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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 ACRYLICWarm 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 cloth. Wipe 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 remain. Remove overall soilage by vacuuming or brushing lightly.
VELVET NYLON - Warm hand wash or machine wash at 40°. Cool rinse, short spin. Do not wring. Cool iron on reverse of fabric only. Do not dry-clean.
COTTON/LINEN PRINTED WITH METALLIC INKS - Dry-cleaning is recommended test. 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 suction. Rotate reversible cushions. Dry cleanable (P) (50°) (non pile fabrics only) Wash in warm water with mild soap powder. Cold rinse. Drip dry or dry flat in shade. Do 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.
Blind Care & Cleaning
The care instructions below are a guide only. We always recommend you consult specialists in cleaning & servicing blinds. We are happy to refer you to companies we know will give you a great result.
Venetian Blinds
Dust can be easily brushed off at regular intervals using a clean, soft cloth, duster or a vacuum cleaner with brush attachment.
To dust, tilt the slats up and then down (but not entirely closed) to reach the entire top and bottom surfaces.
To vacuum, use the brush attachment and tilt slats as per above.
Slats may be wiped over with warm water and mild detergent.
Raise the blind when opening and closing windows. Do no open or close the window by putting your hand through the slats.
Vertical Blinds
For removal of dirt and grime, simply wipe fabric blades with a sponge soaked in lukewarm water or a little mild detergent.
Dry gently with a clean cloth.
There can be significant variations between fabrics used in vertical blinds, therefore we recommend that you clean a small area as a test first.
For metallised fabrics clean using a feather duster or soft cloth. Where necessary wipe using a damp cloth with mild detergent. Softly dab dry using a soft cloth.
Rollershades (Including Sunscreen blinds & Panel Glide systems)
Dust regularly with a feather duster or vacuum with a low suction attachment.
Stains or smudges can be removed with lukewarm water and a little dishwashing detergent on a sponge. The sponge should be squeezed almost dry.
Small marks can be removed by a light rub with a gum eraser or fresh bread.
For metallised fabrics clean using a feather duster or soft cloth. Where necessary wipe using a damp cloth with mild detergent. Softly dab dry using a soft cloth.
Natural Weave Woven Wood Blinds
Dust regularly with a duster or vacuum with low suction attachment.
Small marks can be removed with a light rub with a gum eraser.
Dry cleaning and washing is NOT recommended.
Duette Shades
Dust regularly with a feather duster or vacuum with a low suction attachment.
Spot clean the fabric by gently blotting with a damp cloth or sponge. Use lukewarm water, mild detergent and light pressure.
For entire shade cleaning: (note for Nightfall DO NOT immerse in water, spot clean only)
Immerse in warm water & mild detergent.
Move around gently for five minutes.
Rinse with clean water.
Tilt shade to allow excess water to drain.
Reinstall shade in window, open fully to allow to dry.
Soft Shadings (Silhouette & Luminette)
Dust regularly with a feather duster or vacuum with a low suction attachment. Use short horizontal strokes clean from top to bottom. Avoid pulling or stretching the sheer fabric.
Should wrinkles occur they will usually go away in a short period of time. Slight wrinkling, puckering or bowing are inherent to textile products and should be accepted as normal acceptable quality.
For deep cleaning we recommend your Silhouette/Luminette be professionally cleaned.
Timber Blinds
Dust can be easily brushed off at regular intervals using a soft cloth, feather duster or a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment.
Oiled cedar blinds require re-oiling every 12 months to rejuvenate the appearance and stop the timber drying out and cracking.
Blinds finished with ‘e-cote’ lacquer require regular application of silicon-free furniture polish applied with soft cloth.
NOTE: Do not allow timber products to come in contact with water.
Woodmates Blinds
Dust regularly with a feather duster or vacuum with a low suction attachment.
Wipe with a damp sponge or cloth.
Woodmates are fully washable but DO NOT at any time immerse the headrail.
Shutters
Dust can be easily brushed off at regular intervals using a soft cloth, feather duster or a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment.
Oiled cedar shutters require re-oiling every twelve months to rejuvenate their appearance and stop the timber drying out and cracking.
Cedar shutters finished with ‘e-cote’ lacquer require regular application of silicon-free furniture polish applied with a soft cloth.
NOTE: Do not allow timber products to come in contact with water.
Awnings
Fabric Awnings. Brush awnings when dry to remove dust and dirt.
Regularly hose down and allow to dry. It is inadvisable to roll up an awning when wet. There is no problem if you must roll the fabric away wet, but at the earliest opportunity it is advisable to unroll the fabric and allow to dry.
Aluminium Awnings can be washed with mild detergent and water or hosed down to remove dust and dirt.