Many of our customers are unsure about the risks and care involved with cleaning blackout curtains, so we want to clarify what you need to know.
Identifying Blackout Curtains
Blackout curtains come in different styles, and identifying them can help you understand the best way to care for them:
Unlined Blackout Curtains: These often have a velvet-like texture and may feel slightly rubbery or plasticky. The blackout layer might resemble a paint-like coating.
Lined Blackout Curtains: These have two layers of fabric. The blackout layer is sandwiched between the face fabric (which is usually cotton) and a lining layer.
Triple-Layer Blackout Curtains: Typically, these curtains have three layers: the face fabric, a foam or padding layer, and a blackout layer. This design provides the most effective light-blocking capability.
How We Clean Blackout Curtains
At Farthings Dry Cleaners, we use a method called F-Clean, which is a hydrocarbon-based process. This method is gentler on fabrics and less likely to cause damage compared to traditional dry cleaning product (which is P Clean). However, while F-Clean reduces risks, it’s important to be aware that some problems can still occur.
Potential Issues with Cleaning:
Peeling and Stripping: Standard dry cleaning can cause the blackout layer to peel or strip away due to the chemicals used. This damage is often irreversible.
Example of Damage: We’ve had cases where curtains have been damaged despite using the safest cleaning methods. For example, an older blackout curtain that was heavily exposed to sunlight showed significant damage even with F-Clean. The backing layer peeled off, rendering the curtain unusable.
Age and Exposure
The older the curtain and the more it’s been exposed to sunlight, the more likely it is to react poorly to any cleaning method. Always check the care label on your curtains for cleaning instructions, but be aware that not all labels are reliable. Some curtains labeled for standard dry cleaning might not survive the process.
Washing Blackout Curtains at Home
If your curtains are labeled as washable, you might try washing them at home. However, be cautious as even machine washing can lead to problems like sticking or deformation of the blackout layer. This could make your curtains unusable.
Our Commitment to You
At Farthings Dry Cleaners, we pride ourselves on being honest and transparent about what our services can and cannot do. We want you to have the best information possible to make decisions about your curtains.
If you have any questions about blackout curtains or need further assistance, feel free to leave a comment below or visit us at the shop. We’re here to help!
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