Why did my curtains fall to bits when I washed them?

Question

They were getting a bit dirty so I decided to wash them. Despite a gentle hand wash they still fell to bits. Why? This did not happen when I last washed them in 1987 21 years ago

Answer 1

The fabric deteriorated from the sun and elements causing it to become very fragile.  It would not have mattered what method you used to clean them.  They would have fallen apart.

Answer 2

The fabric has disintegrated it's become so old. Wash your new curtains more often.  

Answer 3

Old & weak I`d say, LOL.

Answer 4

LOL Leomonkey :)  Your curtains fell apart as soon as you washed them because the sun had burnt through the threads of the material and it basically rots them away over many years and as soon as you put them in the wash they will fall apart. :)

I guess it's time for nice new ones now :)

All the best

Answer 5

Ha Ha very witty

Answer 6

LOL  21 years

Its because it is old (very old)

Answer 7

since they were last washed in the year i was born, i assume because they are old and fragile.

Answer 8

It depends did u put them in the dryer? and what cycle. My knit sweater was ripped in the dryer because of the dryer's cotton wash cycle. It had holes everywhere! Now that ur curtains are ripped u can get new ones. Make sure they are heavier than the last ones.  

Answer 9

I would say it was only the dirt holding them together and that is why they feel apart, 21 years since you last washed them its not surprising they feel apart.

Answer 10

the fibers break down from the sun/ultraviolet light.  21 years is a long time