Ruffell & Brown Interiors - Caring for your Window Treatments

Home Decorating and Interior Design ideas from Ruffell & Brown Interiors

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2745 Bridge St. - Victoria, B.C. Canada - Phone: 250-412-8014 - Fax: 250-384-0204

Caring for your Window Treatments

Drapery Care & Maintenance
It is important to understand the inherent limitations of certain fabrics as well as the invisible influences of the environment in which the draperies hang. These will affect the life and appearance of your draperies. Please take a moment to read the following information so that you will have realistic expectations and be better equipped to protect the investment you have made in your home by adding custom draperies.

Invisible Enemies of Your Draperies
Today's fabrics are lovelier and longer lasting than ever before, but each one has its own set of limitations based on the fibre content. There are various levels of quality and durability in all natural and man-made fibres. In addition to the limitations of wearability of the fibres, there are various invisible enemies that are constantly attacking the fibres of the fabric and affect the product life.

Sunlight
Constant exposure to the bright hot rays of the sun will weaken the strength of most fibres over time and can also cause varying degrees of colour fading or streaking. First signs of sun damage may include hem threads. Later and more severe effects could include dry rotting of the fabric itself. Drapery lining, solar window tinting film and/or constant use of shades or blinds behind the drapery will reduce these negative effects of sunlight.

Humidity
Humidity will affect fabrics differently. Loosely woven fabrics may be most likely to show the effects of humidity changes by either shrinking or stretching.

Shrinkage
Some shrinkage in draperies can be expected after cleaning if the fabric has not been completely preshrunk. In most cases, shrinkage is normal. Even in the event of significant shrinkage, draperies can often be lengthened by adjusting the hems.

Water Stains
Condensation on windows will occasionally cause drapery fabrics to become watermarked. There is no guarantee that such water stains can be removed; however, in some fabrics, this can be accomplished.

Maintenance
Maintenance of your draperies involves routine vacuuming with the dust brush attachment on your household vacuum cleaner. Depending upon dust conditions, local construction, cooking habits, and other factors, you may wish to do this every three to four months.

Cleaning
After months and months of exposure to dust, cooking or tobacco smoke residues, and other environmental pollutants, your draperies will need to be professionally and thoroughly cleaned. Dry cleaning is recommended for draperies and sheers. Some people prefer to have their sheers laundered rather than dry-cleaned. In either case, most draperies should be professionally cleaned after 2-3 years, (most sheers every year). Of course environmental circumstances and other factors vary, thereby affecting the recommended cleaning interval. Nevertheless, the investment you have made in your new draperies is worth protecting. The dividend will be years of enjoyment for your family and for guests in your home.

Cleaning Instructions for Custom Blinds

Vertical blinds
Vinyl and aluminum vanes can be cleaned with a damp cloth. Also, if a thin film of mild detergent is left on the vanes, it will eliminate static electricity. Fabric vanes require only periodic vacuuming. For soiled fabrics, we recommend the following process: let the soil dry and try to remove it from the fabric; if that does not work, gently scrub with warm water. If you are still unsuccessful, gently scrub with warm water and a mild detergent such as dishwashing liquid.

Horizontal blinds
Aluminum blinds can be easily cleaned by extending them to their full length and closing the slats first in one direction and then in the other. Wipe the slats with a soft brush such as a Kiwi Kleener, cloth or with your vacuum cleaner brush attachment. You may use a mild, non-abrasive cleaning detergent or an over-the-counter cleaner with a soft cloth.

Wood Blinds and Shutters
Like any piece of furniture, you must keep your wood blinds and shutters dusted regularly. You can clean your wood blinds easily by extending them to their full length and closing the slats. Wipe with a clean, soft cloth first on one side and then on the other. You may also use your vacuum cleaner brush attachment. NOTE: Do not wash or use harsh abrasive cleaners on your wood blinds or shutters, the wood may absorb the water and warping will occur. Lemon oil or wood preservatives are a better choice.

Pleated Shades
Remove the pleated shade from the window, open the shade and lay it on a clean, flat surface such as a table or countertop. If the shade is dusty, gently vacuum it using an upholstery attachment. To clean fingerprints or soiled spots, we recommend using an aerosol spray foam upholstery or fabric cleaner such as Woolite® or Scotchguard®. Do not use strong detergents or spot removers. Spray the foam cleanser over the entire area to be cleaned and immediately wash the area with a clean damp sponge (back and forth in the direction parallel to the pleats in the fabric). If necessary, the entire shade may be cleaned in this fashion. Be careful not to crush or wrinkle the fabric and avoid rubbing since abrasive action may cause it to distort.

Silhouette®, Luminette® and Vignette® Window Shadings
Regular light dusting with a feather duster will suffice in most circumstances. For more thorough dust removal, the fabric may be gently vacuumed with a hand held vacuum on low suction. Alternatively, dirt and dust may be removed using compressed air or a hand held hair dryer on the cool setting. Should they become soiled, only a professional cleaner should clean them. We would be happy to recommend a qualified cleaner to you.