social

Can I Machine Wash Dry Clean Only Draperies?

September 17, 2007

Ornate dry clean only drapes hanging in a window.Would it be safe to machine wash heavy draperies - no fabric content is listed, however I believe it is Rayon. It also states dry clean only.

Advertisement


Alesha from Neosho, MO

Answers


Silver Feedback Medal for All Time! 337 Feedbacks
September 20, 20070 found this helpful
Best Answer

I have washed drapes that were dry-clean only with good success, but you never know how it will turn out. It is a gamble. If you do, use cold water and a mild detergent with a gentle cycle, and hang or lay flat to dry. Is there a piece you could experiment with? I had valances that I hated that I used as a test. If these are very expensive and relatively new drapes, I would have them dry cleaned. If they are not, go for it.

Reply Was this helpful? Yes

Silver Feedback Medal for All Time! 290 Feedbacks
September 17, 20070 found this helpful

I can't see why you couldn't providing that you wash them on a gentle cycle, no bleach using a mild detergent.

Marge from NY

Reply Was this helpful? Yes
By Kate. (Guest Post)
September 19, 20070 found this helpful

Rayon is often dry cleaned because it can become unstable when wet and can stretch or shrink and lose shape. You may want to try something like dryell instead if you want to clean them at home.

Reply Was this helpful? Yes

Silver Feedback Medal for All Time! 418 Feedbacks
September 20, 20070 found this helpful

I machine-washed heavy draperies years ago and they shrank about 4 inches in length. I don't recall the fabric content.

Advertisement

If they're expensive and/or custom-made, I'd have them dry-cleaned.

Reply Was this helpful? Yes
By (Guest Post)
September 21, 20070 found this helpful

I had dry clean only drapes I used and dry cleaned for several years..expensive..I would have them cleaned about once a year. After several years, I tired washing them..my thinking being, I was sick of them anyway and so what...they turned out beautifully and I continued to use them for quite a while after that..they did lose some crispness and the headings suffered after a time. I don't recall the fabric content. You will have to decide whether you are willing to replace them if the "washing" does not pan out. I was, but got lucky. I am very fugral and would have been upset if they had gotten ruined even though I was ready to replace them~

Reply Was this helpful? Yes

Silver Feedback Medal for All Time! 407 Feedbacks
September 21, 20070 found this helpful

Some dry-clean only things can be washed in your washer. However, if they are rayon, they will probably shrink.

Reply Was this helpful? Yes
By CArol in PA (Guest Post)
September 21, 20070 found this helpful

I had lined custom draperies that were dry clean only. I tried washing them and they didnt come out well. Mine were poly cotton blend..

Advertisement

(I think) I wouldnt wash your drapes if they have rayon. It shrinks. YOu might want to try dry clean options that work in your dryer.

Reply Was this helpful? Yes
September 21, 20070 found this helpful

There is a kit you can buy to dry clean in your drier. Something like Dryol ??? My friend used this for all things that need dry cleaning. Think the kit costs about $6.00 and good for a couple uses.

Reply Was this helpful? Yes
By Claudia- MD (Guest Post)
September 26, 20070 found this helpful

Drapes are a pretty big investment; I don't think I would risk putting them in the washer. The rule seems to be if the tag says "Dry Clean" you can probably wash in the washer (cold water, no dryer) but if the tag says "Dry Clean Only".....you're better off not risking the washer.

Reply Was this helpful? Yes
January 11, 20220 found this helpful

What is dryell an where can I purchase at ?

Reply Was this helpful? Yes
Answer this Question
In This Page
Categories
Home and Garden Cleaning AdviceFebruary 10, 2017
Pages
More
🍂
Thanksgiving Ideas!
🎃
Halloween Ideas!
Facebook
Pinterest
YouTube
Instagram
Contests!
Newsletters
Ask a Question
Share a Post
Categories
Better LivingBudget & FinanceBusiness and LegalComputersConsumer AdviceCoronavirusCraftsEducationEntertainmentFood and RecipesHealth & BeautyHolidays and PartiesHome and GardenMake Your OwnOrganizingParentingPetsPhotosTravel and RecreationWeddings
Published by ThriftyFun.
Desktop Page | View Mobile
Disclaimer | Privacy Policy | Contact Us
Generated 2022-10-23 20:46:08 in 3 secs. ⛅️️
© 1997-2022 by Cumuli, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
https://www.thriftyfun.com/Can-I-Machine-Wash-Dry-Clean-Only-Draperies-1.html