Can You Tumble Dry Net Curtains? (is it safe or will it damage them)

All the top manufacturers agree, net curtains should never be tumble dried. This is because net curtains tend to be made from polyester which will shrink in a tumble dryer.

As net curtains are made to be an exact fit for your window, they would be useless if they were to shrink.

Net curtains should either be hand washed or washed in a washing machine at low temperatures on a delicate cycle.

What The Tumble Dryer Symbols Mean On Net Curtains

Net curtains should never be tumble dried as they can easily become damaged. This means there is probably only one symbol you’re likely to find on net curtains. 

Which is the do not tumble dry symbol, below we have included the full list of all symbols that relate to tumble dryers for your information.

• Square With White Circle And A Black X On Top – This is the symbol you are most likely to find on net curtains. It is the symbol that indicates that the net curtains should never be tumble dried.
• Square With White Circle – This is the symbol that indicates that the item can be tumble dried. You are unlikely to find this symbol on net curtains.
• Square With White Circle, One Black Dot In Circle – This indicates you can dry on a low heat setting and is unlikely to be found on net curtains.
• Square With White Circle, Three Black Dots In Circle – You can dry on a high heat setting, It is highly unlikely to find this symbol on net curtains.
• Square With Black Circle – This symbol indicates that you can dry with no heat in a tumble dryer. 

How To Dry Net Curtains Without A Tumble Dryer

As net curtains are usually made from polyester, they should never be dried in a tumble dryer.

The best way to dry net curtains is to air dry them in full sunlight.

Air Drying Net Curtains

You can hang your net curtains on a washing line or a rotary line outdoors in full sunshine. 

Air Drying Net Curtains Using A Retractable Clothesline

If space is at a premium either indoors or out, a retractable clothesline could be the solution.

A wall mounted box contains a nylon line which is extended to an opposite wall where it is secured. 

Once the net curtains are dry, the line is retracted into the box until the next wash day.

SEE ALSO: Retractable Clotheslines Worth Buying

Air Drying Net Curtains Indoors

The best way to air dry your net curtains indoors is to rehang them in your window. You should place a towel beneath the nets to catch any water droplets.

Lower Drying Times Indoors By Using An Electric Fan

If you place an electric fan in the same room as the drying net curtains it can help to speed up the drying time.

Ensure that the window is open to allow a steady airflow as this will help to dry the net curtains faster.

SEE ALSO: Our Top Rated Bladeless Fans

Using A Dehumidifier To Shorten Drying Times Indoors

Net curtains dry pretty fast but you can decrease the drying time by placing a dehumidifier in the room.

Dehumidifiers remove excess moisture from the air which speeds up the drying process.

SEE ALSO: Dehumidifiers For Drying Net Curtains

What Happens If You Tumble Dry Net Curtains?

The care label is there for a reason and you should be guided by it. If you ignore the care label and decide to tumble dry your net curtains you are likely to;

Shrink Your Net Curtains

Net curtains are usually made from polyester which will shrink if exposed to high temperatures. This will mean your net curtains will no longer fit at the window as they should.

Tear Your Net Curtains

If the polyester material becomes too hot, the fibres can become damaged. Those damaged fibres can cause a weakness which will rip or tear as soon as any pressure is placed on them.

Melt Your Net Curtains

Under extreme temperatures, polyester can melt. If this were to happen to your net curtains, it could damage the tumble dryer as well as ruin the curtains.

Wrinkle Your Net Curtains

If polyester is exposed to high temperatures it can cause wrinkles. As it is not advisable to iron net curtains, those wrinkles will remain.

Frequently Asked Questions