Washing velvet curtains

[AuntySib]

I have been given a pair of velvet curtains, which need cleaning, and which will only just fit the windows i have in mind for them.
They are marked "100% cotton" and "dry clean only". I have heard that shrinkage can occur during dry cleaning - not sure if that is true.
I'm wondering whether I could wash them on a 30 degree setting - if they are pure cotton, i don't see why they would shrink at that temperature. Am I being foolhardy?

Yes they will shrink if they get wet and go all scrunched up and crinkly. They shouldn't shrink when dry cleaned but take them to a local dry cleaners who specialises in curtains rather than a johnsons.

YY to scrunched up and crinkly if washed! Morrisons have an offer at the moment - curtains cleaned for £20. You'd need to check they'd compensate you for shrinkage if it wasn't mentioned on the receipt.