Curtain cleaning prices in South Africa depend on how the curtains are cleaned, how large they are, whether they have block-out lining, whether they are cleaned on-site while hanging, and whether the customer needs to remove and rehang the curtains.
As a general guide, on-site curtain cleaning while hanging may cost around R165 to R225 per standard curtain drop, and around R285 to R330 per larger or extra-length curtain drop. These on-site curtain cleaning prices commonly cover professional cleaning for standard curtains and block-out curtains in the listed curtain-cleaning categories, including cleaning for everyday dust, odours, general marks and built-up dirt.
Laundry-style curtain cleaning may cost around R100 to R150 per kg for standard curtains, while block-out curtains may cost around R110 to R200 per kg.
At first, per kg laundry pricing can look cheaper. But curtains are bulky and can weigh several kilograms, especially lined, thick, extra-length or block-out curtains. Once the curtains are weighed, the total price can be closer to on-site cleaning than expected — and in some cases, it can even be more than on-site cleaning — while you may still need to take the curtains down, transport them, collect them and rehang them yourself.
For many homes, offices, guesthouses and rental properties, the real value of professional curtain cleaning is not only the cleaning price. It is also the time saved, reduced handling, less disruption and less hassle. That is why on-site curtain cleaning is often the more practical option.
Quick curtain cleaning prices guide
| Curtain cleaning type | Typical market price range | What it usually means |
|---|---|---|
| On-site curtain cleaning: standard drop | R165 – R225 per drop | Cleaner comes to the property; curtains may be cleaned while hanging |
| On-site curtain cleaning: larger or extra-length drop | R285 – R330 per drop | Better for long, heavy or difficult curtains |
| Laundromat: standard curtains cleaned by weight | R100 – R150 per kg | Laundry-style cleaning; customer usually removes, transports and rehangs curtains |
| Laundromat: block-out curtains cleaned by weight | R110 – R200 per kg | Laundry-style cleaning; block-out curtains can weigh more and may need extra handling |
On-site curtain cleaning prices are usually easier for customers to understand because they are based on the number and size of curtain drops, not the final weight after the curtains are removed.
If you are comparing curtain cleaning prices, do not only compare the starting number. Compare the full job.
A per kg laundromat price may look lower, but it may not include:
- taking the curtains down
- transporting them
- collecting them
- rehanging them
- handling large or awkward curtain drops
- cleaning at the property
- reducing disruption for a home or business
Also, the final laundromat-style price depends on the curtain weight. Heavy curtains can quickly turn a cheap-looking per kg price into a much larger final bill.
That is why on-site curtain cleaning often gives better practical value, especially when curtains are large, heavy, difficult to remove or installed in multiple rooms.
On-site curtain cleaning prices while hanging
On-site curtain cleaning is usually priced per curtain drop or per hang. This means each curtain panel is priced individually, often based on standard length or extra length.
Based on common market pricing, standard on-site curtain cleaning prices may range from around R165 to R225 per curtain drop, while larger or extra-length curtains may cost around R285 to R330 per drop.
| On-site curtain cleaning type | Guide price range | Common curtain type |
| Standard curtain drop | R165 – R225 per drop | Standard curtains and block-out curtains |
| Larger or extra-length curtain drop | R285 – R330 per drop | Larger standard curtains and larger block-out curtains |
This is usually the most convenient type of curtain cleaning because the work is done at the property.
In many cases, on-site curtain cleaning means:
- no need to remove the curtains yourself
- no need to carry heavy curtain drops to a laundry or laundromat
- no need to wait for collection
- no need to rehang curtains afterwards
- less disruption to the room
- curtains can often be cleaned while hanging
- standard curtains and block-out curtains can be cleaned on-site
- useful for homes, offices, guesthouses and rental properties
This is especially valuable for large lounge curtains, bedroom curtains, office curtains, guesthouse curtains, high windows and heavy lined curtains.
Curtain cleaning prices for standard and block-out curtains
On-site curtain cleaning commonly covers both standard curtains and block-out curtains in the listed curtain-cleaning categories.
Standard curtains may include common home and business curtain fabrics such as:
- cotton
- polyester
- linen
- voile
- blends
Block-out curtains are also commonly requested for on-site curtain cleaning because they are often heavier, bulkier and more inconvenient to remove, transport and rehang.
