Custom window treatments are an investment of both time and money. Keeping them looking their best is an important part of protecting that investment. Cleaning your custom window treatments not only maintains their
just bought look, but routine cleaning also cuts down on allergens. Regularly cleaning helps remove dust and pet hair from the drapes, potentially easing symptoms for you or a family member.
Luckily, for most homeowners, keeping custom window treatments clean is not too difficult if you know what steps to take to maintain them on a regular basis.
Cleaning drapery panels is typically a three-step process. Gently wipe your panels with a soft cloth or microfiber cloth on a weekly basis. This will help loosen and remove any dust or debris that may have settled upon the fabric. Do not use a damp cloth. Fragile silks and other fabrics may not respond well to the dampness.
Once a month, use your vacuum to more thoroughly remove dust. While a handheld vacuum is preferred, many upright vacuum manufacturers have an upholstery brush attachment designed for this process as well. If yours does not, use the small attachment with soft bristles. Gently vacuum each section of fabric taking care not to damage any tassels or custom accoutrements.
Lastly, have your drapery washed or dry cleaned every six to twelve months. Remove them from the wall and shake them well outside. If the fabric is washable and your washing machine can handle the oversize load, wash each panel on the delicate cycle. If the fabric is washable but the design is overly delicate, it is best to launder your drapes in a clean bathtub. Hand-washing is a gentle way to clean the drapes without damaging them.
Some fabrics, such as silk, do not respond well to water and can stain. If you have silk drapes or drapes made from another delicate fabric, take them to a dry cleaner in your area that specializes in cleaning custom drapery. If you are unsure of the fabric content, look for a care label or contact the person that you purchased the drapes from for further details.
Whether you have faux or real wood blinds, cleaning them weekly is a must. Dust can build up quickly on blinds. In the rooms adjacent to your kitchen, dust can combine with any cooking grease in the air and create a sticky mess.
Use a traditional feather duster or a newer version that has fingers designed to go between the slats of the blinds. These tools will remove loose, surface dust. If you have stubborn debris that is difficult to remove, you may need to wash your blinds.
To wash blinds with stubborn buildup, use a damp cloth to hand-wipe each slat and remove any debris. Be gentle and patient. This is a tedious process but the results will be worth it. If you have plans to have your windows professionally cleaned, inquire if that company can also clean the blinds for you on the same day.
Whether you have a balloon valence or a pelmet, the top design feature of your custom window treatments needs attention with cleaning as well. Valences are stationary and, as such, collect more dust than the mobile drapes. Whichever type of valence you have, be sure to add them to your weekly dusting schedule. A quick dusting with a feather duster will remove any dust that has collected during the week and keep your valences looking fresh.
For a deeper clean, vacuum the valence with the soft bristle attachment of your vacuum cleaner. It is important to do this regularly as, unlike drapes, you cannot remove your valences and take them to the dry cleaner for a deeper clean.
Properly cleaning your custom window treatments on a regular schedule helps maintain their shape, style, and beauty for years to come. Contact
Sylvan's & Phillip's Drapes & Blinds for help with your window treatments.
