Living in Brooklyn means dealing with the unique challenges of city life—including the dust, soot, and pollution that inevitably find their way onto our curtains. As a longtime Brooklyn resident who's tried just about every cleaning service in the borough, I've learned that not all curtain cleaners are created equal. Whether you're prepping for spring cleaning or dealing with years of accumulated grime in your Park Slope brownstone, finding the right professional makes all the difference.
After countless recommendations from neighbors, personal experiences, and comparing prices across the borough, I've narrowed down the five most reliable curtain cleaning services that Brooklyn has to offer. These companies don't just clean curtains—they understand the unique fabrics, architectural quirks, and environmental challenges that come with Brooklyn homes.
1. Brooklyn Rug Clean: Beyond Just Rugs
Despite what their name suggests, Brooklyn Rug Clean has become one of the most comprehensive fabric cleaning services in the borough. What started as a small rug cleaning operation in Williamsburg has expanded to offer exceptional curtain cleaning services throughout Brooklyn.
Their approach to curtain cleaning is notably thorough. They begin with a careful inspection to identify fabric types and potential problem areas. Unlike many services that apply a one-size-fits-all approach, Brooklyn Rug Clean adjusts their cleaning methods based on your specific curtains—whether they're delicate sheers in a DUMBO loft or heavy drapes in a Victorian Flatbush home.
What sets them apart is their on-site cleaning option. For residents concerned about removing curtains from custom installations or dealing with oversized pieces, their technicians can clean many curtains right in your home. Their truck-mounted equipment provides deep cleaning power without the hassle of takedown and reinstallation.
Their pricing is transparent, with costs typically ranging from $8-15 per panel depending on size, material, and cleaning difficulty. While not the cheapest option, the quality of their work justifies the investment—especially for higher-end curtains that would be expensive to replace.
2. Area Rug Cleaner Brooklyn: Specialists in Delicate Fabrics
Don't let the name fool you—Area Rug Cleaner Brooklyn has developed a stellar reputation for handling delicate curtain fabrics with exceptional care. Family-owned and operating out of Cobble Hill for over two decades, they've built their reputation on treating each fabric with specialized attention.
Their curtain cleaning process particularly shines when dealing with antique or sensitive materials. Their staff includes textile experts who understand the nuances of silk, linen, brocade, and other premium curtain fabrics. This expertise becomes invaluable when dealing with heirloom pieces or expensive designer curtains.
One homeowner in Brooklyn Heights shared how Area Rug Cleaner Brooklyn successfully restored 1920s silk curtains that two other services had declined to clean due to their fragile condition. Their gentle hand-cleaning techniques and specialized solutions preserve delicate fibers while still removing decades of accumulated dust and discoloration.
Their services include pickup and delivery throughout Brooklyn, with careful packaging to prevent any damage during transport. Their turnaround time averages 7-10 days, though they offer rush service for time-sensitive situations.
3. Brooklyn Carpet: Eco-Friendly Options
For environmentally conscious Brooklyn residents, Brooklyn Carpet offers perhaps the most comprehensive green cleaning options for curtains. Based in Greenpoint, they've pioneered eco-friendly cleaning methods that effectively remove dirt and allergens without harsh chemicals.
Their plant-based cleaning solutions are particularly beneficial for households with children, pets, or allergy sufferers. Unlike traditional chemical cleaners that can leave residues that trigger respiratory issues, their approach focuses on effective cleaning that doesn't compromise indoor air quality.
Their process begins with a thorough vacuuming using HEPA-filtered equipment to remove surface dust. They then apply their proprietary organic cleaning solutions, which break down dirt without damaging fibers. For particularly soiled areas, they use targeted spot-cleaning techniques rather than increasing chemical strength.
While their eco-friendly approach sometimes requires additional time for drying (typically 24-48 hours), the results are impressive—curtains that are genuinely clean rather than just chemically treated to mask odors and stains.
4. Brooklyn Carpet Cleaning Co: Budget-Friendly Volume Cleaning
For Brooklyn property managers or residents needing multiple curtains cleaned without breaking the bank, Brooklyn Carpet Cleaning Co offers the most competitive volume pricing in the borough. Operating from their Sunset Park facility, they've optimized their processes to handle large jobs efficiently.
