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IDEAL MATERIAL TO USE FOR CURTAINS

When purchasing or making curtains, one should always be aware of the best material to use. Obviously, if one merely wants to purchase the most aesthetically pleasing curtains, then there is no particular material that is necessary to purchase; however, if one has a specific task that they intend to accomplish by purchasing a particular set of curtains, then there are certain guidelines that one should adhere to. Many different experts have differing options on the subject; however, most will agree that certain types of material should be used depending on the intended function.

One function that an individual must adhere to these guidelines is when setting up blackout curtains. To set up blackout curtains or curtain linings the intended purpose of doing so is to order to inhibit the incoming sunlight. Thus, to most efficiently go about blacking out a room, one should always utilize a non-transparent material. Given this function, one should never purchase a curtain that is made of primarily cotton (ie: anything over a 60 percent ration of consistency). Aside from cotton, other materials one should avoid when looking for blackout curtains are silk and satin. Although these material are not porous, they will still entail a degree of transparency.

When purchasing the best material for blackout curtains, the best types of materials to use when are vinyl and polyester. This isn't to say that they must be 100% of either of the aforementioned materials; however, the selected curtain material should always entail a ratio wherein the majority is of the materials used is either of these materials. For example if one were to find a curtain that consisted of 60% polyester and 40% cotton, then this would be an appropriate ratio.

If one wants to purchase curtains that are transparent in order to promote the letting of light into a room, then obviously they should purchase a cotton-based material. Aside from a cotton-based material, one also has the option of purchasing a silk based material if they are willing to spend the extra money. One thing one should always keep in mind when purchasing a transparent functioning material is that they should also purchase a pattern consisting of lighter colors, such as white, green, and yellow. These colors will also promote the transparence of sunlight.

If one is purchasing curtains to be anti-static, then the best material to purchase would be silk, satin, or an assortment of other materials. Depending on the requirements any material that reduces electrostatic without topically treating the curtain. Regardless of what type of anti-static materials that one may desire to choose they should always use ESD Safe materials that meet or exceed the flame spread requirements of the applicable country.

CLEANING YOUR CURTAINS

Although curtains may not get the same wear and tear as a carpet, they still get dirty due to air circulation. Obviously the easiest way to clean your curtains would be to hire a professional service to do it for you; however, if you don't have the money to hire a professional, you can always do it yourself.

Perhaps the best way to go about doing so is by constantly dusting the curtains. Do so will allow you to keep them clean without having to take them down. However, if one does not have the time to constantly keep up with dusting their curtains and must take them down periodically in order to clean them, then there are specific ways to go about doing so. When self-cleaning your curtains, you should always adhere to and employ some rudimentary guidelines and methodology to ensure your cleaning them in the most efficiently manner.

The first thing one should do when cleaning the curtains is determine what type of fabric the curtains are made of as doing will ensure one does not ruin them. Also, one should determine whether or not the curtains are lined or unlined. If one has lined curtains, then the best way to clean them is to have a professionally dry cleaned because attempting to clean them by hand may destroy them. Once the type of curtain is determined one should check the instructions found on the tag. This tag will inform you of how to best go about cleaning them.

There are four ways to go about cleaning curtains: hand washing, spray-on upholstery cleaner, wet-dry, and using a dryer. When hand washing your curtains you should always use a light solution, such as dish soap. Using a light solution will ensure you do not damage the curtains. Another thing to keep in mind is that when mixing the solution with water, you should use a small ratio of solution to water in order to minimalize de-coloration.

When using a spray-on upholstery cleaner, one should always check the label of the cleaner as some cleaners are more potent than others. After determining the best type to use, one should always test the cleaner on a small spot of the curtain before applying it everywhere. Doing so will ensure that the cleaner will not damage the color and minimalize potential damage to the curtain. Once a cleaner has been approved, one should apply the cleaner as directed and vacuum it off as instructed.

The final method one may employ is to merely inset the curtains along with scented fabric sheets into a household drying machine. This method works best if one wants to go about cleaning their curtains in a most timely manner. One thing to keep in mind when cleaning curtains by such a method is to dry the curtains for a minimal amount of time as drying them for to long may result in de-coloration and/or alteration of the curtain material.

FIXTURES

Aside from obtaining appropriate measurements and selecting the desired materials, when buying curtains one should always purchase the proper fixtures in order to most efficiently complete the process of hanging new curtains. Obviously one should go about selecting curtain fixtures by determining which ones they like best; however, there are other certain guidelines to bear in mind when selecting curtain components.

There are several different fixtures that one may choose from. The first option one must take into consideration when obtaining a new set of curtains is how they will go about hanging the curtains. Depending on style preference, one may choose between hanging curtains by a using a rings that hook a curtain to a horizontal rail. Another option which is available is installing hooks above the window in order to hang the curtain. There are many more options available, however, perhaps the best option to pursue is to use your imagination when construction a curtain hanging device(s).

