If any part of your washable curtain is going to shrink, it's generally the lining. Detach the lining first if you're worried, then hand wash the lining or do nothing to it. If you forget to take off the lining and it does shrink, you can snip it off after washing the curtains and just stretch the wet curtains back to their regular size. If the lining is very colour-stained, stitch it back inside out. To safely wash washable curtains, follow these steps after you take them down:
- Remove the curtain hooks.
- Check the weight of each curtain against the maximum wash-load weight recommended for your machine.
One full-length curtain can easily weigh the maximum amount your machine can handle. A pair may need two loads. - Add the amount of washing-powder (laundry detergent) recommended on the container for maximum soil.
- Select a gentle wash cycle.
Remove promptly afterwards to cut down on creasing. When the curtains come out of the machine, you may have to stretch them back into shape before hanging them on the line to dry. Even if your curtains can stand up to the washing machine, the dryer is almost guaranteed to be the end of them, so let them air-dry. - Wet curtains are extremely heavy, so if you have two parallel wash lines, lay the curtains over both. If the curtains need ironing, do it whilst they're still damp. Iron the inside of the curtain, pressing the seams flat. Use upholstery shampoo to clean fixed pelmets, taking care not to get them too wet.
