Do you know about the invisible enemies of your curtains?
Below is a list of potential enemies to your curtains and drapes.
Sun Damage
Constant exposure to the bright, hot rays of the sun will damage the strength of most fabric fibres. Sometimes this happens after only a few months of use. Indirect sunlight is also damaging but not to as great a degree. Lined drapes naturally resist sun damage better than unlined. However, it is poor economy to line quality drapery fabric with an inferior lining which might deteriorate long before the drapery itself.
Effect Of Sunlight On Certain Dyes
When just one colour of a printed fabric is adversely affected, it is the result of the chemical action of sunlight on certain dyestuffs. Colours most frequently affected are yellow, red and chartreuse. Buying vat or solution dyed fabrics reduces this possibility.
Sun Fading
After the soiling has been removed, faded or yellow streaks are often evident, which dry cleaning will not correct. These streaks will be more prevalent in the folds exposed to direct sunlight. Upon inspection, some evidence of fabric weakness is usually found in the faded areas. The description of a fabric as “sunfast” is generally inaccurate as none is completely resistant to sun damage.
Oxidation
Here again chemistry plays its role. Natural chemicals in the air will sometimes combine with high humidity. This forms a mild acid which causes curtain fabrics to deteriorate and discolour.
Shrinkage
Up to 5% shrinkage can be expected unless the fabric has been completely pre-shrunk. An adjustment hem that could be let down when needed could solve this problem.
Humidity
Loosely woven fabrics are affected by humidity changes. The amount of humidity in the air can cause drapery measurements to shrink or stretch.
Prints
When certain types of pigments are used in printing the pattern on drapes, the pigment or dyes do not penetrate the fibres of the fabric deeply enough to hold the colour securely. The serviceability of pigment printed fabrics depends on the fabric itself as well as the method by which the pigment is applied. Some of these colours can become considerably lightened or removed altogether in the cleaning process. Inquire about limitations of some prints of this type when selecting drapery material.
Fume Fading
Gases and fumes in the atmosphere of the home often react upon certain dyes in fabrics containing acetate and generally cause a reddish colour. Blues, greens and colours containing the blue dyes are the most susceptible.
Linings
In recent years a number of coated fabrics have been developed for use in drapery linings. Silver or gold linings fall into this category. Some do not dry clean or wash satisfactorily. Some rubber coated or bonded materials have also proven unserviceable at most curtain cleaning organisations. However, at KC Dry Cleaning, we have employed the latest technology and techniques to greatly improve the cleaning and longevity of all coated drapes.
