Can You Wash Curtains at a Laundromat? How to Wash and Dry Them Safely
This is a good content gap. Wash Works already has strong coverage around comforters, blankets, washer capacity and doing laundry faster, while search results show dedicated content around washing curtains and drapes at a laundromat.
It also fits Wash Works particularly well because curtains are exactly the kind of bulky household textile for which access to larger machines can be useful.
Can You Wash Curtains at a Laundromat? How to Wash and Dry Them Safely
Curtains can collect more dust, pet hair, odors and household debris than most people realize. But when it finally comes time to clean them, you may discover another problem:
They're much larger than the clothing you normally put in your washing machine.
So, can you wash curtains at a laundromat?
Yes, many machine-washable curtains can be washed at a laundromat, and commercial washers can be particularly useful for large curtain panels that don't have enough room to move freely in a home washing machine.
But not every curtain or drape should go into a washer.
Some curtains are dry clean only. Others contain delicate fabrics, blackout coatings, liners, pleats, hooks or decorative components that require special care.
The first step isn't choosing a washing machine.
It's checking the care label.
At Wash Works in Stamford, CT, our self-service laundromat has more than 100 washers and dryers and multiple machine sizes for everything from everyday clothing to larger washable household items.
Here's how to determine whether your curtains can be washed at a laundromat and how to clean them without shrinking, fading or damaging them.
Quick Answer: Can You Wash Curtains at a Laundromat?
If the manufacturer says the curtains are machine washable, a laundromat can be a great place to clean them.
The basic process is:
Check the care label → remove hooks and hardware → shake or vacuum away loose dust → inspect for stains → choose an appropriately sized washer → wash according to the label → dry according to the manufacturer's instructions → rehang
A laundromat is especially useful when several curtain panels would overcrowd your home washer.
However, curtains labeled dry clean only should not be machine washed simply because a commercial washer is large enough to hold them.
Why Wash Curtains at a Laundromat?
The biggest advantage is space.
Curtains may not weigh as much as a comforter or heavy blanket, but several large panels can take up a significant amount of room inside a washing machine.
Laundry needs space for:
- Water circulation
- Detergent distribution
- Movement
- Rinsing
- Spinning
If you pack several large curtain panels tightly into a small residential washer, parts of the fabric may not move freely.
That can contribute to uneven washing and rinsing.
At Wash Works, self-service customers currently have access to 20-, 60- and 80-pound washing machines, giving you options depending on the amount and bulk of laundry you're washing.
The important thing isn't automatically choosing the largest machine.
It's choosing one that gives your curtains enough room to wash properly.
Check the Care Label Before Washing Curtains
This is the most important step.
Curtains can be made from very different materials, including:
- Cotton
- Polyester
- Linen
- Velvet
- Lace
- Sheer synthetic fabrics
- Blended fabrics
- Blackout materials
- Multiple layers
The care label may specify:
Machine wash
Hand wash
Dry clean
Dry clean only
It may also tell you:
- Water temperature
- Wash cycle
- Bleach restrictions
- Drying method
- Ironing temperature
Follow those instructions.
A larger commercial washing machine solves a capacity problem.
It does not change what the manufacturer says the fabric can tolerate.
What's the Difference Between Curtains and Drapes?
People frequently use the terms interchangeably, but heavier drapes may be constructed differently from lightweight curtains.
Drapes can include:
- Heavy fabric
- Linings
- Blackout layers
- Pleats
- Decorative trim
- Structured headings
That can make them less suitable for ordinary machine washing.
Lightweight polyester curtains may be easy to machine wash.
Heavy lined drapes may require professional cleaning.
Don't choose a cleaning method based solely on what hangs over your window.
Check how the actual product is constructed.
Should You Remove Curtain Hooks Before Washing?
Yes, removable hardware should generally be taken off before machine washing.
That can include:
- Metal hooks
- Plastic hooks
- Rings
- Clips
- Tiebacks
- Removable decorative hardware
Loose hardware can snag the curtain fabric or cause problems inside the washer.
