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HINTS & TIPS
You've invested hundreds, maybe thousands of dollars in your window treatments. When it comes time to care for them and clean them, whats the best approach. This page will give you information for the proper care and you can always get great advice and your questions answered by calling the 1.800.DRAPERIES expert near you. Click on the map below to find them.
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CARE OF YOUR CURTAINS, DRAPES AND BLINDS It is important to understand how invisible influences of the environment affect the life and appearance of your window treatments. Please take a moment to read the following information to be better equipped to protect the investment you have made in your custom curtains and draperies. The Difference between Curtains and Draperies - Curtains are made of lightweight fabrics and most often are unlined and operable. Draperies extend to the floor, tend to be lined, and are sewn of heavier fabric. • Invisible Enemies of Your Curtains and Draperies Today's fabrics are lovelier and longer lasting than ever before, but each one has its own set of limitations based on the fiber content. There are various levels of quality and durability in all natural and man-made fibers. In addition to the limitations of wear-ability of the fibers themselves, there are various invisible enemies which are constantly attacking the fibers of the material and affect the product life. Anything that can be done to minimize these conditions will increase the wear life of window treatments.
Sun, as well as dust and grime, is destructive to fabrics. Constant exposure to the bright hot rays of the sun will weaken the strength of most fibers over time and can also cause varying degrees of color fading or streaking. Acrylic and polyester stands up to sunlight better than other textile fibers and will retain color over time. Cotton, rayon, and acetate offer slightly less sun resistance. Acetate often is blended with silk or cotton to make it more sun-resistant. First signs of sun damage may include hem threads. Later and more severe effects could include dry rotting of the fabric itself. Drapery lining, solar window tinting film and/or constant use of shades or blinds behind the drapery will reduce these negative effects of sunlight. Light color fabrics generally reflect sunlight and resist fading. Dark colors absorb light and fade. Use lined window treatments, blinds, or shades to protect fabrics from the sun.
Humidity will affect fabrics differently. Loosely woven fabrics may be most likely to show the effects of humidity changes by either shrinking or stretching.
Some shrinkage in draperies can be expected after cleaning if the fabric has not been completely preshrunk. In most cases, shrinkage is normal. Even in the event of significant shrinkage, draperies can often be lengthened by adjusting the hems.
Condensation on windows will occasionally cause drapery fabrics to become water marked. There is no guarantee that such water stains can be removed; however, in some fabrics, this can be accomplished.
Maintenance of your draperies involves routine vacuuming with the dust brush attachment on your household vacuum cleaner. Depending upon dust conditions, local construction, cooking habits, and other factors, you may wish to do this every three to four months. • Major Cleaning: The care method for curtains and draperies will depend on their fabric content, dyes, finishes and ease of handling. Some draperies, for example, are much too large to be cleaned in home laundry equipment. Some fabrics may shrink or fade in water, but not in dry cleaning solvents. Follow the manufacturer's directions on the label. Most authorities say it is best to clean curtains and draperies on a regular basis. It is fairly easy to launder most curtains, but the question of whether or not to clean large draperies is often debated. One argument is to clean draperies every year so heating fumes and soil do not accumulate and cause fiber deterioration. The opposing view is to let draperies hang unclean as long as the appearance meets one's standards, because the cleaning process frequently causes changes in size, fabric color and texture. The amount of money spent for annual cleaning over a 10-year period could equal the initial or replacement cost. Each individual needs to make these decisions by considering the potential tradeoffs. Laundering: In general, treat washable draperies and curtains the same way you would care for clothing. Cottons, polyesters and blends can be laundered in warm water and gentle cycles if the dyes do not bleed in water. Some may shrink, however, so it is important to follow the manufacturer's care instructions. Cool water may help prevent shrinkage or fading. Most rayon and acetates will be labeled dry clean only because they are difficult to launder satisfactorily. They tend to shrink, distort in shape, are very weak when wet, and probably would need considerable ironing. Some foam-backed draperies are washable and some are dry clean only. Follow the manufacturer's instructions. If they are labeled washable, use warm water, a short, gentle washing cycle, and a moderately warm dryer setting for draperies with acrylic foam backs. If the backing is made of rubber latex, only cold water and cool dryer settings should be used. To help avoid heat-set wrinkles when laundering curtains, use cool or warm water and a slow agitation, short cycle setting. The dryer can be moderately warm at the start but it is important to have at least a 10-minute cool-down period at the end. If you do not have a permanent-press cycle that automatically cools down, you can manually reduce the heat. Don't over-dry, as this can cause wrinkling and a harsh hand. All fabrics need a small amount of natural moisture and should not be dried to a "bone-dry" condition. To prevent wrinkling, remove curtains immediately when the dryer stops. Heat-set wrinkles are extremely difficult to remove. If this happens, sometimes you can minimize the wrinkles by rewashing the curtains in as hot water as the fabric can take without damage. Then re-dry, starting at moderately hot for about 5 minutes, then 5 to 10 minutes of warm heat followed by about 10 minutes at a cool temperature. Remove immediately when dry. By using this method, you are attempting to reheat the fibers enough to release the wrinkles, and then gradually cooling them to avoid new creases and folds. Ironing may help, but it is difficult and not always successful. After months and months of exposure to dust, cooking or tobacco smoke residues, and other environmental pollutants, most people have their draperies professionally and thoroughly cleaned. Dry cleaning is recommended for draperies and sheers. Some people prefer to have their sheers laundered rather than dry cleaned. Most draperies should be professionally cleaned after 2-3 years, (most sheers every year). Of course environmental circumstances and other factors vary, thereby affecting the recommended cleaning interval. Nevertheless, the investment you have made in your new draperies is worth protecting. The dividend will be years of enjoyment for your family and for guests in your home. The industry says drapes should last 7 years, but with regular care, your drapes could last 10 to 15 years!
Dusting, vacuuming, and brushing maintain a like-new appearance on most blinds, shades, and shutters. Occasionally, compressed air is used to blow off dust and contaminants. Spot clean shades and blinds with a soft cloth or sponge moistened with lukewarm water. Add mild detergent if necessary. Blot gently to avoid creasing or damaging the fabric as rubbing can cause damage. On wood blinds, use lemon oil or wood preservative to avoid damageing the wood surface. Vinyl and aluminum blinds can be cleaned by water immersion in the bathtub. Soak the blinds for 5 minutes in a lukewarm water with a mild detergent. Rinse and fully extend shade to allow it to dry. |
