Curtain Cleaning vs Replacement: The Real Cost Comparison
When curtains look tired, stained, or dusty, most homeowners assume replacement is the only option. But professional cleaning can restore them to like-new condition at a fraction of the cost. Let's break down the real numbers.
The Cost of New Curtains in Johannesburg
Replacing curtains isn't just about buying fabric. The real cost includes multiple hidden expenses that add up quickly:
| Item | Cost Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Curtain fabric (per window) | R800 – R3,500 | Depends on size, fabric quality, lining |
| Track or rod | R200 – R1,500 | Basic tracks to decorative rods |
| Professional measurement | R300 – R600 | Essential for proper fit |
| Making / tailoring | R400 – R1,200 | Per window, depending on complexity |
| Installation | R250 – R800 | Per window, including hardware fitting |
| Removal of old curtains | R100 – R300 | Disposal or storage |
| TOTAL per window | R2,050 – R7,900 | For mid-range quality curtains |
For a typical 3-bedroom home with 8-10 windows, replacing all curtains costs R16,400 – R79,000. And that's for standard sizes — custom or large windows cost significantly more.
The Cost of Professional Curtain Cleaning
On The Spot Pricing
- Standard curtain pair (up to 2.5m wide)R350 – R550
- Large curtains or sliding door panelsR500 – R800
- Sheer curtains (pair)R250 – R400
- Blackout / thermal curtainsR450 – R700
- Delicate fabrics (silk, velvet)R500 – R900
Full home package (8-10 windows): R2,500 – R5,500
Including free on-site assessment and quote
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Factor | Cleaning | Replacement |
|---|---|---|
| Cost per window | R350 – R900 | R2,050 – R7,900 |
| Full home (8-10 windows) | R2,500 – R5,500 | R16,400 – R79,000 |
| Time required | 2-4 hours on-site | Days to weeks (measurement, making, installation) |
| Disruption | Minimal — curtains stay hanging | Significant — bare windows during process |
| Fabric preservation | Extends life by years | N/A — you're buying new |
| Shrinkage risk | Zero (on-site dry process) | Possible if DIY cleaning later |
| Environmental impact | Low — reuses existing curtains | High — manufacturing, transport, old curtain disposal |
| Result | Like-new appearance and freshness | Brand new, but same future cleaning needed |
When Cleaning Makes Sense
- Your curtains are structurally sound but look dusty, dull, or slightly stained
- They smell musty or like cooking, but the fabric is intact
- You want to extend the life of quality curtains you invested in
- They've yellowed from UV exposure or cooking fumes
- You're preparing a property for sale or rental
- Allergy sufferers in the home need dust and allergen removal
- You simply want them to look fresh without the expense of replacement
When Replacement Is the Better Option
- Fabric is torn, frayed, or has holes that can't be repaired
- The lining has deteriorated or separated from the face fabric
- Tracks or rods are damaged or no longer functional
- You want to change the style, colour, or room aesthetic
- Curtains are badly water-damaged or mould-infested
- They no longer fit due to window changes or shrinkage from previous bad cleaning
The Hidden Costs of Replacement
Beyond the sticker price, replacement has costs most people don't consider:
- Time off work — Multiple appointments for measurement, selection, and installation
- Transport costs — Visiting fabric suppliers and curtain makers
- Storage — Keeping old curtains until disposal or deciding what to do with them
- Mistakes — Wrong measurements, colour mismatches, or poor-quality fabric choices
- Disruption — Days or weeks with incomplete window coverage
A Smart Strategy: Clean First, Replace If Needed
The most cost-effective approach? Have your curtains professionally cleaned first. In our experience, over 85% of curtains that homeowners consider replacing can be restored to excellent condition with proper cleaning.
At R350 – R900 per window, cleaning is a low-risk trial. If the results aren't satisfactory (rare), then you've only spent a fraction of replacement cost and you know replacement is genuinely needed.
Real Customer Example
"We were quoted R45,000 to replace all curtains in our Fourways home. Instead, we called On The Spot for R4,200 cleaning. The curtains looked brand new — colours were vibrant again, the musty smell was gone, and the fabric felt fresh. We saved over R40,000 and our curtains lasted another 4 years."
— Sarah M., Johannesburg North
The Bottom Line
Professional curtain cleaning costs approximately 15-30% of replacement cost and delivers results that most homeowners find completely satisfactory. Unless your curtains are physically damaged or you want a style change, cleaning is almost always the smarter financial choice.
Book a free assessment. We'll inspect your curtains and give you honest advice on whether cleaning or replacement is the right option for your situation.
Get a free, honest assessment
Kathy will inspect your curtains and tell you straight whether cleaning or replacement makes sense. No obligation, no pressure.