This is also a good opportunity to inspect the curtain.
Look for:
- Loose seams
- Tears
- Fraying
- Damaged hems
- Weak areas
- Loose decorative elements
Washing creates mechanical movement.
A small tear that's already developing can become larger during a wash cycle.
Should You Vacuum Curtains Before Washing Them?
Removing loose dust first can help.
Curtains can collect a surprising amount of:
- Household dust
- Pet hair
- Pollen
- Cobwebs
- Debris
Depending on the fabric, you may be able to gently vacuum them with an appropriate attachment before taking them down.
You can also take machine-washable curtains outside and gently shake loose dust away.
The washing machine can then focus on cleaning the textile rather than dealing with unnecessary loose debris.
How Do You Wash Curtains at a Laundromat?
Once you've confirmed that your curtains are machine washable, the process is relatively straightforward.
1. Remove the Curtains Carefully
Take the panels down and remove appropriate hardware.
Don't simply pull them off the rod and stuff everything into a laundry bag.
2. Check the Care Label
Determine:
- Whether machine washing is allowed
- Recommended water temperature
- Appropriate cycle
- Drying method
3. Inspect for Stains
Look for visible marks before washing.
Common curtain stains can come from:
- Food
- Dirty hands
- Pets
- Window condensation
- Dust
- Smoke
- Insects
- Household spills
Pretreat only when appropriate for the fabric and according to the product instructions.
4. Choose the Right Washer
Don't cram the curtains into the smallest machine they physically fit inside.
Give the fabric room to move.
If you're unsure how commercial washer capacity works, read our guide to how much laundry fits in a 60 lb washer. It explains why machine capacity isn't simply about filling every inch of available drum space.
5. Use the Recommended Cycle
Many washable curtains call for gentler treatment, but don't assume.
Follow the actual care label.
6. Use an Appropriate Amount of Detergent
More detergent doesn't mean cleaner curtains.
Using too much can make detergent harder to rinse completely from a large amount of fabric.
7. Remove Curtains Promptly
Once the wash cycle finishes, remove the panels rather than leaving them sitting wet inside the machine.
Then follow the manufacturer's drying instructions.
What Size Washer Do You Need for Curtains?
There isn't one washer size that's correct for every set of curtains.
It depends on:
- Number of panels
- Panel dimensions
- Fabric
- Thickness
- Lining
- Dry weight
- Overall volume
A couple of lightweight sheer panels require much less capacity than six large lined curtain panels.
The goal is not to ask:
“Can I physically close the washer door?”
Instead ask:
“Do these curtains have enough room to move, wash, rinse and spin?”
That's the same principle we use when washing other bulky household items.
Our guide to washing a large blanket that won't fit in your washing machine explains why physical fit and adequate washing capacity aren't always the same thing.
Can You Put Multiple Curtain Panels in One Washer?
Yes, if:
- They're compatible
- The care instructions are the same
- Colors can safely be washed together
- The combined load isn't overcrowded
You don't necessarily need one washer per panel.
But you also shouldn't force every curtain in the house into one machine just because it's convenient.
A laundromat gives you another option:
Use multiple washers at the same time.
That's one of the biggest advantages over doing several loads sequentially at home.
Our guide to how to do laundry faster at a laundromat explains how running appropriate loads simultaneously can dramatically reduce total laundry time.
Can You Wash White and Colored Curtains Together?
Don't assume you can.
Separate curtains according to:
- Color
- Fabric
- Care instructions
- Soil level
A white sheer curtain and a dark heavy panel may both technically be “curtains,” but that doesn't mean they belong in the same load.
The same laundry-sorting principles that apply to clothing still matter.
Can You Wash Sheer Curtains at a Laundromat?
Many sheer curtains are machine washable, but their lightweight fabric may require gentler handling.
Check the label.
Pay particular attention to:
- Cycle
- Water temperature
- Dryer instructions
- Ironing instructions
Also inspect sheer curtains for damage before washing.
Thin fabric that has been exposed to sunlight for years may become weaker over time.
If the material is already deteriorating, washing may expose that weakness.
