Posted by Todd Ellebruch on Mon, Apr 13, 2009 @ 11:54 AM
Spring is in the air, and opening up the windows to let the sunshine in may open you up to the dust and odor accumulated on your draperies and blinds from winter. If you have an annual spring-clean checklist, you may wish to add drapes and blind cleaning as one of the top priorities.
However, washing the drapes yourself brings on its own problems. Some fabrics are pre-shrunk, and stuffing them in the washer and dryer could shrink them even more. There is also the possibility they can lose their shape and/or fade, while other types (such as silk), may stain due to water.
Fortunately, there are drapes and blind cleaning companies who not only know how to properly clean your drapes, but will take them down and put them back up for you as well. Depending on the company you choose, they may either take them to their facility and bring them back in several days, or they may do it directly in your home. Both will conduct a thorough inspection of your drapes and blinds, and recommend dry cleaning or steam cleaning, depending on the material.
The dry cleaning method is exactly how it sounds, and uses the same principles as taking it to the dry cleaners. Special chemicals are used differing from the store method, which allows fewer toxins to remain in the pleats and provides a fresher feeling.
Steam (wet) cleaning, if done properly, uses no chemicals and is best for fabrics where there is no risk of water damage. Both methods can be done with the drapes remaining on the rods, and without taking too much of the customer's time.
For blind cleaning, an ultrasonic method is used to remove the dust and dirt with sound waves. Submerged in a tank, treated with an anti-static solution, millions of tiny bubbles hit the blades and implode removing the dirt. This method also uses no harsh chemicals and is safe for the environment.
To schedule an appointment for drapery and blind cleaning services, click here.