Curtain care in winter: How to keep fabrics fresh and colorfast

Curtains are exposed to particular stresses in winter : dry air from heating, humidity, and dust take their toll on the fabric. With proper care, they retain their vibrant colors and look neat and inviting all year round.

Why winter care is so important

• Dry air: Heaters stir up dust that easily settles on fabrics.
• Moisture: Condensation on windows can lead to mildew stains at low temperatures.
• Color retention: Cold temperatures and differences in light can cause colors to fade – gentle care protects against this.

Proper cleaning: gentle, thorough, careful

Before washing your curtains, check the care labels . Most fabrics can be washed on a gentle cycle at low temperatures (max. 30°C). Use a mild detergent without bleach or optical brighteners.

For delicate materials such as linen or velvet curtains , hand washing or a special gentle wash cycle with a low spin speed (max. 400 rpm) is recommended.

• Before washing, carefully vacuum or shake off any dust.
• Do not overload the machine – fabric needs space to move freely.
• No fabric softener – it can cause the fibers to stick together and reduce breathability.

Drying in winter: Patience pays off

• Never place on radiators: High temperatures lead to fiber breakage or shrinkage.
• Hang while damp: Hang directly on the curtain rod after washing, smoothing out wrinkles.
• Ventilate the room: Regular fresh air prevents condensation.

Maintaining color vibrancy

• Sun protection: Tighten slightly during strong sunlight in daylight.
• Maintenance intervals: Clean once per season to prevent deposits.
• Gentle methods: Color-protecting detergents and cold water preserve the pigments.

Extra tip for winter

Those who use thick thermal curtains benefit twice: they not only keep the heat in the room, but also protect sensitive fabrics behind them from temperature differences.

Easy to care for & sustainable

BTTO focuses on easy-care, durable fabrics for its collections – many of them OEKO-TEX certified and handcrafted. With proper care, your window treatments will not only stay fresh, but also become a lasting part of your home.