How much does drapery cleaning cost?
How much does drapery cleaning cost?
$150 – $250 average cost per set
Drapery cleaning cost
Drapery cleaning costs $150 to $250 per set on average. The total cost depends on the material, size, cleaning method, and whether you opt for on-site or off-site service. Many companies have minimum service fees, so cleaning multiple sets at once or bundling the project with other services may be more cost-effective.
Most cleaning services charge per set of drapes, which includes all panels covering one window. However, some companies charge $5 to $10 per linear foot or $25 to $150 per panel.
| National Average Cost | $200 |
| Minimum Cost | $60 |
| Maximum Cost | $400 |
| Average Range | $150 to $250 |
Professional drapery cleaning restores their beauty, extends their lifespan, and improves your home's air quality.
Cost to clean drapes by material
The fabric of your drapes is one of the biggest factors influencing the final price. Delicate materials like silk or lace require special handling, such as hand washing or specific dry cleaning solvents, which increases the cost.
The table below shows the average costs and common cleaning methods for different drapery materials:
| Material | Average cost to clean (per set) |
Typical cleaning method |
|---|---|---|
| Chenille | $75 – $200 | Dry cleaning |
| Chiffon | $150 – $200 | Hand washing |
| Cotton | $65 – $150 | Machine washing |
| Lace | $150 – $350 | Hand washing |
| Linen | $75 – $200 | Dry cleaning |
| Polyester | $65 – $150 | Machine washing |
| Silk | $80 – $250 | Dry cleaning or hand washing |
| Velvet | $75 – $200 | Dry cleaning |
| Wool or cashmere | $75 – $200 | Dry cleaning |
Curtain cleaning cost factors
Beyond the fabric, several other factors will determine your final bill:
Style / design
The design of your drapes matters. Simpler styles like rod-pocket or tab top curtains are often the least expensive to clean at $60 to $150 per set. More complex designs, such as pleated or eyelet (grommet) curtains, may require special handling to protect the hardware or delicate folds, pushing the price toward $150 to $200+ per set.
Lined curtains add $2 to $5 per foot to cleaning costs compared to unlined versions.
Blackout curtains with their tightly woven fabric may cost an additional $15 to $20 to clean.
Ornate designs, beading, or embellishments require delicate handling and specialized techniques that can increase the total cost.
Size & quantity
Larger curtains and multiple panels increase your total cost. Drapes that reach from ceiling to floor require more cleaning solution, time, and effort than shorter café curtains. Most professionals measure by the foot or pleat, so expansive window treatments naturally cost more.
Cleaning multiple sets at the same time often qualifies for bulk discounts. If you're planning to freshen up your home, consider having all your drapes cleaned during one service call.
Cleaning method
The method required to safely clean your drapes will impact the price. The table below shows common drapery cleaning methods and their typical costs:
| Cleaning method | Average cost per set | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Machine washing | $65 – $150 |
|
| Dry cleaning | $75 – $200 |
|
| Steam cleaning | $125 – $250 |
|
| Hand washing | $150 – $350 |
|
On-site vs. off-site
You have two main options for drapery cleaning service: on-site or off-site. On-site cleaning is highly convenient, as professionals bring specialized equipment to clean the drapes while they hang in your home. This service typically costs about $30 to $60 extra per set.
Off-site cleaning, such as at a traditional dry cleaner's, is often cheaper. However, you may be responsible for taking the drapes down, transporting them, and rehanging them yourself.
Location
Where you live impacts how much companies charge for drapery cleaning. Cleaners in coastal or urban areas like New York or San Francisco tend to charge 10% to 20% more due to higher labor costs.
Repairs
If your drapes have minor damage, like a loose seam or a broken hook, many cleaners offer repair services. Simple fixes may start around $10, while more complex repairs can range from $20 to $50 per repair.
Stain protection
Professional fabric protector treatments cost $25 to $75 per set and create an invisible barrier against future spills and stains. These treatments last 6 to 12 months and make your drapes easier to clean between professional services.
Additional costs & services
When budgeting for your drapery cleaning, consider these potential extra expenses and services.
Window cleaning: While the drapes are down, it's a great time to clean the windows they cover. Many full-service cleaning companies offer interior and exterior window washing as an add-on service. Window cleaning costs $8 to $16 per window on average.
Blind cleaning: If you have blinds in addition to drapes, you can often have them serviced at the same time. Ultrasonic blind cleaning costs $20 to $60 per unit and is a popular method that uses sound waves to remove dirt and grime.
Rehanging: If you choose an on-site cleaning service, takedown and rehanging are almost always included. For off-site services, some companies charge an additional flat fee of $75 to $150 to remove and reinstall your drapes for you.
Gratuity: While not required, tipping 15% to 20% for excellent service is customary, especially for on-site cleaning that involves heavy or numerous drapes.
Drapery cleaning FAQs
How often should you clean your drapes?
Professionals recommend deep cleaning drapery every 1 to 3 years. However, if you live in dusty areas, coastal regions, or have pets, allergies, or smokers in the home, aim for cleaning once or twice per year to reduce allergens and pollutants.
Kitchens and dining rooms accumulate cooking odors faster and may need quarterly attention. Between professional cleanings, vacuum your drapes weekly using an upholstery attachment to maintain freshness.
How long does professional drapery cleaning take?
Off-site drapery dry cleaning takes 3 to 7 days on average, while on-site steam cleaning can be completed in a few hours, depending on the number of drapes.
Can all drapes be machine washed?
No, not all drapes can be machine washed. Always check the manufacturer's care label. Cotton and polyester curtains often tolerate machine washing on gentle cycles, but silk, velvet, wool, and lined drapes usually require professional dry cleaning.
Will cleaning shrink my drapes?
Reputable professional cleaners test fabrics first and guarantee no shrinkage. DIY cleaning, especially using hot water or high heat drying, can cause significant shrinkage in materials like linen, cotton, and wool.
How do I know which cleaning method my drapes need?
Check the care label attached to your drapes. It will indicate whether hand washing, machine washing, dry cleaning, or steam cleaning is recommended. When in doubt, consult a professional cleaner.
Hiring a drapery cleaning service
When searching for a drapery cleaning service near you, follow these tips to find a reputable company you can trust:
Compare quotes from at least three cleaning companies to ensure fair pricing.
Confirm they specialize in drapery cleaning rather than general house cleaning services.
Verify credentials and insurance to protect against damage or accidents during cleaning.
Check out cleaning company reviews on trusted sites like HomeGuide and Google.
Request detailed written estimates that specify cleaning methods, timelines, and all costs.
Ask about their process for testing fabrics and handling delicate materials.
Ensure any solvents used are safe for children and pets.
Check if they offer both on-site and off-site options to fit your needs.
Inquire about guarantees against shrinkage, color bleeding, or damage.
Ask about bundled services if you need window cleaning, blind cleaning, or upholstery cleaning.
Confirm pickup and delivery details if you're choosing off-site cleaning.
Questions to ask a drapery cleaning service
Ask these important questions to ensure you're hiring the right professional for the job:
Do you offer a free in-home consultation or estimate?
What cleaning method do you recommend for my drapery fabric?
Do you offer both on-site and off-site cleaning, and what is the price difference?
If you take my drapes off-site, does your fee include takedown and re-hanging?
Are your cleaning products and solvents eco-friendly and safe for my family and pets?
How long will the entire process take, from takedown to re-hanging?
Do you offer a satisfaction guarantee for your work?
Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.