That is one of the main reasons on-site cleaning is attractive. Instead of taking down heavy lined curtains and carrying them to a laundromat, the curtains can often be cleaned at the property while hanging.
For customers, this means:
- less lifting
- less handling
- less disruption
- no transport hassle
- no rehanging hassle in many cases
- a clearer price per curtain drop
- a more convenient service for large or heavy curtains
Why on-site curtain cleaning is often better value than laundromat cleaning
Laundromat curtain cleaning can be useful for some removable, washable curtains. But for many customers, on-site curtain cleaning is the better option because it solves the real problem: curtains are awkward to remove, heavy to transport and frustrating to rehang.
| On-site curtain cleaning | Laundromat-style curtain cleaning |
| Cleaner comes to your home or business | You may need to take curtains to the laundromat |
| Curtains can often be cleaned while hanging | Curtains usually need to be removed |
| Standard and block-out curtains can be cleaned on-site | Curtain cleaning is usually handled off-site |
| Usually priced per drop | Usually priced per kg |
| Price is easier to estimate from the number of curtain drops | Final price depends on the curtain weight |
| More convenient for large curtains | Bulky curtains can weigh several kilograms |
| Less handling by the customer | More work for the customer |
| Better for multiple rooms | Can become inconvenient with many drops |
| Useful for offices and guesthouses | Less practical for business disruption |
| No transport hassle | Customer may need to transport bulky curtains |
| No rehanging hassle in many cases | Customer may need to rehang curtains |
The lower per kg price can look attractive at first. But once you include the curtain weight, the time and effort of removing, carrying, transporting, collecting and rehanging curtains, on-site cleaning often becomes the more practical choice.
In some cases, a heavy set of curtains charged per kg can cost close to or more than an on-site clean, while still leaving the customer with more work to do.
Laundromat curtain cleaning prices per kg
Some curtain cleaning services charge by weight. This is common with laundromats and laundry-style curtain cleaning providers.
Based on common laundromat-style market prices, standard curtain cleaning by weight may range from about R100 to R150 per kg.
| Laundromat curtain type | Guide price range |
| Standard curtains without block-out lining | R100 – R150 per kg |
| General curtain cleaning per kg | R100 – R150 per kg |
These curtain cleaning prices are useful for comparison, but they do not tell the whole story.
Curtains can be heavier than customers expect. A large pair of curtains, lined curtains, thick fabric curtains or extra-length curtains can weigh several kilograms. This means a per kg price can quickly add up once the curtains are weighed.
For example, at R100 to R150 per kg:
| Curtain weight | Estimated laundromat-style cost |
| 3 kg | R300 – R450 |
| 5 kg | R500 – R750 |
| 7 kg | R700 – R1,050 |
| 10 kg | R1,000 – R1,500 |
This is where the cheap-looking per kg price can become less attractive. A heavy curtain order can end up close to or sometimes more than on-site cleaning, especially once you consider that you may still need to remove, transport, collect and rehang the curtains yourself.
Per kg laundromat pricing may suit curtains that are:
- easy to remove
- easy to transport
- washable
- not too large
- not difficult to rehang
- suitable for laundry-style cleaning
But for many customers, the hidden inconvenience is the problem.
You may still need to:
- climb up and remove the curtains
- keep hooks or fittings organised
- fold or bag heavy curtains
- transport them without marking them
- wait for the cleaning turnaround
- collect the curtains
- rehang them properly
- steam or adjust them afterwards if creased
This is why per kg curtain cleaning can be less convenient, even when the price looks lower at first.
Laundromat curtain cleaning prices for block-out curtains
Block-out curtains are usually more expensive to clean than standard curtains when charged by weight. This is because block-out curtains are often heavier and bulkier.
Based on common laundromat-style market prices, curtain cleaning prices for block-out curtains may range from about R110 to R200 per kg when charged by weight.
| Laundromat curtain type | Guide price range |
| Curtains with block-out lining | R110 – R200 per kg |
Block-out curtains may weigh more than expected, which can increase the final laundromat-style price when charged per kg.
