How to Store Curtains: Prevent Mold, Wrinkles & Permanent Damage

INTRODUCTION

As a homeowner, your greatest fear is pulling your curtains out of storage after 6 months and realizing they have permanent, hard-set wrinkles or have been damaged by pests. Just like normal clothes, curtains can also get wrinkles, dust, and be damaged when not stored properly. Curtains are among your home’s most sensitive items, and to maintain their style and purity, they must be stored properly with adequate preparation. Without proper preparation, residues can stick to the fabric, causing musty odors, mildew growth, liner cracking, fading, or even pest infestation. This is because the damage isn't to your curtain while it's hanging; it occurs during storage. 

How should you prepare your curtains for storage and keep them wrinkle-free? This guide outlines safe, proven methods on how to store curtains that keep them looking fresh even after long periods. 

The #1 Most Important Step: Clean Before You Store

There are many reasons you might want to store your curtains. It could be seasonal swaps, a renovation period, or packing curtains for moving. However, before storing them, the most important step is to clean the curtains. Your curtains stay hung for a period of time, during which they collect dust, moisture, cooking odors, stains, oil, animal skin, and more. Suppose these elements are left to stick without a pre-storage cleaning. In that case, they can result in deep-set residues, fabric hardening during storage, pest infestation, permanent discoloration, or permanent hard creases. All these might be impossible to fix later if there is no pre-storage cleaning process. 

Also, if they're not properly cleaned and are exposed to sunlight or moisture, you’d find permanent marks and yellowing that regular cleaning won't fix after the storage period. This cleaning process also helps prevent unpleasant odors caused by mold and mildew growing on your curtain fabric. Cleaning also helps maintain the indoor air quality of the curtains when you are ready to use them again. Most importantly, cleaning helps maintain the strength, texture, and look of your curtains and extends their lifespan. 

Not sure how to wash your curtains? Our healthy curtain cleaning guide shows you how we do it at Three Girls. Also, because our curtains are Pre-washed and Pre-shrunk, you can feel safe washing them yourself before storage without the fear of them shrinking or losing their shape. The process is healthy, doesn’t damage your curtains, makes them soft and relaxed, and sets your curtains free from the stiff sizing chemicals that cause hard creases when they are stored. 

The Best Storage Method: To Hang, Roll, or Fold?

After cleaning your curtains, the next step is to determine how they will be stored. There are three methods for this: hang, roll, or fold. However, one has more advantages compared to the others. So, which method is the best when storing curtains? 

The Best Method: Hanging

Hanging your curtains on strong, wide hangers keeps them wrinkle-free. It is important to make use of a heavy-duty hanger that can properly support the weight of the curtain. To avoid pressure or overcrowding, ensure to use one hanger per curtain panel. It is also very easy to do, especially when you’re switching curtains for a particular season. You should also hang them in a dimly lit space with minimal exposure to light and moisture. 

A Great Method: Rolling

Instead of folding, rolling is a better option when storing curtains, as it is the best crease-free method for boxing. Rolling creates curves that evenly distribute pressure on the fabric. It prevents wrinkles and reduces fiber stress by 60-80%. Lay the curtain flat on a clean surface, then roll it loosely around a sturdy, acid-free box that is the same width as the curtain. After rolling, secure the rolls with soft fabric ties and not rubber bands. 

The Last Resort: Folding

Folding your curtains should be a last resort, as it will create creases on the fabric. However, if you need to do so, how are you to fold curtains? Lay the curtain panel flat, then fold it in half. You should fold as few times as possible to minimize the creases it will create. Also, avoid pressing down hard on the creases. Layer acid-free tissue paper between the folds for added protection, and do not place them into an air-tight box. 

A Fabric Specific Storage Guide: DO NOT SKIP THIS!!

Due to their peculiar properties, curtain fabrics should be stored in specific ways. 

1.How to store Velvet Curtains

Never fold velvet curtain fabrics. The best technique when storing velvet curtains is either to roll or hang them. They need to breathe to maintain their pile and texture. Roll them loosely around a tube and place them in a breathable cotton or muslin bag. Finally, store the rolled curtains in a cool, dry, and dark place to protect them from moisture, light, and crushing. Do not store them in sealed plastic bags or containers.

2.Thermal and Blackout Curtains

Rolling is safer; avoid folding to prevent sharp folds. Blackout curtains contain special foam backings/coatings. These layers are rigid, and sharp folds can cause cracking or peeling.  If stored in an airtight plastic container, trapped heat or moisture can cause the backing to degrade, peel, or become sticky (hydrolysis). 

3.Linen and Cotton Curtains

These are natural blends and are very durable, but can wrinkle. Roll them around an acid-free cardboard tube to prevent sharp fold lines. Secure the ends loosely with fabric ties. The fabrics must breathe; otherwise, trapped moisture leads to yellowing and mildew.

How to Prevent Mildew And Pests - Choosing Your Container

When storing curtains, air must circulate well to prevent mold, mildew, or odors. This is the key breathable rule and the best way to store drapes. Avoid air-tight containers, as they trap humidity, which can lead to moisture buildup. Do not use plastic containers or vacuum-sealed bags for long-term storage. 

To improve air circulation, use containers made of natural fibers, such as cotton canvas bags, acid-free boxes, or muslin wraps. These materials keep pests away while also allowing air to circulate well. You should also make sure to store it in cool, dry, dark, well-ventilated areas, and avoid places like basements or damp attics. 

How to Wake Up Your Curtains After Storage

At this point, you have completed your renovations, moved house, and are ready to use your curtains again. So, after a long period of storage, it’s time to take them out. You should then hang them outside on a breezy day so the fabrics can breathe. Use a vacuum cleaner or a soft brush to remove dust or dirt from the fabric gently. If the curtains are soiled, discolored, or damaged in any way, you will need to wash or dry-clean them.

Depending on the storage method you used, your curtains will likely have some wrinkles. The fabric type then determines the best method for removing those wrinkles. Our guide on getting wrinkles out explains the best methods for removing wrinkles, depending on the fabric at this stage. Also, our Pre-washed service makes your curtains easier to steam out. 

Preserving Your Happiness

Following proper storage procedures makes you happier in the long run. You would have preserved your fabrics and even saved extra cost. So, before you take down that next set of curtains, determine to store them properly.