtains look fresh and presentable in under 15 minutes.

And for those times when you want everything absolutely perfect—or when your curtains need more than a quick fix — professional cleaning from Washlab ensures your home is always guest-ready.

Because at the end of the day, the most important thing you offer your visitors is warmth and hospitality. Everything else is just window dressing.

Keen to schedule a session? Reach out to Washlab today!