For example, at R110 to R200 per kg:
| Block-out curtain weight | Estimated laundromat-style cost |
| 4 kg | R440 – R800 |
| 6 kg | R660 – R1,200 |
| 8 kg | R880 – R1,600 |
| 10 kg | R1,100 – R2,000 |
This is why block-out curtain cleaning should not be judged only by the per kg price. The final price can be close to or sometimes more than on-site cleaning, and the customer may still be responsible for removing, transporting, collecting and rehanging heavy block-out curtains.
On-site cleaning can be a more convenient option because it reduces the need to remove and transport heavy lined curtains.
Curtain cleaning prices per kg vs per drop
Curtain cleaning can be priced in two main ways: per kg or per drop.
| Pricing method | How it works | Commonly used by | Main advantage | Main limitation |
| Per kg | Curtains are weighed and charged by weight | Laundromats and laundry-style services | Simple price per kg | Customer often handles removal, transport and rehanging; final price depends on weight |
| Per drop / per hang | Each curtain drop is priced individually | On-site curtain cleaners | More convenient and usually cleaned at the property | May cost more than basic laundry-style pricing |
Per kg pricing is about the curtain weight.
Per drop pricing is about the practical service: the cleaner comes to the property, assesses the curtains and cleans each drop on-site where suitable.
For many customers, per drop pricing is easier to understand because it matches the way curtains are actually installed in the room. If you know you have two, four or six curtain drops, it is easier to estimate the job than guessing how many kilograms the curtains weigh.
The per kg price may look lower, but the final laundromat-style price is only known once the curtains are weighed. With heavy curtains, the final total can be closer to or sometimes more than the on-site option.
What affects curtain cleaning prices?
Curtain cleaning prices can change based on several factors.
1. Curtain size and length
Larger curtains usually cost more because they require more time, more cleaning passes and more careful handling.
Standard-length curtains are usually cheaper than extra-length curtains. Extra-length curtains may need more access, more work and more drying time.
2. Number of curtain drops
Most installed curtains are counted by drops or hangs. A window may have one, two or more curtain drops depending on the design.
More drops usually mean a higher total cost.
3. Curtain weight
Heavy curtains cost more when charged per kg. Thick lined curtains, block-out curtains and dense fabric curtains are usually heavier than sheer or lightweight curtains.
Weight also matters practically because heavy curtains are harder to remove, carry, transport and rehang.
This is one of the biggest reasons laundromat curtain cleaning can become more expensive than expected. The advertised per kg price may seem low, but the final price depends on the full curtain weight.
4. Block-out lining
Block-out lining can increase the final weight of the curtain and may affect the cleaning approach. It can also make curtains heavier and more awkward to handle.
This is another reason on-site cleaning is often more practical. Heavy block-out curtains are not always easy for customers to remove, carry and rehang.
5. Whether curtains are cleaned on-site or off-site
On-site cleaning is usually more convenient because the curtains can often be cleaned while hanging. Off-site or laundromat-style cleaning may require removal, transport and rehanging.
6. Condition of the curtains
Curtains with heavy dust, smoke odours, cooking smells, pet odours, water marks, mould marks or long-term dirt build-up may need more careful cleaning.
Professional on-site curtain cleaning commonly focuses on visible dust, dirt, odours, allergens, general marks and built-up residue to improve freshness and overall appearance.
7. Access and height
High ceilings, difficult rails, large windows and awkward access can affect the time and complexity of the job.
This is one reason call-out curtain cleaning can be more practical. The cleaner can assess and clean the curtains in place instead of the customer needing to remove them.
What is included in professional curtain cleaning?
Professional curtain cleaning usually focuses on improving curtain freshness, hygiene and appearance.
Depending on the service type, professional curtain cleaning may include:
- fabric inspection
- dust and surface soil removal
- treatment of general marks
- odour reduction
- allergen and dust reduction
- cleaning of curtain fabric
- careful handling of curtain drops
- cleaning while hanging
- attention to high-contact areas
- professional equipment and cleaning methods
Professional curtain cleaning is commonly used for:
- visible dust
- stale curtain smells
- smoke odours
- cooking smells
- pet odours
- general dirt build-up
- light marks
- musty smells
- standard curtains
- block-out curtains
- curtains in bedrooms, lounges, offices and guest rooms
For on-site curtain cleaning, the quoted service normally includes cleaning for everyday dust, odours, allergens, general marks and built-up dirt as part of the professional curtain-cleaning process.
