Lahood Curtains,Blinds & Accessories
Curtain Care and Cleaning
The care instructions below are a guide only. We always recommend you consult specialists in cleaning curtains. We are happy to refer you to companies we know will give you a great result.
Fabrics may be subject to wear, fading, mildew or shrinkage according to use and prevailing conditions such as sunlight etc. and consequently cannot be guaranteed against all conditions.
Fading - Although modern dye-stuffs are extremely efficient, there is no such thing as fabric that will not fade to some degree. To keep fading to a minimum all curtains should be lined (or have a protective sunfilter) and not used as a ‘blind’ to sunlight. All upholstery should be kept out of direct sunlight.
Shrinkage - Fabric is never completely stable. Fabrics breathe and absorb moisture, resulting in stretching or shrinking. Up to 5% shrinkage is possible. Even fabrics purchased as shrink-resistant or pre-shrunk may still shrink up to this amount. Fabrics placed over or near heating and cooling vents may react to a much greater degree.
Mildew - Window coverings placed in rooms with no direct sunlight may experience mildew. It is recommended that care is taken to clean moisture away from the affected windows and regular airing of the room.
Fabric Care - All fabrics benefit from care and attention. Dust and chemical fumes are always present in the air and badly soiled fabrics deteriorate rapidly. Regular vacuuming of fabrics removes most dust that builds up. Always check on the appropriate cleaning methods for your curtains before washing. Fabrics you should Dry Clean - Dry cleaning is safest for all fabrics such as chenilles and all heavy-weight tapestries, brocades, damasks and textured weaves. All velvets must be dry cleaned.
Acrylics - Dry cleaners must be clearly warned when a fabric includes acrylic yarns. Permanent damage may occur at temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius.
Washing - Dry cleaning is often the recommended form of cleaning. Be aware that fabrics will always lose some integrity when washed. The best method of washing is hand washing in the bath. - First loosen drawstrings and remove hooks, weights and other metal fittings. It is essential that furnishing fabrics are not washed or spun for longer or at a hotter temperature than is really necessary. - All fabrics should be rinsed thoroughly. If correctly spin dried, the fabric should retain sufficient moisture to help smooth it out, regain its shape and minimise shrinkage. If washing by hand, first dissolve detergent fully, avoid rubbing but squeeze fabric gently.
Sheers - Polyester nets and voiles may be damaged by machine washing but they are very easy to wash by hand and this should be done at frequent intervals. Before wetting, gently shake out any dust that may have accumulated. Then dip the fabric in lukewarm water, using any recommended soap or detergent, to which a small amount of ammonia can be added. To remove stubborn ingrained dust, soak nets in the ammonia solution overnight before washing. Avoid the use of bleaching agents. Rinse the fabric in clean, lukewarm water, pad gently in a towel and hang over a rack to dry, avoid creases. Finally, press lightly using a warm iron on the wrong side of the fabric. Do not use steam or an iron hotter than 110 degrees Celsius. Do not dry clean. Cotton lace can be machine washed at temperatures not exceeding 40 degrees Celsius and preferably inside a pillowcase to prevent damage. Washing by hand and a very thorough rinsing is, however, recommended. White cotton lace, which contains an optical brightener, should be washed in detergent. Cream cotton lace should be washed in a pure soap powder.
Caring for Thermaldrapes - Most Thermaldrape fabrics are both washable and dry cleanable. However because of the construction some are best dry cleaned only. Please ask for advice if unsure. Warm hand wash and rinse. Do not wring or tumble dry. Drip dry, hang curtain with fabric side down over the line. Hang in direction of drop and distribute weight evenly. Avoid wet coated surfaces touching each other. Do not use pegs.
CARE CATEGORIES
VELVET/COTTON: Do not wash. Dry-clean only (P) (30°). Velvets should be steamed not pressed.Must not iron. Possible shrinkage 3%
RAYON ACETATE SHANTUNG: Do not wash. Dry clean only (P) (30°). Warm iron. Possible shrinkage 3%
COTTON/LINEN PRINTED OR DYED: Warm hand wash. Gently pull into shape. Do not bleach. Do not tumble dry. Hot iron when damp. Dry cleaning is recommended (P) (50°). Possible shrinkage 3%
POLYESTER/COTTON POLYESTER BLENDS: Warm hand wash. Do not bleach. Do not rub. Drip dry. Warm iron. Dry cleaning is recommended (P) (30°). Possible shrinkage 3%
ACRYLIC MOD ACRYLIC: Warm hand wash. Do not bleach. Do not rub. Drip dry. Cool iron. Do not steam. Dry cleaning is recommended (P) (30°)
ACRYLIC FOAM COATED COTTONS OR MAN-MADE FIBRES: Warm hand wash. Do not bleach. Drip dry in shade, fabric side down. Avoid wet coated sides touching. Cool iron on fabric side only. Dry-cleaning is recommended (P) (30°). Possible shrinkage 3%
INDIAN COTTONS: Washable or Dry cleanable (Non pile fabrics only). Protect from sunlight. Vacuum regularly using low suction. Rotate reversible cushions regularly. Dry cleanable (P) (60°). Wash in warm water with mild soap powder. Cold rinse and dry flat in shade. Avoid direct sunlight. Use warm dry iron only – no steam
DRYCLEAN ONLY UPHOLSTERIES: Protect from sunlight. Vacuum regularly using low suction. Rotate reversible cushions regularly. May be spot cleaned with dry-cleaning solvent. Professional cleaning recommended (P) (60°)
WOOL: Clean with petroleum distillate base solvents using soft clothWipe with a gentle sweeping motion. Do not rub. Pre-test a small area before proceeding. Do not use water based detergent type solvent cleaners as they may cause excessive shrinkage and water stains may remainPrevent overall soil age by vacuuming or brushing lightly.
VELVET NYLON: Warm hand wash or machine wash at 40°. Cool rinse, short spin. Do not wringCool iron on reverse of fabric only. Do not dry-clean.
COTTON/LINEN PRINTED WITH METALLIC INKS: Dry-cleaning is recommendedTest first solvent cleaning on a low temperature and a short cycle. Possible shrinkage 3%.
MULTI PURPOSE FABRICS: Used for both drapery and upholstery. Protect from sunlight. Vacuum regularly using low suctionRotate reversible cushionsDry cleanable (P) (50°) (non pile fabrics only) Wash in warm water with mild soap powderCold rinse. Drip dry or dry flat in shadeDo not tumble dry. Warm iron when damp.
If you are unsure of the fibre content of any fabric you have bought, please ask for advice.
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