Curtains collect dust, smoke and odours without us noticing — and many people avoid washing them for fear they'll crease or shrink. The truth is they wash far more easily than you think, as long as you know which program and how many grades suit each fabric. See step by step how to make them look brand new.
1) Dust off & remove the hooks
Before anything else, shake out or dust the curtains — ideally with the brush attachment of your vacuum. This removes the loose dust so it doesn't turn into mud inside the machine. Next, remove all the hooks, rings and weights. If any metal pieces are left on, they can scratch the drum or tear the fabric. Fold the curtains loosely instead of twisting them, so they go into the machine without heavy creases.
2) Cotton curtains
Cotton and linen curtains are the most durable. They can be washed at 30°C to 40°C on a delicates programme or a normal one with gentle action. Avoid very high temperatures: hot water can shrink the cotton and fade the colours. Use a mild detergent and avoid overdosing — curtains aren't dirty like work clothes, they mainly need freshening up.
3) Synthetic & sheer (voile)
Sheer curtains (voile, organza, polyester) are the most delicate. They need the gentlest programme, at 30°C, with only a few items inside so they can move freely. A good trick: put very thin curtains in a wash bag (or a pillowcase) to protect them from pulling. That way they come out bright and knot-free.
4) Bathroom curtains
Fabric shower curtains collect moisture and often mildew along the edges. Wash them at 30°C with one or two small towels, which act as a gentle «scrub» and help lift the marks. For plastic (PVC) shower curtains, a short programme at a low temperature is enough — and don't spin them hard. Hang them up straight away so they dry flat.
5) A low spin against creasing
Here lies the biggest secret: a strong spin is the number-one reason curtains crease. Set the spin to the lowest possible speed (or none at all for very thin ones). The curtains will come out wetter but far straighter — and the weight of the water helps them «drop» into place when you hang them.
6) Drying & hanging immediately
Don't leave the curtains crammed inside the machine. As soon as the programme finishes, hang them straight onto the rail while they're still slightly damp. Their weight straightens them naturally and in most cases they need no ironing at all. If you want a perfect result, go over them with an iron on low heat or with steam while they hang. The large drum of a self-service machine helps here too: the curtains aren't cramped, so they come out with fewer creases to begin with.
The same «right programme per fabric» thinking applies to other large items too — see for example how to wash a duvet in the washing machine.
Large curtains that don't fit at home? The large drum takes them with ease.
Wash curtains at WashSpot Gkyzi →
Guide to programmes by fabric
Frequently asked questions
At how many degrees do I wash curtains?
As a general rule, 30°C for sheer and synthetic curtains, and up to 40°C for cotton ones. A lower temperature means less creasing and protects the colours.
How do I avoid creasing?
Use a low spin or no spin at all, and hang the curtains immediately once the wash finishes, while they're still slightly damp. That way they straighten under their own weight.
Do curtains need ironing?
In most cases no, if you hang them damp. If you want a perfect finish, go over them with steam or an iron on low heat while they hang.
Can I wash bathroom curtains in the machine?
Yes. Fabric ones are washed at 30°C, ideally with one or two towels. Plastic ones need a short programme at a low temperature and a gentle spin.
Why does the large drum help?
Living-room curtains are bulky. In a large drum they move freely, rinse better and come out with fewer creases — something a home washing machine often can't offer.
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