Curtains - Dry clean or wash them myself?

Beatrice8

Did the right thing, took my Next cotton-twill, lined curtains to the dry-cleaners as per the label. Dry cleaner just phoned to say the linings have folded over on themselves and stuck together as if they have some sort of special coating, although this is not indicated on the label.

Wish I'd put them in the washing machine...they may have survived, and even if they didn't it wouldn't have cost me £16 to ruin them:(

lovethymini

Beatrice8 wrote: »

Did the right thing, took my Next cotton-twill, lined curtains to the dry-cleaners as per the label. Dry cleaner just phoned to say the linings have folded over on themselves and stuck together as if they have some sort of special coating, although this is not indicated on the label.

Wish I'd put them in the washing machine...they may have survived, and even if they didn't it wouldn't have cost me £16 to ruin them:(

If the washing label instructions were followed, I would discuss the problem with next because a) they should appreciate the feedback and b) could recompense you

Pink.

Hi Beatrice,

Welcome to MSE

I agree with lovethymini....take them back to Next and explain the problem. If you followed their cleaning instructions then they are at fault.

Pink

Beatrice8

Thanks lovethymini and Pink. I've had a root around and found proof of purchase, taken some pics of the damage and am going to put together a letter to Next. Seems that the care instruction label is right for the curtain material but not for the lining material.

Also, thanks for the welcome:)

Beatrice8

Beatrice8 wrote: »

Thanks lovethymini and Pink. I've had a root around and found proof of purchase, taken some pics of the damage and am going to put together a letter to Next. Seems that the care instruction label is right for the curtain material but not for the lining material.

An update...

Next customer services rang me this week to apologise for what's happened. Apparently back when I bought the curtains (2007) they had a problem with a batch of linings and had quite a few cases like this. They have refunded me what I originally paid, £50. Thought it was very nice of them considering how long I'd had the curtains - I think it helped that I still had proof of purchase. Very impressed with their customer service.

Thanks again to the forumites who encouraged me to go back to Next!

newman3

I have just successfully washed my dry clean only curtains from john lewis. They are 55% polyester 45% cotton & are lined with 80% polyester & 20% cotton. I washed them (one at a time) on a 30degrees cycle with a small amount of detergent followed by a quick spin & then hung them out to dry on the line followed by a low iron & I am absolutely over the moon with the results, no creases and cruicially no shrinkage. Ok maybe having them dry cleaned may have delivered perfect results & prevented 40 mins of ironing - but saving £60 was well worth the effort. Happy Days :-) :j

gibson123

Next time iron them before you put them out to dry, it will be easier;

LisaW123

Hi, I'm wondering if anyone knows if curtains that have shrunk once in the wash will shrink each time they are washed? I have some very heavy lined cotton curtains from John Lewis. Washed them instead of dry cleaning and they shrunk about two inches in length, though not width strangely enough. Fortunately there was enough of a hem to alter them to fit the windows. If I wash them again, does anyone know if they are likely to shrink again?

lovethymini

I'm guessing not - remember the levi jeans advert? - Cotton jeans need a percentage for shrinkage but thereafter don't shrink further do they?

jedi82

Hello,

I am currently changing bedrooms about and have noticed the curtains need a clean. They say 'professional dry clean only' and I was wondering whether I would completely ruin them if I washed them in the machine? They are 50% cotton, 50% polyester lined cream curtains.

What do you reckon?

Thanks,
jedi x