Draperies can be an investment and require proper treatment to retain their quality. Once they are installed, it can be easy to forget that they can easily collect dust and dirt and will eventually require cleaning. Properly cleaning the drapes in your home can require an effort on your part. However, if you take your time, you will have clean and fresh draperies that look brand new. If you don’t feel like cleaning the drapes yourself, you can opt to place the task in the hands of a professional drapery cleaning service.
There are different things you can do to clean your draperies on your own. When cleaning your draperies, keep in mind the type of materials of which they are made and always check the label before your start cleaning.
1. Machine Washing
If you are washing draperies for the first time or you are trying a detergent that you have used before, you may want to conduct a spot test to make sure the detergent will not harm the quality of the material. Most draperies can be machine washed in cold water on the gentle cycle. Sheer draperies or those made of lace should be placed in a pillowcase or mesh bag during their washing cycle to avoid tearing. Avoid overloading the washing machine as you want the draperies to have enough room to move freely in the water.
2. Dry Cleaning
If the label on your draperies recommends dry cleaning only, you have a couple of options besides going to your local dry cleaner. Some home dryer machines offer a dry cleaning option that can make dry cleaning your curtains a simple job. If your machine doesn’t provide this, you can try to hand wash or use the gentle cycle on the washing machine with the mildest detergent. Avoid washing them with other items to prevent color leads.
3. Steam Cleaning
You should only steam clean draperies that are machine washable as they are the only draperies that tend to withstand the steam treatment. Many flooring steam cleaners have nifty, long-reaching attachments that can be used to steam draperies, which makes it unnecessary to take down the draperies to clean them. When the steaming is completed, the draperies may be slightly damp, so be sure to spread them out to allow them to dry, or use a fan to speed the drying process.
4. Spot Clean
Sometimes there may be just a few problem areas that require cleaning. In these situations and after a thorough dusting, you can use a foam upholstery cleaner or a mild laundry or dishwashing detergent mixed with some warm water to work away the stains gently. An iron or a clothing steamer can be used to get rid of any remaining water spots.
5. Clean Between Major Cleanings
For weekly care, you can use the upholstery brush attachment on your vacuum cleaner to remove from your draperies. After a major cleaning, spray fabric and stain guard to repel dust and prevent stains.
Using these tips can make the drapery cleaning less of a hassle. If you have any difficulties or don’t look forward to cleaning them on your own, there are professional drapery cleaning services in New York City that can treat your draperies with care.
