Curtain and drape cleaning in Tomball, TX

Why curtains and drapes need careful cleaning

Curtains hang in sunlight for years, and ultraviolet light breaks down fibers and fades dye. Silk, cotton and linen near a sunny window can look fine but tear easily once handled or cleaned, often along the folds that face the glass. Many drapes are lined, sometimes with a thermal or blackout backing, and the face fabric and lining can shrink at different rates in water. That leaves puckers, uneven hems and panels that no longer reach the floor. Pleated tops have stiff buckram inside that softens when soaked. Dust and pollen collect heavily along the top and in the folds. Large panels are also heavy when wet and strain seams in a home washer.

Reading the care label

Curtain labels are often sewn into a side seam or the bottom hem, so look closely. Many lined and pleated drapes say dry clean only, which is worth following since shrinkage of even a small amount shows when a panel hangs. Some unlined cotton and polyester curtains say machine wash cold. Blackout backings may say do not dry clean, so check before bringing those in.

Before you bring them in

• Measure the length and width of each panel before you take it down and write it on a note.
• Remove every hook, ring, clip and weight from the panels.
• Label which window each panel came from if you have several sizes.
• Point out faded stripes or thin spots where the sun hits the fabric.
• Shake the panels outside first to get rid of loose dust.

Care between cleanings

• Vacuum curtains with an upholstery brush attachment every month or two.
• Close blinds or shades during the hottest part of the day to cut down on sun damage.
• Rotate panels between windows now and then so one side does not fade more than the other.
• Keep curtains from touching windows that collect condensation, to avoid water spots and mildew.
• Plan on a full cleaning every year or two, more often in kitchens or homes with smokers.