How to Wash Curtains with Rings in a Washing Machine Without Damaging Them
Curtains attract more dirt than we think. Dust accumulates in the folds, odors from cooking can settle in the fabric, and prolonged use will make them look somewhat less fresh. Cleaning the curtains will refresh any room, but the issue of rings in the curtains adds another question – can you remove the rings?
The answer is: not always. The material of the curtains, ring and care label should be considered. This article tells how to wash curtains with rings in washing machine safely and correctly so you can master how to wash curtains without damaging them.
Can Curtains with Rings Be Washed in a Washing Machine?
It is important to understand that there are many types of curtains and many kinds of rings. Before starting to learn how to machine wash curtains with rings, it is necessary to know if the curtain is machine washable or not.
Start with the care label
Care label gives basic recommendations, which vary depending on fabric and curtain finish.
- Recommended temperature of washing.
- Special instructions for bleaching.
- Tumble drying and ironing instructions.
- Do not machine wash curtains labeled as 'dry cleaning only'.
- Check for special coatings, liners and details.
For instance, polyester curtains can be machine washed at 30°C or 40°C degrees, and sheer curtains need a special cycle. IKEA curtain care instructions show that the same-looking curtain can have different washing properties.
What to Do With the Rings Before Washing
Since the rings can ruin the washing cycle of the machine, you should know how to wash curtain with rings properly and whether they should be removed beforehand or not.
Check the ring type
- Plastic rings: they may be less prone to rusting, but you need to check the instruction for the curtain anyway.
- Metal rings: not always the machine-washable kind.
- If it is clip-on rings: take them off especially when they contain metal parts.
- When rings are decorative or fixed: follow product specific instructions and don't try to take them off.
If the rings can be removed from the curtain, this process is safer. There are special instructions for curtain hardware too, e.g., IKEA SYRLIG rings are made of ABS plastic with steel hooks and clips and should be wiped clean only.
Preparing Your Curtains for Washing
These checks must be done first
- Detaching hooks, clips and detachable accessories where possible.
- Outdoors shaking or vacuuming of the curtains to remove surface dust.
- Checking for loose threads in the seams, hems and attachments.
- Closing zips or fasteners if you have such in your curtain.
- Don't overload the washing machine.
Larger curtains should be washed one set at a time to allow maximum movement of the fabric.
How to Wash Curtains in the Washing Machine
After preparing your curtain, understanding how to wash curtains in washing machine will make the process easy. The recommended procedure will be found in the care label.
Be gentle
- Setting the recommended temperature which is usually lower for delicate fabric.
- Using a gentle detergent and no bleach unless advised in the label.
- Selecting the gentle or mild cycle if instructed so.
- Avoiding filling the drum too full with laundry including the curtain.
- Using the recommended spin setting and not the highest possible.
Curtains that can be machine washed may require either 30° or 40° temperatures depending on the manufacturer instructions. Manufacturer instructions can vary even between polyester and cotton products.
How to Wash Curtains with Metal Rings
Metal rings require extra attention since they are harsh on both the fabric and the machine itself. Knowing how to wash curtains with metal rings prevents costly damage.
When in doubt, remove them
If the metal rings are removable, remove them before the washing process. Otherwise, read the manufacturer's instruction before placing them in the washing machine.
- Checking for rusts, chips or any sharp edges before washing.
- Not washing the delicate fabric with damaged hardware.
- Not washing them in the machine if not advised. This can require hand washing or professional cleaning.
It is especially important for sheer curtains when even a minor snag can be easily seen on them.
How to Dry Curtains After Washing
The wash is not everything; proper drying is essential to prevent wrinkles.
Treat them before drying
- Take them out of the machine right after the washing is finished.
- Shaking them to separate the folds.
- Hanging them according to the care instructions.
- Not tumble drying unless advised so.
- Avoiding direct heat on delicate fabric.
Some machine-washable curtains specifically say not to tumble dry, while others permit low or normal-temperature drying. Always follow the individual care label.
Frequency of Curtains Washing
Create an easy cleaning routine
- Periodic dusting or vacuuming of the curtains
- Cleaning of any spots if needed
- If they look dusty, smell bad or contain stains, it means you should wash the curtains.
- More frequent cleaning may be needed for curtains in the kitchen or in other dusty rooms.
Delicate sheer curtains may easily show dust due to their light colors and fabric.
Common Mistakes People Make When Washing Curtains
Most often curtain damage results from being washed in the same way as any other laundry.
Avoid those mistakes
- Do not neglect care label
- Do not use too much detergent
- Do not wash the delicate curtains in a wrong way
- Do not leave any metal parts unattached
- Do not use tumble dryer immediately
- Do not store wet curtains
Also Read: How to Clean and Maintain Your Curtains?
Conclusion
To learn how to wash curtains with rings it is better to consider the material of the curtain, rings and care instructions instead of looking for a specific mode in washing machine. Remove rings if possible, use the recommended mode and temperature and handle curtains with care during washing.
As for Urban Space curtains it is necessary to follow care instructions of the product first. Same goes for sheer curtains – they require gentle handling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Share