Curtains - Dry clean or wash them myself?

booter

johnc wrote: »

Hi,

I'm moving into a new flat with high ceilings and just trying to figure out how I should get the curtains cleaned which are probably about 10 ft high and will be a pain to take down. I've read about Steam cleaning services so you dont have to take the curtains down and professionals come and do that. Is that better than dry cleaning? Anyone know?

Thanks!
John.

Steam cleaning will involve the use of water and high temperature. Dry cleaning involves the use of chemicals for cleaning. So it really depends on the curtain fabric - it may not be suitable for either:)
Are there any labels to say what the fabric is or what's the recommended method of cleaning?

Personally, I'll generally throw curtains in the machine on a cold wash. But I did once throw in a pair of draylon curtains (a few years back now!) that ended up 2 inches shorter than their sewn in liners Still just about long enough for the window though - I just had to shorten the liners!

The 2 pairs of Dunelm curtains I've got (100% polyester - curtain & lining) have both gone into the machine on a cold "wool" wash with no ill effects - despite saying "Dry clean only". Not sure I'd be as brave with wool/wool mix curtains though

tina1973

Hi. I know this is a very old thread but wondered if anyone had washed a pair of Sanderson Dandelion Clocks curtains instead of dry cleaning as the label states? I've bought a pair off ebay and they're rather stained at the bottom and smell a bit. They're a linen fabric and lined. Any help greatly appreciated. Thank you

Katiehound

tina1973 wrote: »

Hi. I know this is a very old thread but wondered if anyone had washed a pair of Sanderson Dandelion Clocks curtains instead of dry cleaning as the label states? I've bought a pair off ebay and they're rather stained at the bottom and smell a bit. They're a linen fabric and lined. Any help greatly appreciated. Thank you

I've had some Sanderson curtains which I made many many years ago- but they are 100% cotton and they wash perfectly.
I rather depends how much you paid for them because I would be inclined to wash them on a wool cycle- unless you paid ££££s. I am given curtains for recycling- for dog beds- and i just throw them in the machine.
In the old days the 'dry clean only' was often put there to stop people boiling the items!!

studyingitalian

I washed mine and they look lovely and clean. But I can’t get the creases out! They look like rags now. Clean rags, but still rags.