How to Wash Drapes
Drapery Cleaning in Ross — Cleaning the draperies into your house can extend their life and free your house of dust, dirt, pet hair and allergens.
Weekly Maintenance
Eliminate dust from your drapes along with your vacuum. Most vacuums have a soft brush attachment that’s perfect for the drapes. Place the brush attachment on the end of brush and this accessory hose in an up and down movement throughout the cloth. A hand-held vacuum also works nicely for this undertaking.
Washing the Drapes
IMPORTANT: CHECK THE TAGS Before trying to wash your draperies. A few draperies should ONLY BE CLEANED PROFESSIONALLY. NEVER wash them if:
They are not specifically labeled as washable (when they are lined, make sure BOTH the drapery fabric and the liner are recorded as machine washable).
The cloth is broken, frayed or disappeared (i.e. by sunlight)
The draperies are pleated
Trim or other vases are not listed as color-fast
The draperies contain an indication for”dry clean only”
In the event the draperies suggest”dry clean only,” you should take them into a dry cleaner that specializes in draperies and window treatments. For one in your area, check your regional yellow pages. Take a part of this tag and follow these simple steps, if your draperies are machine washable:
Carefully remove the drapes from the rods (it’s ideal to have someone assist you with this as you will probably need a step stool or little ladder to reach the rods). NEVER pull or tug the draperies to receive them down as this may harm the rods, the fabric or the walls.
The draperies are wrapped with pins or hooks, if , carefully get rid of and set them apart.
Hand wash each panel in cool water and a gentle detergent such as Woolite. For large drapes, it may be more easy to use the tub rather than the sink.
On the GENTLE cycle, the drapes can be put in your washer in the alternative, with warm or cold water, as indicated on the tag. Elect for chilly, if the label doesn’t indicate a temperature setting. Use a gentle detergent without bleach. Don’t overload your washer. In case your draperies are large or bulky, look at doing the panels one at a time or carrying them to a laundromat at which you can use oversized washers.
Put the drapes in a drier on the atmosphere indicated on the tag (probably low heat). Take care to not overload the dryer also.
Consider carrying them into a laundromat with dryers that are oversize or doing a single panel at one time. The usual cause of harm to draperies through the cleaning process is heat; if in doubt (especially if having a commercial dryer not familiar to you), use the”no heat” setting. Suggestion: If you’re fortunate enough to possess an old clothesline, then rather than the dryer, hang your draperies out to dry on the clothesline. You won’t need to worry about overheating, and the drapes will have a natural fresh scent. To maintain fabric prevent hanging in sun.
Eliminate out of your dryer if needed and press. Again, assess for temperature settings in your tag. Use a cool iron if no indication is given. To avoid damage, utilize the iron just.
Replace the pins or hooks (if any) and re-hang the draperies on the rods. Again, it is ideal to do this with another person assisting.
