You’ve been admiring your linen curtains for a while, but you’ve noticed that they’ve become dusty, smelly, or stained over time. You want to clean them and make them look fresh and new again, but you’re not sure how to do it. You’ve read the label and it says ‘dry clean only’. You’re wondering: can linen curtains be machine washed? Or will this ruin them?
Can linen curtains be machine washed?
Linen curtains can be machine washed safely, as long as you follow some precautions and steps to avoid any accidents or damages. Linen is a natural fabric that is durable, breathable, and absorbent. It can withstand water and detergent better than some other fabrics, such as silk or velvet.
However, linen is also prone to shrinking, wrinkling, and fading when washed. Therefore, you need to wash it with care and attention.
How to machine wash linen curtains
If you want to machine wash linen curtains, you need to follow some steps and tips to do it properly and safely. Here are some guidelines to help you machine wash linen curtains:
- Check the fabric type and care label of your curtains. The fabric type and care label of your curtains will tell you if they are suitable for machine washing or not. Generally, most linen curtains can be machine washed, unless they have special finishes or treatments that can react with water. However, some linen curtains may have different washing instructions depending on the color, weight, or weave of the fabric. For example, some linen curtains may require cold water only, while others may require warm water. Some linen curtains may require gentle cycle only, while others may require normal cycle. Some linen curtains may require low spin speed only, while others may require high spin speed. Always check the label before washing and follow the instructions carefully.
- Prepare your curtains for washing. Before washing your curtains, you need to prepare them by following these steps:
- Remove the curtains from the rod and take off any hooks, rings, clips, or hardware.
- Cut off any loose threads or frayed edges with scissors.
- Remove any stains with a stain remover or a damp cloth.
- If your curtains have a lining, separate it from the main fabric with a seam ripper.
- If your curtains are too large or heavy for machine washing, divide them into smaller sections with scissors and sew them back together later with thread and a needle.
- Wash your curtains with water and detergent. Depending on the washing instructions on the label, wash your curtains with water and detergent by following these steps:
- Place your curtains in a mesh laundry bag or a pillowcase and close it securely.
- Load your washing machine with cool or warm water and a small amount of mild detergent or gentle soap.
- Set your washing machine to a delicate or normal cycle and a low or high spin speed according to the label.
- Start the washing machine and let it run until the cycle is complete.
- Remove your curtains from the washing machine and the laundry bag or pillowcase.
- Dry your curtains naturally. After washing your curtains, you need to dry them naturally by following these steps:
- Do not wring, twist, or tumble dry your curtains, as this can damage or shrink them.
- Do not expose your curtains to direct sunlight or heat, as this can fade or discolor them.
- Hang your curtains on a clothesline or a shower rod with clips or hangers, or lay them flat on a clean surface.
- Smooth out any wrinkles or creases with your hands or a cool iron if needed.
- Let your curtains air dry completely before hanging them back on the rod.
FAQs
Q: How often should I wash linen curtains?
A: Linen curtains do not need to be washed frequently, as this can wear them out or damage them. Generally, you should wash them once or twice a year, depending on how dirty they get. You can also spot clean them with a damp cloth or a stain remover if they have minor stains or spills.
Q: How can I prevent my linen curtains from getting dirty or stained?
A: To prevent your linen curtains from getting dirty or stained, you can take some preventive measures such as:
- Dusting or vacuuming your curtains regularly with a soft brush attachment to remove any dust or dirt that can accumulate on them.
- Avoiding touching your curtains with dirty hands or placing them near sources of grease, smoke, or moisture that can stain them.
- Using liners or shades behind your curtains to protect them from sunlight or heat that can fade or discolor them.
- Storing your curtains in a cool, dry, dark place away from sunlight or heat when not in use.
Q: What are the benefits of machine washing linen curtains?
A: Machine washing linen curtains has some benefits over dry cleaning, such as:
- It saves you money and time compared to dry cleaning.
- It removes dust, odors, and allergens more effectively than dry cleaning.
- It makes the fabric softer and more comfortable with every wash.
The bottom line
Machine washing linen curtains is a simple and convenient way to clean them and make them look fresh and new again. Linen is a natural fabric that can withstand water and detergent better than some other fabrics, but it is also prone to shrinking, wrinkling, and fading when washed.
Therefore, you need to wash it with care and attention. To machine wash linen curtains, you need to check the fabric type and care label of your curtains, prepare your curtains for washing, wash your curtains with water and detergent, dry your curtains naturally.
