Do you remember a time when your curtains face tough stains, dirt or grime that water-based cleaning just can't handle?

While regular washing may remove basic dust or surface dirt, some stains require a more specialised approach—this is where dry cleaning comes in. 

But when do you send your curtains for a dry clean? Let's break down the types of stains that dry cleaning is particularly great at handling, so that you’ll know when it’s time.

1. Grease and Oil Stains

Cooking oil, grease and oily residues are some of the most challenging stains to remove from fabric, especially when dealing with curtains. Water alone often won’t do the trick, and soap can simply smear the oil around. 

Dry cleaning, however, is highly effective against grease-based stains due to its use of solvents that break down oil molecules.

Whether it's a grease spill from cooking or oily residues from other sources, dry cleaning solvents dissolve the oils, ensuring your curtains come out spotless—without risking fabric damage or shrinkage.

2. Wine and Food Stains

Accidents happen, and food or drink stains on curtains are common, especially in areas like the kitchen or dining room. 

Dry cleaning works wonders on stubborn stains like red wine, coffee and sauces. 

Traditional washing techniques may spread the stain or fail to lift it entirely, while dry cleaning professionals treat the stain directly with specialized pre-treatment solutions before the fabric goes through the dry cleaning process.

This targeted treatment increases the chances of successful stain removal, ensuring that even the toughest food and beverage stains are eliminated without damaging the curtain fabric.

3. Ink and Dye Marks

Ink stains from pens, markers or printers can be particularly tricky to remove from fabric. 

Once an ink stain sets, it can become nearly permanent if not treated properly. 

Dry cleaning offers a much more effective solution than DIY methods, as it involves professional-grade solvents designed to break down ink and dye.

Whether it’s a small ink spot or a large ink spill, dry cleaning removes these marks without leaving any residue, ensuring your curtains remain as good as new.

4. Makeup and Skincare Products

Makeup and skin care products are common culprits for staining curtains, especially in bedrooms and living areas. 

Products like foundation, lipstick, or moisturiser leave greasy marks that are hard to clean with traditional methods. These stains don’t always show immediately but can build up over time, causing fabric to look dull and stained.

Dry cleaning is ideal for this type of grime. 

The solvents in dry cleaning can break down grease and oils found in makeup, skincare, or hair products, effectively lifting them without damaging the fabric. This is why dry cleaning is often the preferred method for curtains in bedrooms, where personal care products are most common.

5. Pet Stains and Odours

If you have pets at home, chances are you've encountered pet-related stains and odours on your curtains. Urine, fur, and oils from pets can leave an unpleasant smell and discolouration. Dry cleaning is an effective solution to address both the stains and the lingering odours caused by pets.

The dry cleaning process can not only clean up the stains but also neutralise the odours, ensuring your curtains smell fresh. Specialised cleaning agents are used to treat pet-related stains, preventing them from setting into the fabric.

6. Heavy Dirt and Dust Accumulation

Curtains, especially in high-traffic areas or near windows, are prone to accumulating dust and dirt. 

Regular vacuuming may help, but it won’t remove deep-set grime or pollutants that can build up over time. 

Dry cleaning is highly effective for deep cleaning, removing embedded dust, dirt and pollutants that are stuck in the fabric’s fibres.

This deep cleaning method ensures that your curtains not only look better but also feel fresher, improving the overall air quality in your home by removing trapped allergens and particles.

7. Mould and Mildew

In humid environments like Singapore, mould and mildew can form on curtains, particularly if they're kept in damp conditions. These fungi thrive in moisture, making curtains an ideal location for growth. 

While dry cleaning can’t completely eradicate a severe mould problem, it is effective at treating early-stage mould or mildew stains and preventing them from spreading.

Dry cleaning removes these stains and can also help neutralise the associated odours, leaving your curtains looking and smelling fresh. For severe mould infestations, a professional dry clean is recommended before going for additional treatments.

If you’re not convinced why curtain cleaning is essential for a mould-free home, read this article here.

8. Odours from Smoke or Cooking

Curtains, especially in kitchens or living rooms, can absorb odours from cooking, cigarettes or even pet smells. 

While air fresheners may mask the smell, they won’t get rid of the lingering stench. 

Dry cleaning, on the other hand, is highly effective at removing persistent odours that regular washing or air fresheners can’t tackle.

The solvents used in dry cleaning neutralise odours rather than just covering them up, leaving your curtains smelling fresh and clean, and restoring the overall feel of your home.

9. Heavy Stains from Dust Mites and Allergens

If you suffer from allergies, you know that dust mites, pollen and other allergens can accumulate in your curtains, making them a potential source of irritation. 

While regular washing or steaming might not be enough to remove deep-seated allergens, dry cleaning offers a thorough solution.

The solvents and deep cleaning processes used in dry cleaning help eliminate dust mites, pollen and other microscopic allergens, helping to reduce the chances of allergic reactions and improving your home’s air quality.

10. Stubborn Water Stains

Water marks can be tricky to deal with, especially on fabric curtains that are sensitive to water exposure.

Unlike traditional washing, dry cleaning can remove water-based stains like hard water spots, which are particularly common in areas with high mineral content in water.

Dry cleaning helps treat these stains without affecting the fabric's texture, and in most cases, the curtains come out looking as good as new.

In a nutshell, dry cleaning is a highly effective method for dealing with a range of stains and issues on curtains that water-based washing can’t handle. Whether it’s grease, food stains, pet accidents, or stubborn odours, dry cleaning provides a tailored and effective solution. 

By choosing dry cleaning for your curtains, you ensure that they stay fresh, clean, and intact for longer—without the risk of damaging delicate fabrics or leaving behind unwanted stains.