Curtains in Singapore collect the stuff you do not notice until it hits you in the nose. Cooking smells, haze season dust, humid air funk, and the fine grit that shows up as “why is my sneeze so aggressive today.”
This guide helps you pick the right cleaning method, estimate your cost fast, and avoid the common mistakes that lead to shrinkage, wrinkles, or wasted money. If you want a professional to handle take down, transport, and rehang, you will also see where Easy Clean SG fits as an option.
How much does curtain dry cleaning cost in Singapore?
Most curtain dry cleaning jobs fall into these price rules: day curtains are $11 per piece. Night curtains are $13 per kg. There is a minimum of 5kg per order or a $65 minimum charge if under 5kg. Collection and delivery is $25. Dismantling and installation ranges from $50 to $150 depending on piece count. Lead time is 5 to 8 working days.
Quick pricing table you can use to estimate your bill
| Item | Price basis | Typical surprise to avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Day curtains | $11 per piece | People count “sets” instead of pieces |
| Night curtains | $13 per kg | Fabric thickness changes weight a lot |
| Minimum | 5kg per order or $65 minimum charge if under 5kg | Light curtains still pay the minimum |
| Collection and delivery | $25 | Does not include dismantle and install |
| Dismantle and install | $50 to $150 depending on pieces | High ceilings need planning |
| Lead time | 5 to 8 working days | Plan your privacy and sunlight needs |
Three realistic cost examples
Example 1: Day curtains only, 8 pieces (HDB living room and bedrooms) Cleaning is 8 × $11 = $88. Add collection and delivery $25. If you want dismantle and install, 1 to 10 pieces is $50. Estimated total: $163.
Example 2: Night curtains total weight 4kg (condo bedroom) Cleaning is 4 × $13 = $52. Minimum applies, so cleaning becomes $65. Add collection and delivery $25. Add dismantle and install depending on pieces. Your real driver here is whether you cross 5kg.
Example 3: Mixed day plus night curtains (condo living room) Day curtains are charged per piece. Night curtains are charged by weight. Then add delivery and install if you want a full service job. The easiest way to avoid pricing surprises is to count pieces properly and estimate night curtain weight before booking.
What affects the price the most?
1) Pieces vs “sets”
This is the number one source of mismatch. A “set” is not a price unit. A “piece” is.
Practical rule. If you can unhook it as a separate panel, it is a separate piece.
If you want to be extra safe, take a photo of each window and count panels out loud like you are doing inventory.
2) Weight for night curtains
Night curtains are priced by kg. Thick fabric, heavy lining, and premium blackout style linings can change the weight fast.
A useful home hack is to estimate weight using one of these methods.
Bathroom scale method Step 1. Weigh yourself holding one night curtain piece. Step 2. Weigh yourself without it. Step 3. The difference is the weight of one piece. Multiply by total pieces.
Luggage scale method Hook the luggage scale to a folded curtain piece and lift slowly. It is not perfect, but it gets you close enough to know if the minimum will apply.
3) Ceiling height and access
High ceiling curtains are common in condos with taller living rooms and loft units. They are also common in landed homes.
If you want dismantle and install included, mention ceiling height early. It helps the team plan ladder height and manpower.
4) Your expectations for stains, mould, and odour
Dry cleaning can remove dirt and odours well, but stain removal is never a guaranteed “back to new” result. Stains that have set for months in humid conditions are harder to lift.
If you see mould spots, treat the goal as risk reduction and improvement, not perfection. That mindset saves you disappointment.
Dry clean or steam clean? Use this decision guide
If you pick the wrong method, you usually pay twice. Once for the cleaning, then again for the redo.
When dry cleaning is the better choice
Dry cleaning is a solid pick when:
- You have day curtains and night curtains that are suitable for solvent based cleaning.
- You want a lower shrinkage risk compared with wet cleaning.
- You are okay with a short period without curtains while they are cleaned and returned.
Dry cleaning is commonly chosen for delicate fabrics because it uses chemical solvents with little or no water, which reduces the chance of fabric shrinkage compared with wet washing.
When steam cleaning wins
Steam cleaning is often better when:
- You cannot take curtains down.
- You want a quicker refresh.
- You have curtain types that are not suitable for dry cleaning.
