Ok so these are nice curtains that I managed to snag for a great low price. However...they smelled like they came from the deepest darkest damp place you can find in a basement. So bad in fact I threw them back in the box to be sent back. But then I read they could be machine washed, so I gave it a shot. I washed them on delicate and low heat dry, they came out perfect and the horrible smell is gone. Now my only complaint is they are in no way light filtering, but thankfully it wasn't necessary where I am hanging them. All in all I really like them.