How to Take Down Curtains: 5 Hassle-Free Steps

If a move is in your future or you’re swapping out décor with the changing seasons, you must know how to take down curtains and hardware properly.

Luckily, this chore doesn’t have to cause any headaches! Below, we share our expert tips to help you get the job done right. Avoid damaging your walls and curtains, losing parts or causing any accidents.

How to Take Down Curtains: 5 Helpful Steps

Removing curtains, draperies and other window treatments and their hardware will be a breeze when you follow our five-step approach.

To learn how to take down curtains, read on:

1. Spot clean curtains

Before you remove curtains, always dust or spot clean them first. Don’t skip this step! Curtains are traps for dust, grime and debris, especially if they’re in rooms that get a lot of use, like the kitchen.

To spot clean curtains:

• First, go over them with a lint roller or duster.
• Shake the curtains out, then vacuum the floor underneath to capture the fallen dust or debris.
• If you have a brush attachment for your vacuum, run it over the curtains. If you don’t have a brush attachment, use the gentlest sucking power.
• Using a warm, damp cloth, gently scrub any stains and allow time to dry.

2. Take down the curtain rod

Using a sturdy step stool or ladder if necessary, remove the curtain rod carefully.

If your window is a standard size, gently take down the rod from the center. Doing this will ensure even weight distribution. You’re also less likely to injure yourself or damage the surrounding wall.

If you’re working with a wide window, long curtain rods or heavy curtains, enlist a family member or friend to help. Safety comes first!

3. Remove the curtains from the rod

If your curtain rods have finials, remove them first.

Then, slide the curtains off the rod and leave them on a clean surface until it’s time to pack them away.

4. Remove all screws and hardware

While an electric drill can be useful for removing screws and hardware, it’s best to use a manual screwdriver to avoid causing unnecessary wall damage.

Also, be aware that some curtain rods have hidden screws. Look for these on the inside of the rod’s tracks, possibly hidden under some plastic.

If you’re uninstalling all curtain hardware, you’ll likely need to patch some holes. Repairing curtain rod holes does take time but is manageable. Here’s how to do it: 

• Use a flat-head screwdriver to clean out the hole, then stuff the hole tightly with some newspaper.
• Mix patching compound or spackle paste according to the package’s directions. You want the compound to be stiff but workable.
• Use a putty knife to apply compound to fill the hole, ensuring it doesn’t bulge out from the wall. Let it harden for about 30 minutes.
• Next, apply drywall joint compound, scraping it flat with a small drywall knife. Allow it to dry overnight.
• Lastly, use sandpaper to blend the repair into the wall and paint over the repairs.

Fixing curtain rod holes is a pain. If you want to avoid this work altogether, use Kwik-Hang’s easy-install curtain rod brackets instead of traditional hardware. 

Kwik-Hang brackets feature patented damage-free technology that allows you to hang and take down your curtains in seconds. No drills, nails or screws required – just position the brackets and tap into place. It’s as simple as mounting and removing a thumbtack!

5. Fold and store your curtains and hardware

First, gather all the hardware in a labeled plastic bag, so you don’t lose any parts. You can even tape the bag to the curtain rod or its box, so everything stays together.

Next, tackle your curtains. Proceed carefully to avoid excess damage and wrinkles.

There are two methods for folding your curtains. Remember to clean and dry your curtains beforehand (see step 1).

• Folding: Fold curtains in half until they fit in your storage container. Fewer folds result in fewer creases (and less ironing and steaming when you need to re-hang them). This method isn’t ideal for delicate fabrics, as it can cause permanent wrinkles.
• Rolling: On a clean, flat area, lay out your curtains. Fold them in half until they match the length of the tube you’ll be using for storage. Roll the curtains, then slide into the tube. This method is optimal for lighter, more delicate fabrics. 

Pro-tip: We highly recommend using an airtight container to store curtains to keep your curtains looking and smelling fresh. 

You can also store your curtains on hangers, which may be more convenient if you swap out curtains seasonally. Store hung curtains in a dark, dry closet. FYI: This method is not ideal for long-term storage, as layers of dust can easily accumulate.

Easy, Breezy Curtain Updates

Voila! Now you know how to take down curtains, repair any damage from rods and safely stow away your curtains for when they’re needed again.

To make the job even easier next time, be sure to use Kwik-Hang’s no-drill curtain rod brackets that don’t require screws, drills or nails. Experience the Kwik-Hang difference today!