Washing at 60 when it says 40 on the label?

[Howdoisawwithnosaw]

i got some bargain thermal blackout curtains from eBay but they were covered in cat hairs and even after lint rolling thoroughly and 2 long washes at 40 I still can’t go anywhere near them without triggering my allergies.

What’s the worst that could happen if I use the 60 degree anti allergen cycle on my machine? They’re kind of too big anyway so if they just shrink a bit that’s actually be a good result. But I’m a bit worried that something bad will happen to the machine somehow. Or I’ll be cursed by the laundry gods and have to do 17 loads of washing a week forever more or something…

should I risk it?

I don't think you'll damage your machine but it won't get rid of the cat hairs either.

You won’t get rid of the cat hairs by washing at 60 degrees. Did the seller disclose the cat hair in the advert? If not, you are within your rights to demand a refund and return the curtains.

It won't get rid of the cat hairs. I'd just put it on a super long 40 wash or even two washes.

High chance that the thermal blackout lining will melt and stick together and ruin the curtains.

Can you hang them out doors or get them dry cleaned instead?

Are they lined? The lining and curtain might shrink by different amounts, making the curtains a funny shape.

Have you got a washing line? I'd try hanging them on that for a couple of days.

You can get some pet hair removal things from B&M that you put in the machine with your washing.

I had thermal blackout curtains some time ago and washed them in my machine. All the backing come off, blocked my machine and I had to have an engineer out to fix it.
These were separate blackouts to my curtains, not sewn on,if you see what I mean.
I looked around for new ones,but realised these type of curtains can only be dry cleaned.
If only I'd read the label! Never again. 😏

Tumble drying is great for getting cat hair off things. What are the curtains made of? You could try damping them and tumble drying on low or briefly.

If the curtains are covered in cat hairs that might clog the filter. Vacuum them.
Clear and clean the filter. Clean the machine - round the door. Machines harbour allergens and recycle them into the next load. Might be easier to wash them in the bath. Scientists have experimented with how to launder clothes to remove allergens. Biological washing detergent works better than non-biological. Hotter washes 60c + are much more effective at removing allergens. 40c removes only 6% of dust mites. 60c gets rid of 100 %. However,this is academic. In real life ,a 60c programme on your domestic washing machine, is unlikely to get up to 60c ,or stay there long enough to have any effect. Happily, you can skip hot/warm water altogether so long as you rinse very thoroughly. Domestic washing machines are not good at rinsing. Anti-allergen programmes usually include extra rinsing .A really good rinse is just as effective as hot washing. Try two or three rinses in the machine. Avoid conditioner.

from experience it will not get rid of the pet hairs. been there, done it...

I would be concerned when washing thick fabrics on a hot setting that it shrinks differently in different areas (seams, lauered fabrics).

What are they made of?

If they are cotton then it's probably fine. If they are polyester or other synthetic fabric they are likely to shrink or buckle.