How to Wash Drapes
Drapery Cleaning in Ventura — Cleaning the draperies in your house can extend their life and free your home of unwanted dust, dirt, pet hair and other allergens.
Weekly Maintenance
Remove dust from your drapes with your vacuum. Most vacuums have a soft brush attachment which is fantastic for the drapes. Simply place the brush attachment on the end of this attachment hose and then brush in an up and down motion throughout the cloth. A hand-held vacuum also works nicely for this undertaking.
Washing the Drapes
IMPORTANT: Before trying to clean your draperies, CHECK THE TAGS. Some draperies should ONLY BE CLEANED PROFESSIONALLY. NEVER wash them if:
They aren’t specifically labeled as washable (when they’re lined, be sure BOTH the drapery fabric and the liner are recorded as machine washable).
The fabric is broken, frayed or disappeared (i.e. by sun )
The draperies are pleated
Other embellishments or trim Aren’t recorded as color-fast
If the draperies suggest”dry clean only,” you ought to take them into a dry cleaner that specializes in draperies and window treatments. Take heed of the label and follow these simple steps, In case your draperies are machine washable:
Carefully remove the curtains from the rods (it is ideal to have someone assist you with this because you will probably require a step stool or small ladder to get to the rods). NEVER pull or tug on the draperies to receive down them as this might harm the fabric, the sticks or the walls.
The draperies are wrapped with pins or hooks In the event remove these and set them apart.
Hand wash every panel in water and a gentle detergent such as Woolite. For big drapes, it may be more easy to use the tub in place of the sink.
Instead, the curtains can be put in your washer to the GENTLE cycle, as indicated on the tag with warm or cold water. If the label does not indicate a temperature setting, then opt for chilly. Use a mild detergent without bleach. Look at carrying them or doing the panels at a time where you can use washers In case your draperies are big or bulky.
Put the curtains in a drier on the setting indicated on the label (probably low heat). If no drier setting is indicated, put “no heat” (fluff) setting. Be careful not to overload the dryer.
Consider doing a single panel at one time or carrying them to a laundromat with dryers that are oversize. The most common source of harm to draperies through the cleaning method is heat; when in doubt (especially if using a commercial drier unfamiliar for you), use the”no heat” setting. TIP: If you are fortunate enough to have an old fashioned clothesline, then instead of the dryer, hang your draperies out to dry on the clothesline. You won’t have to be concerned about overheating, and the drapes will have a scent that is fresh that is natural. To keep fabric from fading, prevent hanging in sun.
Remove from your dryer and press lightly if desired. Again, check your label. Use a cool iron, if no indication is provided. To avoid damage, use the iron on the REVERSE side of the draperies.
Replace the pins or hooks (if any) and then re-hang the draperies on the rods. It is ideal to do so with another individual assisting.