Can You Wash Lace Curtains at a Laundromat?
Some lace curtains can be washed, while others require more delicate treatment.
Lace can snag more easily than ordinary flat fabric.
Check:
- Material
- Age
- Condition
- Construction
- Manufacturer's instructions
Older lace deserves particular caution because the fabric may have weakened over time.
Don't assume that a gentle cycle makes every delicate textile machine washable.
Can You Wash Blackout Curtains at a Laundromat?
This depends heavily on the specific curtain.
Blackout curtains can achieve their light-blocking properties in different ways.
Some use multiple layers.
Others have a backing or coating.
That coating may have cleaning restrictions that ordinary polyester curtains don't.
Machine washing or dryer heat could potentially affect certain blackout materials.
So this is one category where the care label is especially important.
Don't wash blackout curtains based on generic internet instructions.
Wash them based on the instructions for your actual curtains.
Can You Wash Thermal Curtains?
Again, check the label.
Thermal curtains may contain multiple layers or specialty backing designed to reduce heat transfer.
The visible fabric isn't necessarily the part that determines the cleaning method.
If the manufacturer says machine washable, follow those instructions.
If it says dry clean only, don't put them into a commercial washer simply because there's enough room.
Can You Wash Linen Curtains at a Laundromat?
Some linen curtains can be washed, but linen can shrink and wrinkle depending on how it's treated.
The care label should determine:
- Whether water washing is permitted
- Water temperature
- Cycle
- Drying method
- Ironing
If the curtain is designed to be professionally cleaned, follow that instruction.
Can You Wash Velvet Curtains?
Velvet requires much more caution.
Some velvet curtains require professional cleaning, and the pile can be affected by improper washing or drying.
Don't assume that all velvet is handled the same way.
If the care label says dry clean only, use a professional cleaner rather than experimenting with a laundromat washer.
Wash Works also offers dry cleaning services for items that require specialized handling.
Can You Wash Curtains With Metal Grommets?
Potentially, if the manufacturer says the curtains are machine washable.
Grommets are different from removable hooks because they're usually built into the curtain.
Check the manufacturer's instructions.
Consider whether the hardware:
- Is securely attached
- Can tolerate water
- Could damage the fabric
- Requires a particular cycle
Don't try to remove permanent grommets.
Follow the instructions for the complete curtain.
Should You Use Hot or Cold Water for Curtains?
Use whatever temperature the care label recommends.
Don't automatically use hot water because curtains are dusty.
Hotter isn't always better.
Excessive heat can contribute to:
- Shrinkage
- Color loss
- Fabric damage
- Changes to backing or coatings
Many household textiles clean perfectly well without the hottest possible water.
The objective is to clean the curtains while preserving them.
Can You Use Bleach on White Curtains?
Only if the care label and bleach product permit it.
White fabric doesn't automatically mean chlorine bleach is safe.
Some white fabrics contain fibers, finishes or decorative components that can be damaged by bleach.
If curtains have yellowed or become dingy, first determine what they're made from before reaching for a strong chemical treatment.
How Much Detergent Should You Use for Curtains?
Use an appropriate amount based on:
- Washer size
- Load size
- Detergent concentration
- Soil level
- Product directions
One common mistake with large-capacity washers is assuming a larger machine should simply be filled with a huge amount of detergent.
That's not how detergent works.
You want enough cleaning chemistry for the load without creating excessive suds or residue.
More detergent can actually make rinsing more difficult.
Can You Put Curtains in a Laundromat Dryer?
Only if the care label says tumble drying is permitted.
Some curtains can be machine dried.
Others may need to:
- Hang dry
- Line dry
- Dry flat
- Be removed while slightly damp
Dryer heat can potentially cause shrinkage, wrinkles, or damage to specialty backing.
Don't assume that because a curtain survived the washing machine, it can automatically survive high dryer heat.
How Long Do Curtains Take to Dry at a Laundromat?
There isn't one universal drying time.
Lightweight curtains may dry relatively quickly.
Heavy lined curtains can take considerably longer.
