And then last thing, to wash the curtains. They’re a little dusty and maybe smell a little bit like cooking. Really time for a decent clean. But you were always too terrified to wash them in case you shrunk them.

You have good cause to be worried. These curtains are not ordinary articles of apparel. Yes, shrinkage does happen. It could wreck your curtains. If you have nice pricey made to measure curtains and you don’t want them to shrink:

Many curtains can be washed at home. If you want to wash your curtains at home, you need to know which textiles can take water, which fabrics require special care and which fabrics are better left alone.

The care label is the best place to go to learn these factors. One wrong decision and your curtains are hung wrong.

How to Wash Curtains and Other Considerations Other Than Fabric Some curtain linings may also shrink.

Curtains shrink the same as clothing does. Water, heat and movement can change the fibers of the material.

Have you ever washed a pair of drapes with linings? Outer fabric is likely to be cotton which is more prone to shrink and the interior is likely to be polyester which is less likely to shrink. The change in shrinkage may be an indicator that the fabric is no longer hanging evenly.

That’s why washing curtains isn’t as straightforward as chucking them through the quick wash cycle.

What Types of Curtain Fabrics Are Most Likely to Shrink?

Synthetic fabrics are less likely to shrink than fabrics made from natural materials, which is why curtains are made from synthetic materials. But that doesn’t mean that synthetic fabrics won’t shrink at all.

• Cotton for example can shrink. This is particularly so with non-preshrunk cotton fabrics.
• Another fabric to be aware of is linen; Linen wrinkles rapidly and the threads do not drape as flatly as other textiles.
• Polyester will hold its shape, is less likely to shrink and can usually be washed by machine on a gentle cycle.
• Wool, silk and velvet are not always machine washable and must be dry cleaned by a specialist.
• Check if your curtains are lined, have a blackout backing or have a decorative finish These could change the cleaning needs entirely.

Do Curtains Shrink in The Cold?

Yes, they can shrink in cold water too.

Many people believe that washing curtains in water at 30 degrees C (or even cold) will prevent them from shrinking. You can shrink at any temperature, but washing in low heat will help you avoid some of the problems that can arise with high temps.

Linen is a good example, because it can shrink even in cool water.

So you want to limit shrinkage, but the trick is to follow the manufacturer’s directions. The manufacturer’s recommendation is a dry clean only label and you really shouldn’t risk another technique.

There are certain things you can do to make washing curtains easier. Curtain cleaning is nothing special or unusual. You don’t need to do anything special or different from regular cleaning. The most important thing to keep in mind is to be careful with the fabric.

• Follow the washing and drying instructions on the care label. The care label is generally situated in a side seam or the bottom hem. The label shows the temperature (wash and dry cycles) and care instruction with a symbol (or letters). If it says dry clean only on the label, then don’t risk washing the curtains.
• Check care labels, remove hooks, rings and fastenings. Remove the curtains and ensure that the hooks and rings do not get caught on the material and ruin the washing machine.
• Vacuum or lightly shake the curtains to remove as much dust as possible. There is still some dust in the creases.
• If your curtains are especially dusty, vacuum them with the upholstery attachment before you wash them.
• Look for stains on the corners and bottom of the drapes.
• If the care label allows, test the cleaning product in an inconspicuous place. Blot stains with a clean moist towel to absorb stains if necessary. Repeat as necessary.
• Stain removers and other strong cleaners can strip dyes, so use products developed for care of the clothes.
• The fact that a stain is not removable does not mean that the complete curtain cannot be washed.
• Washable curtains can generally be washed in warm or cold water.
• If the care label on the curtain does not allow a certain washing temperature, the greatest temperature advised is 30 degrees Celsius.
• Too much heat can create needless shrinkage and it doesn’t necessarily make the curtains much cleaner.

Run on low.

• Only use a tiny amount of detergent.
• If the washing machine has too many other things in it you can’t wash curtains.
• A number of them are especially delicate and require great attention in washing.
• Select a cycle with minimum agitation and a light spin.
• Use a mild detergent that is suited for the cloth. Large loads don’t require extra detergent.
• If you are washing 2 panels, confirm the whole weight and size is suitable for your machine.

