How To Clean Your Drapes The Right Way
Posted on: 17 November 2014
Drapes are a great way to not only block out the sun, but also bring character to a room. In many cases, the heavier the drape, the better. However, heavy drapes are often a magnet for dust collection. An excessive amount of dust on your drapes isn't just an allergy trigger, but it can also change the appearance of your drapes, causing them to look dull or dirty. Since you can't exactly take a dust mop to you drapes, you need to consider an alternative way to keep them clean.
Here are a few tips to help you remove dust from your drapes:
Dryer
One simple way to safely remove dust from your drapes is to place them in the dryer with a dryer sheet and a damp towel. Most dryers have a no-heat or air dry setting. First, make certain that you are adjusting the dryer to one of these settings. Using heat will only damage the drapes. After you've made the adjustment, take down your drapes and remove any rings or hooks. Toss your drapes in along with the towel and the dryer sheet. Let the dryer cycle for around 20 minutes.
As the drapes toss about, the dust will gravitate to the damp towel. The dryer sheet places an invisible coating on the drapes that will make them more dust repellent. Unfortunately, if your drapes are pleated, this isn't a method you want to try. Even without heat, tossing about in the dryer could damage the pleated pattern. If your drapes are pleated you will need to try an alternative dust removal method.
Vacuum
If your drapes are pleated, vacuuming your drapes will be the better option. However, you don't want to just go suctioning away, there's a correct way to vacuum your drapes. For starters, only vacuum your drapes when they are in the closed position. Connect the upholstery attachment on your vacuum and turn the vacuum to its lowest setting. Start at the very top of a pleat, slowly moving the vacuum downward towards the floor.
Moving downward ensures that all the dust is removed. When you start at the bottom, as dust becomes dislodged, it could easy fall down onto a lower part of the drape that you've already cleaned. Continue this process until you have vacuumed each pleat. Ideally, you should be vacuuming your drapes at least once a week. If you're unable to do so this frequently, make certain that you are at least cleaning once a month.
Removing dust from your drapes doesn't have to be a chore; it can be relatively easy. To keep your drapes looking great, make sure that you are keeping them dust-free. For more help, contact a company such as Sylvans & Phillips Drapes and Blinds with any questions or concerns you might have.
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