Drying time depends on:
- Fabric
- Thickness
- Number of panels
- Washer extraction
- Dryer size
- Dryer temperature
- Load size
For ordinary laundry, Wash Works' guide to how long laundry takes at a laundromat explains that drying commonly takes longer and varies more than washing.
Curtains can vary even more because their construction is so different from one product to another.
Should You Dry Curtains Completely Before Rehanging Them?
Follow the manufacturer's instructions.
Some curtains may benefit from being rehung while slightly damp because gravity can help reduce wrinkles.
Others need to be completely dried before hanging.
What you don't want is to leave thick fabric folded or packed away while it remains damp.
Trapped moisture can create unpleasant odors and potentially contribute to mildew.
Why Did My Curtains Shrink After Washing?
Possible reasons include:
- Water temperature
- Dryer temperature
- Fabric type
- Washing something that wasn't designed for machine washing
- Ignoring the care label
Natural fibers can be particularly susceptible to dimensional changes.
And curtain shrinkage is often more noticeable than clothing shrinkage.
A shirt shrinking slightly may still fit.
A curtain shrinking several inches may suddenly no longer reach the floor.
That's why care instructions matter so much.
Why Do Curtains Smell After Washing?
If freshly washed curtains smell musty, they may not have dried completely.
Heavy fabric, seams, hems and liners can retain moisture longer than the surface.
Other possibilities include:
- Excess detergent
- Incomplete rinsing
- Existing smoke or household odors
- Leaving curtains wet too long
Before washing them again, make sure incomplete drying wasn't the real problem.
How Often Should You Wash Curtains?
There isn't one schedule that works for every home.
Curtains may need more frequent attention when the home has:
- Pets
- Smokers
- Heavy pollen exposure
- Open windows
- Cooking odors
- Significant dust
- Allergens
Other curtains may need deep cleaning much less frequently.
Regular vacuuming or dust removal between washes can help prevent excessive buildup.
The manufacturer's care recommendations should still guide how often intensive cleaning is appropriate.
Can You Wash Curtains With Pet Hair on Them?
If the curtains are washable, yes—but remove as much loose pet hair as practical first.
Vacuuming or another fabric-safe mechanical method can reduce the amount of hair entering the washer.
This is especially useful when curtains hang near:
- Pet beds
- Sofas
- Windows where pets sit
- Sliding doors
A washing machine can clean washable fabric, but you don't need to make it handle every loose hair that could have been removed beforehand.
Can You Wash Curtains That Smell Like Smoke?
Machine-washable curtains may benefit from washing when they've absorbed household odors, but smoke odor can be difficult.
The result depends on:
- Fabric
- How long it was exposed
- Type of smoke
- Whether residue has accumulated
- Whether the curtain can tolerate repeated cleaning
Don't compensate by automatically using excessive detergent.
If the odor survives the first appropriate wash, evaluate the fabric and treatment options before repeatedly washing it.
Can You Wash Curtains That Have Mold or Mildew?
This requires more caution.
First determine whether you're dealing with minor surface mildew or substantial mold growth.
Also address why the curtains became damp enough for growth to occur.
Possible causes include:
- Window condensation
- Water leaks
- High indoor humidity
- Curtains touching damp surfaces
Cleaning the curtain without addressing the moisture source can allow the problem to return.
Heavily contaminated materials may require more specialized evaluation rather than ordinary laundromat washing.
Should You Wash New Curtains Before Hanging Them?
Not necessarily.
Check the manufacturer's instructions.
Some people wash washable curtains before hanging to remove packaging odors or soften the fabric.
Others install them directly.
Remember that washing can alter dimensions, particularly with certain natural fibers.
If precise curtain length matters, follow the manufacturer's care guidance rather than automatically prewashing.
Can a Laundromat Clean Curtains Better Than a Home Washer?
A commercial washer isn't automatically “better” simply because it's commercial.
The main advantage is often capacity.
A properly sized machine gives large textiles more room to move and can make it easier to wash several compatible panels at once.