The exact result depends on the curtain age, fabric, lining, type of soil, stains and whether marks are permanent. Sun damage, fabric fading, old water marks and permanent discolouration may not always be fully reversible.
Do curtains need to be taken down for cleaning?
Not always.
This is one of the biggest advantages of on-site curtain cleaning. Many curtains can be cleaned while still hanging on the rail.
That saves the customer from:
- removing the curtains
- handling hooks and fittings
- carrying heavy fabric
- transporting curtains
- waiting for collection
- rehanging curtains afterwards
With laundromat-style curtain cleaning, curtains usually need to be taken down and delivered to the cleaner. With on-site curtain cleaning, standard curtains and block-out curtains can often be cleaned on the rail.
Is on-site curtain cleaning worth it?
Yes, on-site curtain cleaning is often worth it when convenience, time and less hassle matter.
It may be the better option when:
- curtains are large or heavy
- curtains are difficult to remove
- the customer does not want to rehang them
- the property has many curtain drops
- the curtains are in an office or guesthouse
- dust and odours are the main concern
- the curtains need freshening without removal
- the customer wants a professional to handle the cleaning process
- the curtain rails are high or awkward
- the property needs less disruption
- block-out curtains are too heavy or awkward to transport
The main benefit is that the curtains can often be cleaned where they hang, reducing the hassle of taking them down and transporting them.
For busy households and businesses, that convenience can be worth more than laundry-style pricing.
Is laundromat curtain cleaning cheaper?
Laundromat curtain cleaning can look cheaper because the price is shown per kg. But the final cost depends on how much the curtains weigh.
A pair of curtains may weigh more than expected, especially if they are long, thick, lined or block-out. Once the curtains are weighed, the total may be close to or sometimes more than on-site cleaning.
Laundromat-style pricing may also not include:
- curtain removal
- transport
- rehanging
- fabric assessment at the property
- stain treatment
- lining risk assessment
- on-site convenience
- minimum charges
- collection or delivery
It can be practical for simple, removable, washable curtains.
But it may be less practical for:
- heavy curtains
- block-out curtains
- multiple rooms
- high rails
- large lounge curtains
- offices
- guesthouses
- customers who do not want to remove and rehang curtains
So the better question is not only “which price is lower?” The better question is:
Which service solves the whole curtain cleaning problem with the least hassle?
For many customers, that is on-site curtain cleaning.
Curtain cleaning cost examples
The final price depends on the number of curtain drops, size, weight and method used.
Example 1: Two standard curtain drops cleaned on-site
| Item | Example |
| Curtain drops | 2 standard drops |
| Guide price range | R165 – R225 per drop |
| Estimated cleaning cost | R330 – R450 |
This is usually convenient because the curtains can often be cleaned while hanging.
Example 2: Four larger curtain drops cleaned on-site
| Item | Example |
| Curtain drops | 4 larger or extra-length drops |
| Guide price range | R285 – R330 per drop |
| Estimated cleaning cost | R1,140 – R1,320 |
This may be suitable for long lounge curtains, large bedroom curtains, office curtains or guesthouse curtains.
Example 3: Laundromat standard curtains cleaned by weight
| Item | Example |
| Curtain weight | 4 kg |
| Guide price range | R100 – R150 per kg |
| Estimated laundromat-style cost | R400 – R600 |
This estimate usually does not include removal, transport or rehanging unless the provider specifically includes those services.
Example 4: Laundromat heavier standard curtains cleaned by weight
| Item | Example |
| Curtain weight | 7 kg |
| Guide price range | R100 – R150 per kg |
| Estimated laundromat-style cost | R700 – R1,050 |
This is where per kg pricing can stop looking as cheap, especially if you still need to remove, transport and rehang the curtains yourself.
Example 5: Laundromat block-out curtains cleaned by weight
| Item | Example |
| Curtain weight | 6 kg |
| Guide price range | R110 – R200 per kg |
| Estimated laundromat-style cost | R660 – R1,200 |
Block-out curtains may cost more because the curtains can weigh more.
