Can you wash curtains that say "dry clean only"?

Question

We are moving out of our rented flat and have just been told we have to dry clean the curtains. Have checked this and its really expensive. Do you think its possible to put them in the wash on a gentle cycle?

Answer 1

they may shrink - rent  or buy a  hand held carpet shampooer or steamer and clean them

in situ.

Answer 2

put them on a delicate wash and iron them, but if your not sure just get them dry cleaned

Answer 3

I would have them dry cleaned it you want to avoid losing your security deposit.  My dog peed on my custom sewed curtain once and I panicked and threw it in the wash without thinking and it shrunk about 2 1/2 feet.  Even if you dont put them in the dryer, they will still strink because the fabric generally is not pre-shrunk.

Answer 4

yes, because "dry clean only" means wash them yourself... -.-

Answer 5

Yeah, they could shrink so do them on a very cool wash and take them straight out of the machine when they are done so they don't sit there getting all crumpled up. The hardest part will probably be ironing them to make them look perfect.

Having said that i have known things to get shrunken at the cleaners.

Another idea is to see if there is a dry cleaning machine at your local launderette.I am sure i have seen them there in the past.

My heart goes out to you cuz the last thing you want to be thinking of now is the bl**dy curtains you are leaving behind.

Answer 6

My curtains say dry clean only but i have always put them in the machine. I put them on a delicate wash at 30. Mine look like they have shrunk but as soon as they dry the drop to their normal length. I also have to iron them as soon as they come out of the machine as they are a nightmare to iron when dry.  

Answer 7

Whooooooooops, I think not,unless you don't mind ending up paying out for new ones your self