Window treatments like custom made curtains have immense aesthetic as well as functional value. They are meant to protect home furnishings simultaneously rendering elegance, comfort and privacy. It is necessary to clean and maintain them too. Depending on the fabric and construction of window treatment, a proper routine is essential to maintain the curtains.
Considerations of Sunlight
Dust, grime and sun together can have disastrous results on custom-made curtains. While light colors are able resist the effects of sunlight, darker ones tend to fade easily. Lined window treatments, shades and blinds are important to protect the fabric from harmful effects of the sun. Polyester and acrylic are two fabrics that largely remain unaffected by sunlight as compared to other textile fibers. They also retain a lot of color over the years. Usage of lined window treatments, shades or blinds are needed to protect the fabrics.
Washing Tips
Wash the draperies and curtains at home only when they are marked as washable. Using cool water or mild detergent is important. Do not overload the machine; try to rinse real gently and thoroughly. Dry it on the low or dry air setting.
Do not ever wash draperies if they are not washable. Remember, if the instructions require you to wash them separately, it is for the benefit of the drapes only. Pleats of the draperies might also be damaged due to rigorous washing. It is best to drop the idea of experiments and follow only what is instructed.
Fiber Glass Draperies
Fiber glass draperies are nearly extinct. But in the few houses that they still exist, they feature vintage or mid-20th century textiles. These draperies need to be maintained using rubber gloves. Machine wash or dry-clean is a strict no-no for these. These need to be soaked in a laundry tub, and not a bath tub, for proper results. Rinse thoroughly and press excess water out without wringing. All the draperies need to be line-dried without folding the clothes line.
Caring For Lace
Remove the dust from the lace, while tumbling the dryer in the air cycle. Most new custom curtains are machine as well as hand washable. Following the label directions, gently wash in cool water. The detergent you use must be meant for fine washables. Freshly washed lace curtains need to be dipped in a light starch solution, for that crisp look. In case you want a soft look, avoid starching your drapes; hang them when they are half-dry.
Metal hooks tend to leave rust marks on moist fabrics. Place a piece of tissue paper temporarily under every hook to absorb moisture and keep your fabric stain-free. In case of custom curtains it is always a good idea to consult your window covering specialist for best cleaning.
Sheer Care
Sheers are mostly washable synthetics, washed in the same manner as the lace curtains, unless the label states otherwise. Dry clean sheers are fragile and most prone to sun damage. They must be cleaned separately.
Custom made curtains need to be taken real good care of, if the home owner hopes to keep them intact over a longer period of time. Remember, if you love them, they will also love you back. So, give them the extra care that they demand.
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