If your curtains fit comfortably in your home washer and their care instructions permit machine washing, you may not need a laundromat at all.
But if your washer is crowded before the cycle even begins, a larger commercial machine can be the more practical choice.
When Should You Not Wash Curtains at a Laundromat?
Don't machine wash curtains when:
- The care label says dry clean only
- The fabric isn't water washable
- The lining has incompatible instructions
- The curtain is damaged or deteriorating
- Decorative components can't tolerate washing
- Blackout or thermal backing prohibits machine washing
- The item is antique or particularly valuable
- You're unsure how the material should be cleaned
A larger washer doesn't eliminate those risks.
What If You Have Curtains From the Entire House to Wash?
This is where a laundromat becomes especially useful.
Imagine washing:
- Living room curtains
- Bedroom curtains
- Guest-room curtains
- Kitchen curtains
At home, you may need several consecutive loads.
At a laundromat, compatible loads can potentially run simultaneously.
Instead of spending an entire day waiting for one washer, you can clean several sets during the same period.
Wash Works has more than 100 washers and dryers, which makes parallel washing one of the practical advantages of using the laundromat.
What If You Don't Want to Wash the Curtains Yourself?
A laundromat solves the equipment problem.
It doesn't eliminate the work.
You still have to:
Take the curtains down → transport them → wash them → dry them appropriately → bring them home → rehang them
Wash Works also provides drop-off wash-and-fold service for appropriate washable items, while Get Fresh Start Laundry provides residential pickup and delivery for customers who would rather have laundry collected from home. Wash Works currently lists both self-service and professional laundry options on its site.
For unusual curtains or drapes, confirm that the item is appropriate for the service before dropping it off or sending it.
Frequently Asked Questions About Washing Curtains at a Laundromat
Can you wash curtains at a laundromat?
Yes, many machine-washable curtains can be cleaned at a laundromat. Check the care label, remove appropriate hardware and use a washer large enough for the panels to move freely.
What size washer do you need for curtains?
It depends on the number, size, thickness and construction of the curtain panels. Choose a washer that leaves enough room for the fabric to move, rinse and spin instead of tightly packing the drum.
Can you wash blackout curtains at a laundromat?
Some blackout curtains are washable, while others have coatings or multiple layers that require different care. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for your specific curtains.
Can you wash curtains with metal rings?
Some curtains with permanent grommets are machine washable. Remove detachable hardware and follow the care instructions for curtains with permanent metal components.
Can you put curtains in a laundromat dryer?
Only if tumble drying is permitted by the care label. Some curtains should be hung or line dried instead.
Can you wash sheer curtains at a laundromat?
Many sheer curtains are washable, but they may require a gentle cycle and careful drying. Inspect older or sun-damaged fabric before washing.
Can you wash dry-clean-only curtains at a laundromat?
No. A commercial washer doesn't override a dry-clean-only label. Use an appropriate professional cleaning method.
Can you wash multiple curtains at once?
Yes, if the curtains have compatible colors and care instructions and the washer has enough capacity for them to move freely.
Is a laundromat better for large curtains?
It can be. Large commercial machines may provide more room than a residential washer, particularly when you're cleaning several panels or bulky washable curtains.
Wash Machine-Washable Curtains at Wash Works in Stamford
So, can you wash curtains at a laundromat?
For many machine-washable curtains, absolutely.
The advantage of a laundromat is especially noticeable when large panels or several sets of curtains would crowd your home washing machine.
But the basic rules still apply:
Check the care label.
Remove appropriate hardware.
Inspect the fabric.
Choose enough washer capacity.
Don't use excessive detergent.
Follow the drying instructions.
And don't assume that every curtain should be machine washed simply because it fits.
Wash Works has served Stamford for more than 20 years at 953 East Main Street, with a fully attended laundromat, more than 100 washers and dryers, multiple machine sizes, folding space and attendants available to help customers choose appropriate equipment.
If your machine-washable curtains are simply too large for your home washer, Wash Works gives you access to larger commercial equipment without having to buy a larger washer for something you may clean only occasionally.
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