4 Mistakes:

Mistake #1:  Trying to wash your draperies in your washing machine.

  Almost all draperies must be dry-cleaned. Washing them in water will distort the pleats and cause excessive shrinkage. Do not wash!!

Mistake #2:  Failing to evaluate the draperies while they hang on the window.

  Draperies need to be tested before you take them down. Otherwise, weak areas may go unnoticed and the drapes could shred into pieces.

Mistake #3:  Hiring a drapery cleaner who will clean your drapes on site.

  Cleaning your draperies while they hang on the windows does not remove deep-seated dirt. At best, it removes some of the dust. Also, your are forced to live with strong odors of solvent while the draperies dry, which can pose a health problem for some people.

Mistake #4:  Having your draperies and sheers cleaned by the dry cleaner that average local clothing dry cleaner.

  Clothing dry cleaners usually leave drapes until the end of the day. At this time, their cleaning solvents are dirty with soaps, garment dyes and other contaminants. Also, their solvents contain moisture, which can cause excessive shrinkage. Choose a drapery cleaning service, not your local dry cleaner.

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Authored by Kurt Nix