Cleaning method for Westy curtains?

Skip Laubach

1984 Westy 19L WBXR Manual

Thought I might clean the curtains (Westy is new to me since July 2011), perhaps drop them at the local dry cleaners. Anyone used this method? Or hand washed them at home? Or in the home washer? I imagine that mine have not been cleaned, ever. They are not dirty, just feel a bit "tired/grimy". Please advise and thank you.

Skip

whynotvw · Samba Member Joined: May 04, 2004 Posts: 1322

i have 87 westy, i just threw mine in the washer, came out really nice and clean.

kamzcab86 · Posted: Fri Dec 30, 2011 8:32 pm Post subject:

Washing machine on gentle cycle using Woolite... cleaned up nicely.
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Skip Laubach · Posted: Fri Dec 30, 2011 8:44 pm Post subject:

Thank you. Two votes for the home washing machine, gentle cycle.

By the way, I did not do a conversion to a 19L engine (weight considerations). I meant to type "1.9L", original engine...but soon to be "looked at" by a machine shop.

Skip

purplepeopleeater · Posted: Fri Dec 30, 2011 8:49 pm Post subject:

70coupyel · Posted: Fri Dec 30, 2011 9:25 pm Post subject:

Don't forget your fabric softener. Cool

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beagling · Posted: Fri Dec 30, 2011 10:00 pm Post subject:

Agree with comments above. They turn out really nice. YOu can tumble dry them on low heat too.
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1989 Westy WBX 2.1 automatic

windnsea · Posted: Sat Dec 31, 2011 12:39 am Post subject:

I'd carefully handwash with woolite or dash dish soap. They may look okay, but the sun can weaken the weave and you'll find out after machine washing.

I'd then carefully rinse and lay out to dry. You can then iron them with a very low setting.

Why use softener and subject them to yet another chemical?

... just a few thoughts!

morymob · Posted: Sat Dec 31, 2011 5:38 am Post subject:

Wife washed mine, all the stains-?- etc came out and look great. A bit of help= as u remove and in a corner not seen take a perm marker pen an number all curtains (matched the ties too),,makes re-install a snap, no looking/matching, remember where u start and go in a circle.

DAIZEE · Posted: Sat Dec 31, 2011 3:34 pm Post subject:

Little realized fact about fabric and laundry. It's actual dirt that starts the rotting process. My Westy's were original, hadn't been done in decades and I did gentle wash full cycle with some soap, then I put them thru another complete cycle without soap so that they get rinsed well. Soap residue grabs dirt. Usually after a complete cycle they can be hung as they only need some air drying. Mine came out looking and feeling like new. I was amazed.

My point is rinsing well is very important to get rid of soap residue as it grabs the dirt and then time and sun do the dirty deed of rotting. I made all new curtains for the Riviera. Will probably do a yearly laundry on them unless otherwise needed.
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'09 2.5L Jetta 5 cylinder, 5 spd, super turbo, see thread in H2O Cooled Jetta, etc...
83.5 Vanagon L Riviera Model with 98 1.9L TD AAZ 4 speed Daily Driver 3 out of 4 seasons (sold)
84 Vanagon GL Wolfsburg Westy WBX 4 speed (sold)

chojinchef · Samba Member Joined: February 17, 2011 Posts: 1539

I washed mine 5 times when I got the Thingamajigger.

Gentle cycle.

Line dried.

May be faded from sun, but at least they are not as crunchy as when I got them Shocked

Van smells better too.

The one behind the stove actually stood up by itself.
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Its a mistress; an expensive, whiney, needy bitch of a mistress. She is a chunky, dirty girl with bad skin, little motivation and yet she always makes me smile. She sure has been around before shacking up with me. She has a direct line to my wallet, plays with my emotions, is consistantly jovial yet with a sarcastic and sardonic side, is consistant in her inconsistancy, and every once in a while gives me a great ride and a fantastic memory.

DAIZEE · Posted: Sat Dec 31, 2011 4:03 pm Post subject:

stand up alone laundry is a sure sign needs cleaning. Wasn't there an old expression that you didn't wash (? your underwear) until it stood up on the floor after hitting the wall? something like that Wink

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'09 2.5L Jetta 5 cylinder, 5 spd, super turbo, see thread in H2O Cooled Jetta, etc...
83.5 Vanagon L Riviera Model with 98 1.9L TD AAZ 4 speed Daily Driver 3 out of 4 seasons (sold)
84 Vanagon GL Wolfsburg Westy WBX 4 speed (sold)

Skip Laubach · Posted: Sat Dec 31, 2011 4:16 pm Post subject:

OK, I'll wash gentle cycle. I like the wash once with soap, then again without soap. I'll let you know how it goes.

Won't be for awhile as next on the list are fuel lines, rear heater T's, etc., including an engine drop and a trip to an auto machine shop to have a look at my 65 compression on the two front cylinders.

Hopefully these issues will all come out ..."in the wash".

Skip
Elgin, IL
84 Westy 1.9L Manual

markz2004 · Posted: Sat Dec 31, 2011 10:48 pm Post subject:

go one step further and take the covers off your mattresses. gentle wash, air dry. So much better.

Mark
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87 Westy, 250k GW 2.4 - 2.0 Wink

, 16" wheels

Terry Kay · Banned Joined: June 22, 2003 Posts: 13331

Dirt can't hide from intensified Tide.

After you get the curtains, rear rug & matress cover all squeaky clean, blow some pimp oil inside of the Van--

She'll be ready for the long ride---
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T.K.


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