01/18/2017
Why Dry clean your Drapes
Your drapes can be the highlighted feature of your room. They help to accent the colors and enhance the natural beauty of the light coming in from the outside. By their very nature, drapes are going to get dirty eventually. Having dirt, dust and grime on them can detract from the statement you are trying to make. Can you just toss them into the washing machine to get them clean? Let’s take a look at how washing machines can affect your drapes and why you might want to consider having them dry cleaned instead.
Color Loss
First and foremost, using a washing machine is a harsh way to clean cloth and fabrics. Strong chemical detergents and warm water can actually cause your drapes to lose their vibrant colors and start to fade. Drapes are less able to handle the rigors of the washing machine than your clothing is, so putting them in with the rest of your load is a risk.
Can the Fabric Stand Up?
Drapes are made from a wide variety of fabrics, each giving a room its own unique look and feel. The question is, can those fabrics stand up to the harsh environment of the washing machine? Here are some common drape fabrics and how they may fare.
• Wool: Wool is a natural fiber. This means that by its very nature it is easily shrunk in the heat and agitation of a washing machine. Even the “tumble low” setting using only cold water can affect wool drapes. Be very careful before putting wool into your washing machine.
• Linen: Plain linen without any accents or stitching might do okay in a washing machine. However, linen can be one of the materials most susceptible to color fading and this may end up giving your drapes a dull and flat look once they come out. If you have any lace, decorative stitching or other adornments on your drapes, forget the washing machine and head over to West Boulevard Cleaners for the necessary delicate touch.
• Silk: Silk, like wool, is a natural fiber which means it is also easily shrunk in the warm water and agitation of a washing machine. Silk can also be stained by water, leading to unattractive marks and spots on the drape, and effectively running it. Silk is another material that you are going to want to avoid putting in the washing machine.
• Velvet: If you have crushed velvet curtains, you are safe to put them in the washer. Crushed velvet just so happens to be the only machine safe form of velvet. All other types will be damaged in the wash and will come out looking worse for the wear.
Ironing out the Wrinkles
You really do need to spend a long time ironing out drapes after you have put them into the washing machine. This is one of the most time-consuming aspects of washing your drapes. Getting the pleats and look just right after a wash cycle can be quite difficult.
