How to wash pencil pleat curtains without wrecking?!

[Helpmeoutofthemaze]

My curtains are getting a bit smelly . Washing advice needed...

So I want to wash them. A pair of curtains, I would say medium/normal size window and ordinary material, nothing heavy or delicate looking. They have header tape sewn on and so I was going to take out the plastic curtain hooks from this. Should I undo the pencil (ish) pleats? Presumably I could just pull the string to get them back in. And maybe tie the string to keep still in the washing machine? Curtains lined in white/cream fabric.

The curtains were not expensive and have been here a few years but they smell so I am prepared to risk damaging them. I am also not bothered about them looking perfect, just need them to look half decent and do the job of covering the window.

Have never washed a curtain! TIA.

Is there a care label on the curtains? They may not be washable and require dry cleaning instead.

If you want to go ahead with washing them then first of all measure them at the top after you've taken them down so you know the pleated width and note how far apart the hooks are on the tape. This makes life easier when you put them back up.

Remove the hooks - they might be grubby so give them a soak in some warm soapy water then rinse and dry. Undo the knot at one end of the header tape, but make sure the other end is knotted so the cords don't come out and ease out the pleats. Knot the very ends of the loose cords together for washing.

You may have to wash each curtain separately but give them the same treatment so you don't end up with any colour variation. I'd use medium length programme at max 30 degrees to minimise shrinking and a reduced spin so they are not creased to glory. Line dry or dry on an airer.

There is no care label unfortunately.

I think I will go ahead and wash them in the way you have suggested. I cannot stand the smell, I don't even know what it is or where it came from!

Ive washed all sorts of curtains for years and ive always liked them better after than before. I'd say do it. :)

Me too - but I have had the cotton curtains shrink and the polycotton lining not. Luckily the curtains were still wide and long enough for the window. I just trimmed the lining with my sewing shears and left them until we bought our own curtains! When we moved into our house the curtains were all left but the previous occupants were smokers - yuck - and they hadn't cleaned anything.

As you say they are not a heavy material, you might consider re-hanging them while still damp. Their own weight will tend to pull creases out as they air-dry.

btw you may also find the plastic hooks, and even the rail, has gone brittle with age and sunlight. Homebase and JL both have good ranges of rails. You have to but the same brand of hooks and rails so they fit.