curtains

[norhob]

Does anybody know the best way to wash curtains? Is there a machine similar to carpet cleaners that could do the job.
I find they are to big for the washing machine.
Thanks.

[oldwoman]

Wash them in the bath. Have a big carrier bag to put them in as you can^t get as much water out by hand.and you dont want wet floors. This weather they will dry a treat.

[chazza]

Take them to a laundrette where they drums in the machines are bigger

[heathfield]

Use the bath, as Oldwoman says. But to make it easier on yourself, do as your grandmother, (or great-grandmother), would have done when washing blankets, i.e., shoes off, and walk back and forward on them! Repeat for the rinse!

[WendyS]

I've often washed bulky curtains in the bath. But they will be very heavy when wet, so when you've finished, pull out the plug and place some stout sticks (like broomsticks) across the bath so that you can drape the curtains over them overnight (or for a couple of hours) so that the worst of the weight of the water can drain away.
If you don't do this and they are full length lined curtains,
a) they will be too heavy to carry downstairs in a waterproof container,
b) the weight of them will probably snap your washing lines.

It's ideal drying weather now to dry them on the line. But if there's a sudden shower and you have to iron them while still slightly damp, it doesn't matter. Just hang them back oln the rails and they will finish drying in situ, especially if you close the curtains and leave the windows open. It will save having them lying around and getting all creased again.

[Solarjunkie]

Beware - my carefully washed curtains are now several inches shorter than they were before I washed them!