Drapery Care & Cleaning It is important to understand the inherent limitations of certain decorative fabrics as well how invisible environmental influences can adversely affect the life and appearance of your draperies and upholstery. Please take a moment to scroll down and learn more about this, so that you will have realistic expectations and be better equipped to protect the investment you have made in your home furnishings. For a complimentary on site cleaning consultation, call Larry Licursi at 212.289.5623 or email him at Larry@fashionaward.com.

Invisible Enemies of Your 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 fiber limitations, there are various invisible enemies, which are constantly attacking the fibers of the material and affect the product life.

Sunlight

Constant exposure to the bright hot rays of the sun will weaken fibers over time and can also cause color fading and/ or streaking. The early signs of sun damage are often seen in hem threads. Over time, more severe effects could include dry rotting of the fabric itself. Drapery linings, solar window tinting film and/or constant use of shades or blinds behind the drapery will reduce the harmful effects of sunlight on your draperies.

Humidity

Humidity will affect fabrics differently. Loosely woven fabrics may be most likely to show the effects of humidity changes by either shrinking or stretching. However, keep in mind the expansion and contraction of these fibers often serves to embed dust and atmospheric pollutants in the fabric.

Shrinkage

Interior designers warn that some shrinkage in draperies can be expected if the fabric has not been completely preshrunk. As a result they often plan for such an eventuality by specifying large hems, so that even in the event of shrinkage, adjusting the hems will lengthen the draperies.

Water Stains

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 IF the draperies are pretreated and cleaned promptly.

Maintenance

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.

Cleaning

After months and months of exposure to dust, cooking or tobacco smoke residues, and other environmental pollutants, your draperies will need to be professionally and thoroughly cleaned. Dry cleaning is recommended for draperies and sheers. Some people prefer to have their sheers wetcleaned and resized rather than drycleaned. In either case, Fashion Award has the skill and expertise necessary to safely and effectively clean your drapery and upholstery fabrics. Please call us for a complimentary consultation in your home, or to make an appointment to take down, dry clean or wetclean, finish and professionally reinstall your draperies, sheers and valances.

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 draperies is worth protecting. The dividend will be years of enjoyment for your family and for guests in your home.