Keep Your Draperies Fresh & Well-maintained



When it comes to cleaning your draperies, there are a lot of factors to keep in mind. Certain kinds of materials can be cleaned in the washing machine, some require dry cleaning, and others may require a professional. Generally speaking, the most common materials, such as polyester blends, cotton, and related textiles, can simply go in the washing machine. Draperies that require dry-cleaning include:


  • Silk
  • Velvet
  • Brocade
  • Taffeta
  • Chenille
  • Drapes with a lining
  • Insulated drapes


It’s always a good idea to check the instruction manual or consult the manufacturer before you begin cleaning your draperies. This will also help you get a better idea of how the material should be dried (using a low or high setting), or air-dried by hanging them out.


Vineyard Blind & Shutter has been in the window coverings business for a long time, and we encourage our customers to use proper cleaning to maintain your beautiful window coverings. Regardless of how tidy you keep your home, any kind of drapery will eventually collect grime, dust, and accumulate stains.


Here are some easy methods of cleaning you can use to keep you draperies fresh.


Steam cleaning draperies while they are hanging up requires you to start at the top of the draperies with your steam cleaner and work your way down gently and slowly. Pressing too roughly on the material can be damaging. Steam cleaning your draperies should only be done if it is recommended by the manufacturer. And as with cleaning any window coverings, make sure to follow the instructions found on the fabric steamer.


As most sheers are polyester, cotton, nylon, or a blend of any of these materials, your sheers will most likely be okay in the washing machine, and can be dried on a low heat dryer setting. If you tumble dry your sheers, make sure to always remove them immediately once the cycle is finished, as this will reduce wrinkling. Hang them up immediately after removing them, and you shouldn’t notice any wrinkles after they dry. This also goes for any draperies or curtains following a tumble cycle.


If you have board-mounted valances, the best thing to do is use a vacuum cleaner. Start by finding a sturdy chair or stool so that you can reach the valances, but not so high that you can’t use your upholstery tool or vacuum cleaner. Starting at the top of the valance, vacuum from top to bottom, then vacuum across the valance. Maintain a good grasp of your material with one hand and vacuum with the other for a more thorough cleaning. A hand-held garment steamer may work for this project as well, but only if the material allows for it, so be sure to consult your care instructions beforehand.


If you have draperies made from dark colored materials that can be machine washed, be sure to add about 1 teaspoon of vinegar in with them. This will keep the colors from fading or bleeding.


In some cases, you can get away with freshening up velvet draperies without having to wash them or taken them to the dry-cleaners. This requires simply brushing them here and there using a chamois cloth dipped in hot water and thoroughly wrung out. If silk curtains require hand washing, make sure to wash them in lukewarm or cool water, and only apply mild dishwasher detergent. Swish your silk curtains gently - do not wring or twist!


Draperies that require dry cleaning are typically those that have:


  • Stitched-in pleats
  • Swags
  • Elaborate ornamentation


In fact, even many window coverings that indicate the fabric is washable may still be better off taken to the dry-cleaners, as the linings and seams can shrink in the water. When in doubt, it’s best to play it safe.



Having been in the window coverings business for such a long time, Vineyard Blind & Shutter encourages our customers to learn how to clean draperies to preserve their beauty and value. After all, the quality window coverings our customers have come to expect from us should be well-maintained.


We provide window coverings in many different locations throughout Southern California. Our products include:



For quality window coverings, contact us today!