There are a million reasons you may want to store your curtains. Perhaps you’re saving them for someone who may need them, you might have sheer curtains in the summer and heavier velvet drapes in the winter, or perhaps you’ve changed your décor but you still love your curtains. No matter the reason, Half Price Drapes has some tips for you on how to store your curtains.
1. Clean your curtains first
Before you store them, check your curtains for stains or wrinkles. They’ll be very difficult to clean once they’re out of storage. Have them dry cleaned if you’ve had and used them for several years without a thorough cleaning.
2. Store your curtains in a dark place
You want your curtains to be protected from UV light and moisture. Look for a place where temperatures stay constant, such as a dry basement or cellar. If your curtains are delicate or antique then you may consider renting a climate controlled storage unit.
3. Don’t fold your curtains
You may think folding your curtains is a smart move. It isn’t. Remember that anywhere you fold them there will be a crease when you remove them from storage. In some cases that crease many eventually fall out but in other cases it may be there for good.
4. Check your curtains once a year
This isn’t something you can do once and forget about. You should check on your stored curtains at least once a year. Look to be sure there isn’t mold. If you did have to fold your curtains at all, then your yearly quality check is the time you can refold them to prevent further creasing in one spot.
5. Use acid-free paper if possible
If you have access to acid-free paper then that’s what your curtains should be stored in. If you only have non-acid-free paper then you must replace the paper every year to prevent it from damaging your curtains.
6. Label everything you’re storing
You may think you’ll remember where everything is but when years have gone by it’ll be difficult to remember where everything is. The best plan is to label everything – especially if you’re storing several items in containers that look the same. As you’re labeling your storage containers with what’s inside, make sure you add the date. This will clue you in when it’s time to clean your curtains.