Dry your curtains gently

• When the cycle is complete, pull down the curtains.
• One wrong move could spoil all the painstaking preparation of the curtains for washing. If you overheat during the drying process the curtains may shrink.
• If the manufacturer permits, curtains can be hung while slightly damp. Only if the weight of the curtains is not going to damage the hangers or stretch the curtains.
• Ensure that the curtains are totally dry before shutting.

Can You Wash Curtains in the Washing Machine?

Some curtains can be machine washed, yes, but not all of them.

How Hot To Wash Drapes?

The safest bet is to merely wash following the recommendations on the care label.

It is reliant upon the fabric and the lining. Curtains are machine-washable and can be washed differently.

Curtain Material Considerations| Cotton May shrink, use temperature label Linen May shrink and crease, handle with care Polyester Machine wash cool and delicate CurtainsCheck fabric and lining Blackout curtains Special backing may restrict washing Silk or velvet may require dry cleaning

Not all wash instructions are created equal. Two curtains, made from the same fabric, can have different washing instructions.

What cycle is best to wash curtains on?

• If machine washing is permitted, a gentle or delicate cycle is normally suggested (as opposed to an intensive cycle).
• As a rule of thumb, it is best to wash them on a gentle cycle as the material of the curtains may not withstand an intensive cycle.
• You should also spin at a modest velocity, a fast spin may damage the curtains.
• If you don’t know which washing machine cycle to use, read the directions on the machine and the care label on the curtains.

When not to machine wash curtains?

There are times when it is better not to take any chances.

When machine cleaning curtains avoid

• Dryclean only.
• Some unknown or delicate liner.
• The fabric is silk, velvet or any other fabric that cannot be washed in the washing machine.
• Curtains have a bonded black out/thermal liner which is not washable.
• Too large/heavy for your machine
• Fabric gets brittle/weak when exposed to sunlight.

A professional cleaner will be able to look at the fabric and advise on the best approach to clean it.

How to Safely Wash Different Types of Curtains

Curtains are made of fabric and the fabric plays a big role in how you clean curtains. What is suitable for lightweight bedroom curtains may not be safe for heavier lounge curtains.

How to Wash Cotton Drapes Without Shrinking

Cotton is easy to live with yet could be hard to wash without shrinking.

• If it says machine washable, use a gentle cycle and medium water temperature.
• It is also worth making sure that curtains have been pre-shrunk in manufacture.
• Even unbleached cotton might shrink in the wash. This is especially important if you require your curtains to be a particular length that touches the floor.

How to Wash Linen Curtains Without Shrinking Them

Linen has a relaxed, textured look which is rather widespread in homes in the UK but it can be tough to wash without shrinking.

• If they claim they are washable, try the cool option, and use a delicate cycle if you have one.
• Do not dry at high temperatures. Linen can get quite heavy with creases therefore it’s better to knead the creases out as they dry.
• Custom linens are pricey and can cost you a pretty penny. Before you try out your first wash, have a chat with a professional cleaner.

How to Clean Curtains Made from Polyester

Polyester curtains are easy to maintain

• Generally you are able to put polyester curtains in the washing machine, but always check the label beforehand. Best to use the gentle cycle or delicate cycle and cool water temperature setting.
• Polyester is not very heat resistant, therefore avoid using the high setting while ironing or drying.
• If the curtains are lined, follow the care label instructions for the whole product (i.e. the curtains as a whole) and not simply the outside fabric.

How to Wash Curtains with Linings Without Shrinking

Lined drapes are a bit more tricky because there are two fabrics to work with.

• Most lined curtains are made with a non-washable lining fabric. So, even if the outside fabric is washable, the entire curtain may not be machine washable.
• Puckered seams and edges may occur due to differential shrinkage between layers.
• For lined curtains, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines carefully to avoid unexpected damage.
• Do not machine wash if instructions do not advise machine washing.

How to Dry Curtains Without Shrinking Them

Drying fabric can be as difficult as washing it. What most people don’t know is that clothing dries can shrink or become misshapen.

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The fabric may shrink with heat. Heavy, moist drapes can pull the cloth out of shape.

