How to Wash Curtains: Check the Care Label and Remove Hooks Safely
To wash detached curtains, first read the care label on the curtain itself and identify its construction. Follow the label’s washing and drying instructions exactly; remove hooks, rings, or weights only if they are detachable and the maker directs you to take them off. If the label is missing, unclear, or says “do not wash,” pause and ask the manufacturer or a professional cleaner. A machine-washable fabric does not make every lined or coated curtain machine washable.
How do you read curtain care symbols?
Start with the curtain’s sewn-in label or care instructions supplied for that exact curtain. The [GINETEX guide to care symbols](https://www.ginetex.net/GB/labelling/care-symbols.asp) explains that the wash tub gives the maximum permitted temperature; a bar below it calls for a milder cycle, and a crossed-out tub means do not wash. Drying has its own symbols, so do not infer that a curtain can be tumble-dried just because washing is allowed.
Translate each symbol before choosing a program: check whether domestic washing is allowed, the temperature, and any cycle restriction. Then check bleaching, drying and ironing symbols separately. If the label names hand washing, do not substitute a machine cycle. If washing is prohibited, check the separate professional-care instructions or ask the maker; “do not wash” is not automatic permission for dry cleaning or professional wet cleaning.
What is the curtain made of, and is it lined or coated?
Check lining, blackout backing, coatings, heading tape and trims as well as the main fabric. [Hoad Fabrics’ care codes](https://www.gummersonfabrics.com.au/care-codes) distinguish velvet/silk no-wash instructions, hand-washable cotton/linen codes and foam-backed or flock-coated fabric care. Identify the code that actually applies; fiber appearance alone cannot supply it.
A product example shows the same point: the [IKEA BENGTA blackout curtain’s care instructions](https://www.ikea.com/us/en/p/bengta-block-out-curtain-1-piece-green-with-heading-tape-80602163/) allow a cold normal machine wash but prohibit tumble drying and dry cleaning, and specify low ironing on the front side. Do not generalize that instruction to other blackout curtains; confirm the exact product and label.
Which hooks, rings or weights should you remove?
Identify how the panel hangs and which pieces detach. Hoad’s listed codes require removing hooks, rings and trims before cleaning; integral eyelets, sewn-in weights or tabs are a different construction.
Only remove hardware that is designed to detach and that the care instructions tell you to remove. Do not cut stitching, force out fixed parts or pull at a lining. Keep removed pieces together and note which panel and edge they came from; photograph the hanging order before detaching safely accessible curtains. If a panel is still overhead or requires unsafe ladder work or handling beyond your ability, leave it in place and seek suitable help.
What should you do before washing?
Work only with curtains already detached safely. Separate panels by their own care instructions, not just by color or fabric appearance. Check for loose seams or attached details that may be damaged by washing; if the label does not address a fragile construction or you cannot identify a coating, contact the maker before proceeding. Avoid adding soaking, heat or a stain treatment unless the label or manufacturer specifically permits it.
How should you dry and rehang curtains?
Use the label’s drying method and temperature. Washing permission does not imply tumble-dryer permission. Prepare the specified drying space before starting, and do not add heat to hurry the process.
Refit detachable hardware and hang the curtain at the stage its instructions specify. Hoad’s codes 3 and 3A recommend hanging by hooks to dry, while codes 4 and 5 include damp-drying or prompt rehanging instructions. A universal wait-until-dry rule would contradict those directions. If handling a wet panel or rehanging it would require an unsafe lift or reach, arrange suitable help. Use your recorded panel order to restore the arrangement, and ask the maker when the finished curtain’s construction or care instructions remain unclear.