If you are wondering, can you wash curtains in the washing machine, the answer depends on the curtain fabric, lining, construction and care instructions. Some curtains are perfectly suitable for machine washing, while others can shrink, lose their shape or become damaged if washed incorrectly.
Before putting curtains into the washing machine, check the care label and examine the material carefully. Cotton, polyester and some other washable fabrics may be machine washable, but lined, delicate, embroidered or specialist curtains often need a different cleaning method.
With the right preparation, temperature and programme, washing suitable curtains at home can be straightforward. The key is to treat curtains as specialist household textiles rather than ordinary clothing.
Can You Wash Curtains in the Washing Machine?
Yes, some curtains can be washed in a washing machine. However, the manufacturer’s care instructions should always determine whether machine washing is appropriate.
Curtains can contain more than a simple piece of fabric. They may have linings, blackout coatings, decorative stitching, pleats, metal components or other finishes that can react badly to water, heat or vigorous movement.
If the care label specifically permits machine washing, follow its recommended temperature and cycle. If it says dry clean only or gives other specialist instructions, do not put the curtains into a standard washing machine cycle.
How to Check If Curtains Are Machine Washable
The care label is the best place to start. Look for washing instructions showing whether the curtains can be washed and, where applicable, the maximum temperature.
A washing symbol with a number indicates the maximum washing temperature. A hand symbol generally means the item requires hand washing, while a crossed-out washing symbol indicates that it should not be washed in a washing machine.
Also inspect the curtain itself. Even when the main fabric appears washable, additional features can change the recommended cleaning method.
Check the Curtain Lining
Some curtains have separate linings that may require different care from the outer fabric. Blackout curtains are a particularly important example because their backing can be affected by washing, heat or repeated mechanical movement.
If the lining has a special coating, follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. Do not assume that because the curtain fabric is washable, the entire finished curtain is suitable for machine washing.
Check Hooks, Rings and Hardware
Remove detachable hooks, rings and other hardware before washing unless the manufacturer specifically says they can remain attached.
Metal components can damage the washing machine, catch on fabric or cause rust marks. Removing them also gives the curtain more freedom to move during the wash.
Which Curtains Can Usually Be Machine Washed?
Some lightweight cotton, polyester and other washable synthetic curtains may be suitable for machine washing. However, the material alone does not guarantee that the finished curtain can be washed this way.
Construction, lining and decorative treatments all matter. A simple unlined polyester curtain may have very different care requirements from a heavy lined curtain made from a similar fibre.
If you are unsure, check the manufacturer’s instructions rather than relying on general fabric advice.
Which Curtains Should Not Go in the Washing Machine?
Certain curtains need extra caution or specialist cleaning. These can include delicate fabrics, heavily lined curtains, curtains with fragile embellishments and items labelled dry clean only.
Silk, velvet and some specialist decorative fabrics can be particularly sensitive to washing. Curtains with glued, coated or bonded components may also be unsuitable for a conventional washing cycle.
Older curtains deserve additional care too. Fabric that has become weak or brittle may not withstand the movement of a washing machine even if it was originally designed to be washable.
How to Wash Curtains in the Washing Machine
If the care label confirms that machine washing is allowed, prepare the curtains before starting the cycle. Knowing how to wash curtains properly can help reduce shrinkage, creasing and unnecessary fabric wear.
- Remove all hardware: Take off hooks, rings and removable fittings.
- Check for damage: Repair loose seams or weak areas before washing where appropriate.
- Shake out dust: Take the curtains outside or into a suitable area and gently remove loose dust.
- Check the care label: Confirm the permitted temperature and washing programme.
- Load carefully: Do not cram heavy curtains into a small washing machine.
- Use suitable detergent: Follow the detergent manufacturer’s recommended dosage.
- Select the correct cycle: Use a gentle or manufacturer-recommended programme.
- Remove promptly: Take the curtains out as soon as the cycle ends to minimise creasing.
What Temperature Should You Wash Curtains At?
The correct temperature depends entirely on the care label. Do not automatically choose a hot wash simply because the curtains have accumulated dust or household odours.
Using a temperature higher than recommended can increase the risk of shrinkage, colour fading and damage to coatings or linings. A lower temperature may be sufficient for lightly soiled washable curtains.
If you are washing different curtains together, only combine items that have compatible care requirements and colours. When the instructions differ, separate the loads.
What Washing Machine Setting Should You Use for Curtains?
If the curtains are machine washable, choose the programme specified by the manufacturer. A gentle cycle may be suitable for some lightweight curtains, while sturdier washable fabrics may tolerate a standard programme.
Avoid selecting an aggressive cycle simply because the curtains look dirty. Vigorous agitation can place unnecessary stress on large pieces of fabric, especially when they are wet and heavy.
Where the washing machine provides different spin speeds, follow the curtain manufacturer’s recommendations. A lower spin speed may help reduce creasing and fabric stress when permitted.
Should You Wash Curtains Separately?
In many cases, washing curtains separately is the simplest option. Curtains are large household textiles, and they can become heavy when saturated with water.
Washing them separately prevents clothing from becoming tangled around the curtain and allows you to choose a programme specifically suited to the curtain fabric.
It also prevents lint and colour transfer between curtains and ordinary clothing. If you have multiple curtains that are compatible with the same wash, you can potentially wash them together, provided the machine has enough capacity and the care instructions allow it.
How to Wash Curtains Without Shrinking Them
Shrinkage is one of the main concerns when washing curtains. Natural fibres can be particularly sensitive to temperature and moisture, but other fabrics can also change shape when exposed to unsuitable washing conditions.
The best protection is to follow the care label closely. Avoid using a hotter temperature or more aggressive cycle than recommended.
