Add Yahoo as a preferred source to see more of our stories on Google. John Keeble / Getty Images Curtains should be washed every three months in high-traffic areas and six months in low-traffic areas.

If you’ve ever found yourself sorting through fabric sample after fabric sample, comparing linen versus cotton and various shades of blue, you know that choosing the right curtains can make a room.

Plus, what not to do. It's easy to remember to vacuum the floor, change your sheets, and clean the dishes, but when it comes to really deep cleaning your home, you can't forget to wash your curtains.

You may not notice it right away, but your curtains are collecting dust, splatters, insect droppings, and airborne particles every day. The soil-gathering is particularly heavy in kitchens, bathrooms, ...