How to wash a pair of curtains (no instructions/label)

[BinseyPoplars]

I need to wash a pair of curtains but have no instructions to follow.

They are small enough to fit in the machine without being too squashed up (should I do them one at a time?) Hand washing won’t be enough but I have a good machine with wool cycles etc so I’m happy with that.

As far as I know they are 100% cotton, the thick furnishing type, with a black out lining that feels synthetic. Should I just put them in on a cold cycle; do I use wool-type liquid, do I add fabric conditioner (we are in hard water)?

But my over-riding question is - do I stretch them out on their cord? They are pencil pleat tops and I’ve only ever washed tab top muslin curtains so am a bit in the dark (metaphorically!)

Please help me not trash them!

I wouldn't risk a washing machine.
Personally, I'd get them done at the dry cleaners. Less chance of shrinkage.

This is why we have dry cleaners, OP. Just take the curtaine in and let the cleaners sort it out!

If you do wash them, rather than dry clean, use a very cool , low spin speed, minimal wash. Do one at a time unless they both fit in with plenty of space. Use colour protection type liquid. Undo the gathers on the ruffles tape.
Wash lining separately if you can.

Be aware- they may fade unevenly, especially in any folds.
They are a pig to iron!
They might shrink. (This might not be a problem in its self, but you might have to alter the hem.)
The lining may shrink at a different rate than the curtains- so if removed my need shortening, or if sewn in, may make the curtains hang funny.

Dry cleaning is expensive, but less risky and a lot less faff.

Thanks all

Sounds like I might need to be patient and wait till I can get to the dry cleaners then. I was trying to get stuff done at my aunts before I left but perhaps not this time!

The string along the top can easily break in the machine. Use dry cleaners.

I would un-knot the cord make them as flat as possible then put them on a wool wash.

I've washed curtains I'm not too worried about in the machine, but if it matters if they don't come out fit to use, dry cleaners.

Most of mine have been fine, but one pair the curtains shrank and the lining didn't, which was easily fixable by hemming the lining on that occasion, but obviously wouldn't work if curtains are an exact fit.

Fwiw, depending on size and type you might find you can replace them cheaper than you can get them cleaned!

Unless very precious I would machine wash one at a time on a cool wash.