Over time, curtains – especially those over 10–15 years old – can become a serious fire hazard. If your curtains date back to the 1990s, it’s time to take a closer look.
Here’s why replacement is critical:
- Fire Retardancy Fades: Most older curtains were treated with fire-retardant sprays that wear off over time due to sunlight, dust, and cleaning. By now, they offer no reliable protection.
- Fabric Deterioration: As fabric ages, it becomes more brittle and flammable. One spark or heat source can turn old curtains into dangerous fuel.
- Non-Compliant with Modern Standards: Today’s fire safety regulations are much stricter (BS 5867 in the UK). Older curtains simply don’t meet the legal or safety expectations of modern homes, schools, or commercial spaces.
- Risk to Life and Property: In a fire, curtains are often one of the first things to ignite, spreading flames rapidly across a room especially when they’re decades old.
The Safe Solution? Replace and Upgrade.
Modern curtain fabrics are available in inherently fire-retardant materials or can be professionally treated to meet safety regulations giving you peace of mind and protection.
If your property is open to the public, rented out, or simply important to your loved ones, don’t take the risk.
Protect your home. Comply with safety laws. Upgrade your curtains today.
Here are other key health and safety factors beyond fire risk that make it important to replace old curtains, especially those from the 1970s or earlier:
🔥 1. Fire Risk
As covered earlier, old curtains lose fire-retardant properties and become highly flammable.
🧫 2. Dust and Allergen Buildup
Old fabric traps dust mites, pollen, mold spores, and other allergens — a major issue for asthma sufferers or people with allergies. Vacuuming and washing are not always effective after decades of use.
🦠 3. Mould and Mildew Growth
Especially in damp environments, curtains can develop invisible mould, which contributes to respiratory problems and musty indoor air. Older linings and heavy fabrics are especially vulnerable.
🪳 4. Pest Contamination
In some cases, old curtains can become hiding spots for insects like silverfish, moths, or carpet beetles, particularly in storage or low-use rooms.
🧵 5. Fabric Degradation and Shedding
As textiles age, fibres break down and shed particles into the air, which can be inhaled. This is especially problematic with synthetic materials that weren’t regulated decades ago.
🧼 6. Hygiene and Cleanability
Older curtains may no longer withstand proper cleaning. Fabrics become fragile and prone to tearing or permanent staining, making regular maintenance unsafe or impossible.
⚖️ 7. Legal and Insurance Compliance
In commercial settings, care homes, hotels, or rentals, non-compliance with modern fire and hygiene standards could lead to fines or denied insurance claims in case of an incident.
🧣 8. Obsolete Materials and Unknown Chemical Treatments
Many older curtains were made with materials or dyes no longer considered safe including formaldehyde resins, PVC backing, or lead-based pigments in some cases.
✅ Summary:
Old curtains don’t just look outdated – they can pose real risks to health and safety. Replacing them is a smart step toward a safer, cleaner, and legally compliant space.
✅ Old Curtain Safety & Hygiene Checklist
☐ Are your curtains more than 10 years old?
☐ Have they never been re-treated for fire safety?
☐ Do they look faded, brittle, or threadbare?
☐ Do they give off a musty smell, even after cleaning?
☐ Are they difficult or risky to wash without damage?
☐ Do you suffer from allergies or asthma?
☐ Are you unsure what materials or chemicals were used?
☐ Are you in a rental, commercial, or public space?
If you checked 2 or more boxes, it’s time to seriously consider replacing your curtains — for your health, fire safety, and peace of mind.
🆕 Modern curtains are:
- Fire-retardant (BS 5867 compliant ✅)
- Hypoallergenic ✅
- Easy to clean ✅
- Made with safe, regulated materials ✅
🎯 Don’t wait for an accident or allergy flare-up to act.
Upgrade your space. Breathe safer. Sleep better.
📩 Message us today for a quote or a free curtain safety check.