Drapes are a common household item, found in living rooms and bedrooms everywhere. They’re also located in commercial spaces like hotels, hospitals, and libraries.
Any window treatment is an investment in your home or business. Lots of time is spent searching for just the right fabric, color, and texture for your space. Like any expenditure, you want it to last and look its best. And when it comes to window treatments, without routine maintenance, your investment can lose its luster and become dull, dusty, and dirty.
Dusty, dirty drapes and curtains are not only unsightly but can grow mold or mildew, making them a health hazard for people with allergies.
Types of Drapes
Drapes seem like a simple decoration, but there are plenty of variations when it comes to these unique interior ornaments. The main types of drapes:
- Single panel.
- Double panel.
- Decorative side panel.
- Door panel.
- Sheer drapes.
- Light filtering drapes.
- Blackout drapes.
Popular styles include:
- Grommet (metal rings in the fabric slide onto the curtain rod)
- Pocket (a fabric pocket slides onto the curtain rod)
- Pinch pleat (providing uniform volume and folds).
There are more to these unique decorations than meets the eye.
How to Clean Your Drapes
Unless you see an obvious stain or fading from the sun, it can be hard to tell when the drapes need cleaning. It’s often suggested to clean them every three to six months to keep them looking their best. A few tips for drapery cleaning:
- Remove all pins, hangers, or other hardware from drapes or curtains before washing.
- Consider dry cleaning, especially if the drape fabric features elaborate ornamentation, stitched-in pleats, or swags that can’t handle traditional washing.
- Sheer curtains should be washed regularly, even if they don’t appear dirty.
- In the case of sun damage, use cool or lukewarm water and a gentle cycle, with mild detergent. If possible, use a clothesline to dry, or a delicate or no-heat setting.
- Velvet drapes can be brushed on occasion, and don’t need to be washed or dry-cleaned for a simple touch-up. Use a chamois cloth wrung thoroughly after dipping in hot water.
- In general, it’s important to routinely dust and vacuum drapes with a soft-brush attachment, or a broom with synthetic fibers. When using a vacuum, make sure it’s set to reduced suction so the fabric doesn’t get pulled into the nozzle.
SERVPRO’s Drape Cleaning Process
SERVPRO’s drape cleaning process involves injecting a specially-formulated solvent into the fabric under pressure, which extracts the offending chemical and leaves the drapery clean.
Beyond the injection of solvent, the broad drape cleaning process can occur in one of two ways: in-place or in-facility. Depending on the level of damage and cleaning required, SERVPRO professionals will determine the best course of action to properly clean your drapes.
SERVPRO’s in-place cleaning process follows these steps:
- SERVPRO professionals will move and protect any adjacent surfaces or furniture near the area being treated. Cornices or valances may need to be detached to reach certain areas.
- Verify the type of material being treated. Pre-testing occurs at this stage to ensure the correct cleaning method is employed and appropriate products are used.
- A dry soil removal technique is employed. This may involve vacuuming all affected surfaces, which helps loosen dry particles like pet hair.
- Heavy soils and stains are pre-treated.
- Based on pre-test results in step 2, the appropriate cleaning method is applied.
- After removing protective covering, items and personal property are returned to their original positions.
SERVPRO’s in-facility cleaning process follows these steps:
- Personal items and furniture are moved to a separate area to access window treatment.
- Cornices, valances, and other décor items are detached and placed elsewhere to access window treatment.
- Window treatments are carefully detached, and hardware is organized for reinstallation.
- Window treatments are placed in a container for transport to your local SERVPRO facility.
- Verify the type of material being treated. Pre-testing occurs at this stage to ensure the correct cleaning method is employed and appropriate products are used.
- A dry soil removal technique is employed. This may involve vacuuming all affected surfaces, which helps loosen dry particles like pet hair.
- Heavy soils and stains are pre-treated.
- Based on pre-test results in step 2, the appropriate cleaning method is applied.
- After removing protective covering, items and personal property are returned to their original positions.
Here to Help® 24/7
From drape cleaning to blind cleaning, air ducts and HVAC duct cleaning to odor removal and ceiling and wall cleaning, SERVPRO does it all. No matter when your damage occurs—whether in the middle of the week or on a weekend, whether on a holiday or just after midnight—SERVPRO franchise professionals will be there. We pride ourselves on providing peace of mind and returning your space to pre-loss condition, “Like it never even happened,” so give us a call. We are here to help and look forward to serving your cleanup, restoration, and construction needs. Find your local SERVPRO today.
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