Carefully read all the care labels attached to new curtains, and follow the manufacturer's instructions for cleaning.  Otherwise, here are some tips for cleaning curtains:

• Using the upholstery attachment on your vacuum, regularly go over curtain panels for quick cleaning.
  
  
• Vacuum curtains to remove excess dust before washing. Remove curtain rings and clips unless they are permanently attached.
  
  
• Fiberglass curtains should always be hand-washed and never dry-cleaned, but you must wear rubber gloves when washing them to protect your hands from glass filaments. Do not wash fiberglass in a washing machine.
  
  
• Handle cotton curtains gently if they have been hanging in a sunny window; sunlight may have weakened the fabric.
  
  
• Machine-wash sheers, open weave, and other delicate fabrics in a mesh bag, or hand-wash so that the fabric does not stretch or tear.
  
  
• Use curtain stretchers for drying lace or net curtains; if they need to be pressed, iron curtains before they are completely dry.

Cleaning draperies can be a breeze if you follow the tips and guidelines in the next section.