The optimum approach depends on the construction, weight, and maintenance instructions of the curtains.

Can You Hang Curtains in the Dryer?

• Synthetic fabric narrow lightweight curtains may withstand tumble drying on low heat. Other fabrics may shrink, and/or become damaged in the lining or become permanently wrinkled.
• If tumble drying is permitted, tumble dry on a low heat and remove curtains when dry.
• Otherwise, proceed with the suggested drying technique.

Can you put up curtains when they are still wet?

• Hang some light-weight, washable draperies damp to avoid creasing.
• Not suitable for all types of curtains. Heavy damp draperies will sag. Moisture can damage walls and other things too much.

If the manufacturer recommends a certain method for drying, use that method.

How to Prevent Fabric and Clothing Damage

• When the curtains are still damp, press the creases out gently.
• Wet fabric left in piles can also become wrinkled.
• Iron only with permission and after testing a concealed section.
• If there are no recommended settings, cook on low or medium heat. Do not ever utilize steam automatically.

How do you clean curtains without removing them?

• Take care of fabrics that cannot tolerate steaming or ironing.
• Thankfully, basic maintenance doesn’t necessarily require a full wash.
• If the curtains have not had a chance to set, any dust that lands on the surface of the cloth can be brushed off.
• The best way to get dust off a surface is to vacuum it. Use the soft brush attachment to vacuum the folds in the curtain, being extra careful at the top of the curtain where the dust likes to gather.
• You can vacuum your curtains sometimes to remove dust, but be careful: delicate fabrics may have threads pulled out and fabric damaged by vacuuming.

Steam Clean

• Depending on the fabric, a steamer’s heat and moisture can ruin a curtain. Make sure the fabric can tolerate 100 percent steam.
• If the curtains have a special coating, then it is preferable not to tamper with it. Leave the steaming to the pros.

Don’t make these curtain washing mistakes

Doing experiments with cleaning house textiles could ruin fibers if you don’t pay attention to specifics. There are sometimes mistakes because of some misapprehensions.

• Like water that’s too hot. Never suppose that the curtains would be cleaner at higher temperatures. Follow the specified temperatures
• The labels on the curtain can tell you a lot and it is important to follow instructions rather than presume.

Frequently Asked Questions About Washing Curtains

Can I wash curtains without shrinking?

You can wash many machine-washable drapes and not have them shrink. Generally you can follow the care label, and use the right cycle. Avoid drying at temperatures not acceptable. Sometimes there is the risk of some textiles shrinking when they are washed.

Washing curtains at 30 degrees can cause them to shrink.

Yes they can. A 30 degree wash does not mean that natural fabrics won’t shrink. It is also a good idea to follow the carelabel. Don’t think a cool wash is fine if the care label doesn’t list a wash cycle.

Can You Wash Curtains in a Washing Machine?

Yes, if the manufacturer allows. Lightweight cotton or polyester curtains can generally be cleaned on a moderate cycle. Heavy or delicate drapes may need to be washed another way. Also, you need to make sure your washing machine is big enough.

Can you wash curtains that are labeled dry clean only?

This is not a good idea. And that’s why “dry clean only” is written as curtain care. They can quickly shrink, lose their shape or get distorted, if washed. It’s best to follow the maintenance instructions or enlist the services of a professional cleaner.”

How Much Does It Cost To Have Curtains Cleaned By Professionals In The UK?

The price depends on the size, fabric and kind of lining of your curtains. Delicate or larger curtains will be costlier to clean than plain lightweight panels. Contact the professional service to get the precise price and details of your curtains.

Keep Your Curtains Protected and Clean

One of those jobs that is no trouble if you take a little care is washing curtains.

Natural fabrics and linings are particularly prone to shrinkage and deformation. These are also the main reasons blackout curtains lose their shape after washing.

Always see what the label says first. If it says machine washable, follow the prescribed program and temperature, allow enough space in the drum to minimize creases, and be careful when drying.

Homemade wash is not always the best method to save time and money.

If you require expert curtain washing in West London, then Laundry2Door will collect your curtains, have them cleaned and return them to you for a modest price.

For further details please visit our Curtain Cleaning Service website.