Example 6: Laundromat heavy block-out curtains cleaned by weight
| Item | Example |
| Curtain weight | 10 kg |
| Guide price range | R110 – R200 per kg |
| Estimated laundromat-style cost | R1,100 – R2,000 |
At this point, laundromat-style cleaning can be close to or more than on-site cleaning, while still requiring more customer effort.
Curtain cleaning price comparison table
| Service type | Estimated price range | Usually requires customer to remove curtains? | Best for |
| On-site standard curtain cleaning | R165 – R225 per drop | Usually no | Homes, bedrooms, lounges, easy on-rail cleaning |
| On-site large curtain cleaning | R285 – R330 per drop | Usually no | Large curtains, offices, guesthouses, high windows |
| Laundromat: standard curtain cleaning by weight | R100 – R150 per kg | Usually yes | Removable curtains, basic laundry-style cleaning |
| Laundromat: block-out curtain cleaning by weight | R110 – R200 per kg | Usually yes | Heavier lined curtains accepted by the laundromat |
This table shows why the lowest-looking price is not always the best value. Laundromat-style cleaning may be useful for removable curtains, but on-site cleaning is often more convenient and practical.
How to view curtain cleaning prices and availability
To view curtain cleaning services listed in your area, visit the main curtain cleaning service page and select the Rates & Availability Calendar.
From there, you can:
- choose your location
- view available listed services
- see pricing for your area
- select the curtain cleaning option
- check live open slots
- choose a suitable appointment time
- continue with the booking online
This is the easiest way to confirm current curtain cleaning prices, available time slots and service options for your suburb.
Curtain cleaning prices by area
Curtain cleaning prices can vary by area, availability and the listed service options in your suburb. To view current options, start with the main curtain cleaning service page and use the Rates & Availability Calendar to select your location, view prices and check live open slots.
You can also view curtain cleaning services in major areas:
- Curtain cleaners in Sandton
- Curtain cleaners in Randburg
- Curtain cleaners in Johannesburg
- Curtain cleaners in Pretoria
- Curtain cleaners in Cape Town
- Curtain cleaners in Durban
For related services, you can also visit the main professional cleaning services hub.
Why book curtain cleaning through CleanLab SA?
CleanLab SA helps customers find listed curtain cleaning options, view upfront pricing where available and book online without needing to phone around for every quote.
For curtain cleaning, this is useful because large, heavy, lined or block-out curtains can be difficult to remove, transport, clean, dry and rehang. It helps to book through a platform where listed service options can be viewed more clearly.
Customers can select their area, view available options and use the Get Rates & Availability CTA to check prices and open slots where available.
Booking through CleanLab SA can also help with peace of mind because the platform includes support around Booking Protection and Professional Standards.
This gives customers a clearer booking process, especially when arranging curtain cleaning for homes, offices, rental properties or guesthouses.
When should curtains be professionally cleaned?
Curtains may need professional cleaning when:
- they smell stale
- they hold dust
- they smell like smoke
- they smell like cooking oil
- they have pet odours
- they look dull
- they have visible marks
- they have mildew or musty smells
- someone in the home has allergies
- the curtains have not been cleaned for years
- the property is a guesthouse, office or rental
Many homes do not clean curtains often enough because curtains are awkward to remove and easy to forget. On-site cleaning helps solve this because it removes much of the inconvenience.
Final answer on curtain cleaning prices
Curtain cleaning prices in South Africa vary depending on the cleaning method, curtain size, weight, lining and service type.
As a guide, on-site curtain cleaning while hanging may cost around R165 to R225 per standard drop, and around R285 to R330 per larger or extra-length drop. These on-site curtain cleaning prices commonly cover standard curtains and block-out curtains in the listed curtain-cleaning categories.
Laundromat-style curtain cleaning may cost around R100 to R150 per kg for standard curtains, while block-out curtains may cost around R110 to R200 per kg.
Per kg curtain cleaning can look cheaper at first, but curtains can weigh several kilograms. The final laundromat-style price can be closer to, and sometimes more than, on-site cleaning once the curtains are weighed. You may also still need to remove, transport, collect and rehang them yourself.
For many customers, the best value is not the cheapest-looking price per kg. It is the service that cleans the curtains properly while saving time, effort and hassle.