Their streamlined approach makes them ideal for apartment buildings, rental property turnovers, or whole-home cleaning projects. They offer tiered pricing that decreases significantly as volume increases—making them approximately 30% less expensive than boutique cleaners when handling multiple curtain panels.
Their facility uses industrial-grade equipment that can process large batches of curtains while maintaining consistent quality. While they may not offer the white-glove service of some specialty cleaners, their results are reliable and their process is efficient.
What impresses me most about Brooklyn Carpet Cleaning Co is their systematic approach to tracking and managing large orders. Their digital inventory system ensures that even when cleaning curtains from multiple rooms or properties, everything returns properly organized and labeled.
5. Area Rug Cleaners Brooklyn: Brooklyn's Hidden Gem
While not as well-known as some larger operations, Area Rug Cleaners Brooklyn deserve recognition for their exceptional work with period curtains and drapes. Working from a small storefront in Bed-Stuy, this family-owned business has developed specialized techniques for cleaning and restoring vintage window treatments.
Their expertise is particularly valuable in a borough filled with historic brownstones and pre-war apartments. They understand the unique challenges of older curtain styles, from Victorian lace to mid-century modern textiles.
Unlike services that focus on rapid turnaround, area rug cleaners Brooklyn takes a meticulous approach. Their cleaning process includes careful documentation of existing condition, color testing to prevent fading, and gentle hand-cleaning methods that preserve original stitching and embellishments.
Their pricing reflects their specialized approach—typically 20-30% higher than standard cleaners. However, for irreplaceable vintage pieces, their expertise often proves worth the premium.
Making the Right Choice for Your Brooklyn Home
When selecting a curtain cleaning service in Brooklyn, consider your specific needs. For delicate or valuable curtains, the specialized care from Area Rug Cleaner Brooklyn or Vintage Curtain Specialists may be worth the higher cost. For standard curtains in good condition, Brooklyn Rug Clean offers reliable service at reasonable prices. Those with environmental concerns should consider Brooklyn Carpet Area Rug Cleaners, while Brooklyn Carpet Cleaning Co makes sense for larger jobs where economy is important.
Remember that regular professional cleaning extends the life of your curtains while improving indoor air quality. Most Brooklyn homes benefit from curtain cleaning every 1-2 years, though homes near major thoroughfares or with smokers may require more frequent attention.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I have my curtains professionally cleaned in Brooklyn?
For most Brooklyn homes, professional curtain cleaning every 12-18 months is sufficient. However, factors like proximity to busy streets (hello, BQE neighbors!), having pets, or smoking indoors can necessitate more frequent cleaning—possibly every 6-9 months. If you notice visible soiling or detect musty odors, it's time regardless of the calendar.
Can professional cleaning damage delicate curtains?
Quality professional cleaners actually extend the life of delicate curtains by removing destructive particles that break down fibers over time. The key is choosing a service with experience in your specific fabric type. Always mention any special concerns about fabric sensitivity when booking your service.
How long does professional curtain cleaning take?
Most Brooklyn services require 7-10 days for standard curtain cleaning, including pickup, processing, and return. Rush services are typically available for an additional fee, sometimes cutting turnaround to 3-5 days. On-site cleaning services like those offered by Brooklyn Rug Clean can often complete the job in a single day.
Is it worth paying more for eco-friendly curtain cleaning?
For many Brooklyn residents, the answer is yes. Conventional cleaning chemicals can leave residues that affect indoor air quality for days or weeks after cleaning. This is particularly important for households with children, pets, or allergy sufferers. The price difference for eco-friendly services has decreased significantly in recent years, now typically only 10-15% higher than standard cleaning.
Should I take my curtains down myself before the cleaners arrive?
Most professional services prefer to remove curtains themselves to prevent damage and ensure proper documentation of any pre-existing conditions. However, if you're comfortable with the process and have simple installations, removing them yourself can sometimes reduce service costs. Always check with your chosen service about their specific requirements.