Do not leave curtains sitting wet in the washing machine after the programme finishes. Prompt removal can also help minimise deep creasing and reduce the time the fabric remains saturated.
If the curtains require air drying, hang them according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Do not expose them to intense heat unless the care label specifically permits it.
Can You Wash Blackout Curtains in the Washing Machine?
Blackout curtains require particular caution because the backing can be more sensitive than the visible fabric. Some blackout curtains are machine washable, while others must be professionally cleaned or carefully surface cleaned.
Before washing, inspect the reverse side for a coating or bonded backing. If the manufacturer’s instructions prohibit machine washing, follow those instructions.
Even when machine washing is allowed, use the recommended temperature and programme. Avoid excessive heat during both washing and drying because it can affect some blackout coatings.
If you are unsure about a blackout curtain’s construction, contacting the manufacturer is safer than experimenting with a washing cycle.
How to Wash Curtains with Eyelets
Curtains with eyelets can require extra preparation. If the eyelets are permanently attached, check the manufacturer’s instructions before washing.
Metal or rigid fittings can potentially damage fabric or the washing machine during a vigorous cycle. If the curtain is approved for machine washing, use the recommended programme and protect the fabric as instructed.
Do not remove permanently fitted eyelets unless they are designed to be removed. Instead, follow the care instructions supplied with the finished curtain.
How to Wash Curtains with Pleats
Pleated curtains can be more challenging because washing can disturb their shape. If the curtains are washable, use the programme and temperature specified by the manufacturer.
Remove them from the machine promptly after washing and arrange the pleats carefully while the fabric is still damp if the care instructions allow this.
Do not aggressively wring or twist curtains. Their size and weight can make them vulnerable to distortion when wet.
Can You Put Curtains in the Tumble Dryer?
Not all machine-washable curtains are suitable for tumble drying. These are separate care decisions, so check the tumble-drying symbol on the label.
Some fabrics may shrink or become damaged when exposed to dryer heat. Blackout coatings and delicate finishes can also require special treatment.
If tumble drying is not permitted, use the recommended air-drying method. Spread or hang the curtains appropriately and provide good airflow so that they dry thoroughly.
If the curtains can be tumble dried, use the temperature and programme stated on the care label rather than automatically selecting the highest heat setting.
How to Reduce Creases When Washing Curtains
Curtains naturally crease when washed because large pieces of wet fabric can become compressed and tangled. A few simple steps can make the final result easier to manage.
First, avoid overloading the machine. Give the curtain enough room to move through the wash. Second, choose the appropriate spin setting rather than using an unnecessarily aggressive spin.
Most importantly, remove the curtains promptly when the cycle ends. Allowing them to sit compressed inside the drum can make creases harder to remove.
Follow the drying instructions and, where appropriate, hang the curtains while slightly damp so gravity can help them settle into shape.
Can You Wash Curtains with Other Laundry?
It is generally better to wash curtains separately from everyday clothing. Large curtains can become heavy and take up considerable space inside the drum.
They can also shed dust or fibres and may require a different programme from normal clothes. Separating them makes it easier to control temperature, spin speed and detergent use.
If you are washing household textiles together, only combine items that have compatible care instructions. For example, a curtain should not be added to a load simply because there appears to be spare space in the drum.
How Often Should You Wash Curtains?
Curtains do not usually need washing as frequently as clothes or towels. Their cleaning schedule depends on factors such as dust levels, household activity, pets, smoking, cooking and ventilation.
Regularly dusting or vacuuming curtains with a suitable attachment can help reduce the amount of dirt that accumulates between deeper cleans.
Look at the fabric rather than relying solely on a fixed schedule. If curtains are visibly dusty, develop an odour or have picked up stains, check their care instructions and clean them using the appropriate method.
What If Curtains Cannot Be Machine Washed?
If the care label says that the curtains should not be machine washed, do not try to make them fit a standard laundry routine. Depending on the fabric, the appropriate alternative may be professional dry cleaning, specialist cleaning or careful surface cleaning.
Vacuuming with a suitable attachment can remove loose dust without saturating the fabric. For stains, use only a cleaning method that is compatible with the manufacturer’s instructions.
If the curtains are valuable, antique, heavily lined or made from a delicate material, professional cleaning can be a safer choice than experimenting at home.
Common Curtain Washing Mistakes
- Ignoring the care label: This is the easiest way to use an unsuitable washing or drying method.
- Using excessive heat: High temperatures can cause shrinkage or damage some finishes.
- Overloading the washing machine: Heavy wet curtains need sufficient room to move.
- Leaving hardware attached: Hooks and removable fittings can damage fabric or the machine.
- Using too much detergent: Excess product can leave residue on large textile surfaces.
- Leaving curtains in the machine: Prompt removal helps reduce deep creasing and damp smells.
- Assuming blackout curtains are ordinary fabric: Their backing may require special care.
- Using the tumble dryer without checking: Not every washable curtain can be tumble dried.
Can You Wash Curtains in the Washing Machine? Final Answer
So, can you wash curtains in the washing machine? Yes, many curtains can be machine washed, but only when their care instructions allow it. Fabric type, lining, coatings, decorative details and construction all influence the safest cleaning method.
Before washing, remove detachable hardware, check for damage, read the care label and select the recommended temperature and programme. Avoid overloading the machine and take the curtains out promptly when the cycle finishes.
Drying also matters. Never assume that machine-washable curtains can automatically go into the tumble dryer. Check the drying instructions separately and use the recommended method.
Good curtain care is about using the least aggressive method that safely removes dust, dirt and odours. With the right approach, washable curtains can stay fresh and presentable without unnecessary shrinkage, fading or fabric damage.
For more household fabric-care advice, you can also read our guides on washing towels with clothes and tumble drying towels correctly as part of this Laundry Hacks cluster.
