Can You Put Curtains In The Washing Machine?
Yes, you can wash curtains in your washing machine, but it really depends on what they’re made of. Usually, if your curtains are polyester, cotton, nylon, or linen, you’re good to go for a machine wash.
But if they’re silk, organza, or velvet, you might want to hand wash them or take them to a professional cleaner instead.
Ready to find out more? Keep reading, and we’ll guide you through everything you need to know about keeping your curtains clean and fresh!
How To Wash Curtains In The Washing Machine
Modern washing machines are equipped to handle delicate items like curtains, thanks to their range of settings and programs. This means you can give your curtains a gentle, non-damaging clean right at home.
Check The Wash Care Label
First things first, always check the wash care label on your curtains. This label tells you the best way to wash them.
Sheer curtains, which are often made of polyester or nylon, are usually fine for machine washing. But, if you’ve got curtains made of silk, organza, or velvet, you’re better off avoiding the washing machine.
No label? If you’re unsure, it might be safer to hand wash or use a delicate cycle.
Prepare Your Curtains For Machine Washing
Before you pull your curtains down from their rods, it’s a good idea to mark where they hang and measure them, so you can get them back just right later. Also, measuring the curtains once removed can help you assess if any stretching is required after they’ve been washed.
Don’t forget to remove hooks, loosen tapes, and give them a good shake or a once-over with a vacuum brush to get rid of dust.
Before washing your curtains, tackle any stains with a stain remover. This will help get them out more easily in the wash.
To check if the colours might run, consider performing a spot-test before washing them. Simply take a paper towel or a white cloth, moisten it with a mix of water and a bit of detergent, and then gently dab it on a small section of the curtain. If the colour stays put, you’re good to go.
Select The Right Wash Settings
Delicate cycle, slow spin, and cold water – that’s the right setting to keep your curtains looking good and stop them from getting wrinkled or shrinking.
Use a mild detergent and the right amount to avoid any residue. If the wash care label doesn’t say a temperature, wash at 30°C. This temperature is warm enough to clean but gentle enough to keep colours bright and prevent shrinking.
Washing cotton curtains? Go for a delicate cycle and a spin speed of about 600 rpm. If you’ve got net or lightweight curtains, follow the wash care label or stick to the delicate cycle.
If you have lace curtains, put them in a mesh bag before washing. For curtains with metal rings or grommets, use the delicate cycle with a low spin speed.
Remember, don’t overload your washing machine, and avoid wringing delicate materials like silk.
Can You Put Curtains In The Dryer?
After washing your curtains, it’s better to let them air dry. This helps stop them from getting damaged or shrinking.
If you really need to use a dryer, make sure it’s on a low heat setting. Higher temperatures can risk shrinking your curtains. It’s always best to check the wash care label before using a dryer to avoid potential damage.
When you’re air drying, lay them out flat and keep them away from direct sunlight to stop the fabric from getting damaged.
Ironing your curtains while they’re slightly damp, on a low to medium heat setting, can help get rid of wrinkles and give you smoother curtains. A handheld steam iron is also a great option for wrinkle-free curtains.
How Often Should You Wash Curtains?
Curtains can get pretty dusty over time, so it’s a good idea to give them a wash every six months. This keeps the fabric in good condition and keeps your home clean.
If they’re in a dusty or smelly area, you might need to clean them more often. Regular vacuuming with a brush attachment, at least once a week, will help keep the dust at bay. When you vacuum, use a soft brush head and turn down the suction a little if you can.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can put curtains in the washer, but it’s better to air dry them after washing. If you must use a dryer, make sure it’s set on a low heat setting to prevent shrinking and potential damage.
Washing curtains might shrink them if not done properly. To avoid shrinking, use a gentle cycle with cold water and avoid high temperatures.
To wash curtains in the washing machine, use a delicate cycle, slow spin speed, and cold water. This setting ensures your curtains are cleaned gently, reducing the risk of damage, wrinkling, or shrinking.
Yes, you can wash curtains with metal rings in the washing machine. Use the delicate cycle with a low spin speed to prevent damage to both the curtains and the washing machine.
Yes, you really need to wash curtains as they can accumulate dust over time. Regular washing helps maintain the fabric’s condition and keeps your home clean.
Curtains should be washed every six months to keep them clean and in good condition. If they’re in a particularly dusty or smelly area, you might need to wash them more frequently.
Whether it’s better to wash or dry clean curtains depends on their material. Washable fabrics like cotton or polyester can be machine washed, while delicate materials like silk or velvet are better off dry cleaned.
