Curtains - Dry clean or wash them myself?

Lalaladybird

Do you have a tumble dryer or could you use one at a launderette? I remember my mum "cleaning" curtains in the dryer with special sheets that were designed to dry clean in the dryer.

kippers

Do you know where i can get these sheets from as i've never seen them

Lalaladybird

I think just in the laundry aisle of supermarkets.... I'll google it....

Lalaladybird

There are Persil Revive... if you can find them

Barneysmom

TBH I wouldn't tumble dry them unless they're on a very low heat in case they shrink. .
Just give them a very cool wash with a big dollop of softener.

Lalaladybird

They wouldn't shrink if they are dry when they go in.

MATH

I used to work in the clothing business so I know what a load of old piffle 'dry clean only' labels are, and I too chuck most things in the washer. However, large bulky curtains with non-detachable lining I would send out to the cleaner. If you only dry clean them once every five years it is not too big an expense. I don't think once every five years is disgusting BTW, especially if it is a non-smoking household. Most of the dirt will be dust which can be vacced out.

Menolly_2

I'd agree with Math - if the curtains are "baglined" (linings sewn in) you run the risk of the curtain fabric and curtain lining shrinking at different rates, thus distorting the curtains. When I made the lined curtains for our bedroom, I pre-washed the main and lining materials, so I knew that the majority of shrinking had already taken place and I would be able to gently wash them in the future.
Also, some fabrics cannot be washed at all as the fabric contains "sizing" which gives the fabric body - if you wash the fabric, it will lose the sizing and go all floppy.

Rikki

Dry clean curtains do shrink when washed. Not by much but enough to make a difference. Personally I would get them dry cleaned.

maman

kippers wrote: »

However, i need to clean my curtains as they have been up for ages without a clean.

I bought them five years ago (i know thats disgusting not washing them for five years but i really never gave them another thought).
quote]

Don't worry kippers I'm even more of a slob I'm sure mine have been up much longer!:rotfl:

Read through the post as I need to do my curtains (2prs of full length) as we're going to re-decorate sitting room. Dry-cleaning seems extortionate but they are expensive John Lewis made-to measure and lined. As thy've got no dirty marks on them just stale and dusty I think I've decided to vacuum them and hang on the line for a blow. What about Febreeze? I've never used it. Would it leave marks? When do you put it on?