Important note for blackout curtains Blackout curtains should not be dry cleaned. If you have blackout curtains, choose steam cleaning or a method recommended specifically for blackout material.
Simple table to decide fast
| Your situation | Better option | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Normal day curtains and night curtains | Dry cleaning | Lower shrinkage risk than wet cleaning for many fabrics |
| Blackout curtains | Steam cleaning | Dry cleaning is not suitable |
| You cannot remove curtains | Steam cleaning | On site cleaning avoids take down |
| You have allergies and want dust control | Either, done regularly | Curtains can trap fine dust and allergens |
| You want the lowest risk approach for older fabric | Case by case | Older sun exposed curtains can be fragile |
The risk checklist most people skip
This is the part that saves you from regret. Read it once. You will book smarter.
1) Wrinkles can happen
Even after cleaning, curtains can wrinkle due to fabric type, packing, and transport. If you want perfectly crisp pleats, you may need extra time after rehanging for the fabric to settle, or you may need pressing solutions depending on fabric.
2) Older curtains carry higher risk
Curtains that have been exposed to years of sun can have weakened fibres. That increases the risk of tears, loose threads, or discoloration during handling.
If your curtains are old and already fading, ask for the gentlest option. Sometimes a lighter refresh is the smarter call.
3) Not every curtain is suitable for every method
Some materials do not respond well to solvents or heat. If a provider flags your curtain type as unsuitable, take that seriously. The goal is clean curtains, not a science experiment that ends with a damaged hem.
4) Stains, mould, and odour removal are best effort
Even good cleaning has limits. Long set stains in humid conditions can be stubborn. Mould marks can lighten but may not disappear fully.
If you are dealing with heavy mould or a persistent smell, it often helps to treat the room too. Improve ventilation and reduce moisture sources. Cleaning curtains is part of the solution, not the entire solution.
What you can do today before you book any service
If you are on the fence, start with a quick refresh. It improves things immediately and helps you judge whether you still need deep cleaning.
Step 1: Vacuum with a soft brush head
Vacuum the curtain surface from top to bottom. Focus on pleats and folds where dust sits.
Step 2: Ventilate the space
Open windows when possible. Singapore humidity makes stale smell linger longer. Airflow helps.
Step 3: Spot test anything you want to spray
If you use any home cleaning product, test on a hidden area first. Some fabrics discolor easily.
If you want more authoritative general guidance for home cleaning and disinfection, NEA publishes cleaning and disinfection guidelines for residences. NUH also has patient education material on house dust mites that explains why soft furnishings matter for sensitive households.
When it makes sense to hire a professional
Hire a pro when:
- Your curtains are high ceiling and access is risky.
- You have many pieces and you value your weekend.
- You want proper take down, transport, and rehanging.
- You want a method matched to fabric type, not guesswork.
If you are looking for a done for you option, Easy Clean SG offers curtain dry cleaning with clear pricing rules, a defined lead time, and optional dismantle and installation. The practical benefit is you can choose how hands off you want the job to be.
Common questions Singapore homeowners ask
How long does curtain dry cleaning take?
Typical lead time is 5 to 8 working days. If you need privacy during that period, plan to clean in batches or keep a spare set.
How do I count my curtains properly?
Count pieces. One window often has two panels. Two panels means two pieces. Do not count “one set” unless you also specify the number of panels.
Why are day curtains priced per piece but night curtains priced by weight?
Day curtains are usually more consistent in size and weight, so piece pricing is simple. Night curtains vary a lot because of lining thickness and fabric density, so weight pricing is more accurate.
Can blackout curtains be dry cleaned?
No. Blackout curtains are not suitable for dry cleaning. Choose steam cleaning or a method recommended for blackout materials.
Will dry cleaning remove mould and stains completely?
Sometimes it improves them a lot. Sometimes it only improves them a bit. Stain and mould removal is best effort. If you want to reduce the chance of mould returning, improve room ventilation and reduce moisture.
What should I tell the cleaner before they come?
Tell them:
- How many pieces you have.
- Whether you have day curtains, night curtains, or blackout curtains.
- Whether ceilings are high.
- Whether there are known stains, mould spots, or odour issues.
That one message prevents most booking problems.
Helpful links
Internal links for Easy Clean SG
