Curtain Cleaning Methods

Valuable/Oriental Rugs

There are two ways you can approach cleaning curtains:
 

1. In situ

a) hot water extraction “steam” cleaning

Unlike upholstery fabrics which can withstand shrinkage due to being stretched over cushions and frames, curtains are much more susceptible to warping and shrinkage, particularly so if they are cotton or cotton mix fabrics. We consider it wiser to use non-water based solutions i.e. solvents for curtain cleaning. Valetek rarely offers this method of cleaning curtains and never for cotton or cotton mix curtains.

b) dry solvent cleaning

Even with dry cleaning, there is a small risk of shrinkage to curtain fabric. However, while this method is preferred in regard of the risk to the fabric, there are health and safety issues relating to the consequences of the use of dry cleaning solvent chemicals which are directed upwards and suspended by spray jets in tiny droplet form in the air. The working technician must therefore wear extensive personal protective equipment which should include goggles to protect his eyes, a mask to prevent inhalation of airborne solvent particles and, as solvents are an irritant, a tyvex suit and gloves would be advisable to avoid skin contact. The homeowner should avoid entering the room while the work is being done which should also be well ventilated.

2. Off-site cleaning

In short, we recommend that where possible, curtains should be taken down, removed from site, dry cleaned off-site, returned and re-hung. Valetek has the skills and the means to undertake this work.

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It should be noted that curtains being cleaned for the first time, even using solvent dry cleaning methods, can shrink up to 5% of their original size. The reason for this is that the manufacturing process often introduces tensions into fabrics which the cleaning process may reverse.

Also, curtains susceptible to shrinkage which also have linings, may shrink at a different rate to the linings. This may result in linings hanging lower than the curtain fabric. Once re-hung, the dead weight of the curtains may cause them to “re-stretch” sufficiently to correct this problem if it occurs.

On the whole, curtain cleaning is problematic. Few carpet and upholstery cleaners undertake this work as it is time consuming, risky and relatively unrewarding for the time invested. It is also difficult to obtain visually pleasing results as curtain fabrics are relatively cleaner than upholstery fabrics all be it that they are dustier. The best way to maintain curtain fabrics is for the consumer to regularly vacuum them and open and close them with a cord pull or to use very clean hands.

On the other hand . . . Valetek are competent in all methods and are able to give best advice.