When shopping for curtain fixtures, one must always color coordinate. Thus, one simply should not just go about mixing and matching different types of fixtures, as the end result will be schizophrenic and be unaesthetic to the eye. For example, if one has a room with red walls with many brass decorations in it, then that individual should choose a curtain design with that same color of red and purchase brass curtain fixtures. Another example is when one shops for bathroom curtain windows. When doing this one needs to take not of the shower curtain and all the colors of the bathroom in order to best gage what type of fixtures they should buy. Essentially many color coordinated combinations will work, however, one always needs to be sure to color coordinated accordingly. If ever you are uncertain about how to go about doing so the best avenue to purse would be to consult an interior designer. If you do no have enough money to consult an interior designer then another option to purse is to simply ask a sales associate at an applicable store, as most employees will be able to enlighten yourself with the proper guidance.

Just as shopping for anything else, when purchasing curtain fixtures one should always look around before finalizing a purchase. By shopping at different stores and companies, one will be able to view the many different types of fixtures that are available. More importantly, by shopping around one may compare prices and pursue the most cost-efficient route. That said, just because something is less expensive than another does not mean you should buy it if you don't like it, as doing so will result in dissatisfaction regardless of cost efficiency.

Fabric and curtain care guide

Linen

Machine wash cold.

Gentle cycle.

Only non-chlorine. Bleach if needed.

Tumble dry low.

Medium steam iron.

Semilinen

Machine wash cold.

Gentle cycle.

Only non-chlorine. Bleach if needed.

Tumble dry low.

Medium steam iron.

Cotton

Machine wash cold water.

Tumble dry. Low heat.

Only non-chlorine. Bleach if needed.

Warm iron if needed.

Turel

Machine wash cold water.

Gentle cycle.

Do not bleach.

Tumble dry. Low heat or flat dry.

Cool iron.

The following are general care tips for cleaning and caring for fabrics containing natural and man-made fibers used in apparel and home fashions. Always read and follow the care instructions and any warning on the garment/fabric label.

Acetate

Most acetate garments should be dry-cleaned. Some knits are washable. If laundering is indicated, use the following guide:

Hand wash in warm water with mild suds.
Do not twist or wring out the garment.
Do not soak colored items.
Press while damp on the wrong side with a cool iron. if finishing the right side use a pressing cloth.
Circular knits should be laid flat to dry.

(For specific instruction refer to the garment's sewn-in care label.)

Note: Acetate is adversely affected by acetone and other organic solvents, such as nail polish remover and perfumes containing such solvents.

Acrylic

Acrylic garments may be washed or dry cleaned.

When machine washing, use warm water setting and add a fabric softener during the final rinse cycle.
Machine dry at low temperature. Remove from dyer as soon as garments are dry.
Wash delicate items by hand in warm water. Static electricity can be reduced by using s fabric softener in every third or fourth washing. Gently squeeze out water, smooth or shake out garment and let dry on a non-rust hangar. Sweaters and circular knits should be dried flat.
If ironing is required, use moderately warm iron.
(For specific instruction refer to the garment's sewn-in care label.)

Cotton

Cotton can be easily laundered. It can withstand high temperatures (boiling water does not hurt the fiber).
Any good detergent can be used to wash cotton.
Chlorine bleach can be used safely on cotton whites. Use color safe bleach on dyed cottons.
Since cotton fibers are fairly inelastic cotton fabrics may wrinkle easily. And, fabric may need frequent pressing.
However, cotton fabric can be treated with a wrinkle resistant finish to create a more resilient fabric/garment. The label will tell you if this finish has been applied.
A higher heat setting is needed in the dryer to dry cotton. Cotton will take much longer to dry than less absorbent fibers.Cotton can be ironed with a hot iron, and does not scorch easily
(For specific instruction refer to the garment's sewn-in care label.)

Linens

Some linens are washable, while others are dry clean only. Be sure to check the label.
Washable household linen, handkerchiefs, and linen apparel can be washed easily and become softer with use.
White linens should be dried in the sun, if to help them to keep their whiteness.
Generally speaking, dry cleaning is recommended for drapery linens, upholstery linens and decorative linens.
Linen fabrics may need frequent pressing, unless treated for crease resistance. (Permanent press and soil release finishes are now being used effectively on 65% linen/35% polyester tablecloths, napkins and placemats.).
(For specific instruction refer to the garment's sewn-in care label.)

Lyocell

Lyocell garments may be either machine washable and dryable or drycleanable. Read the label.

Washable lyocell has the strength and ease of care of other easy-care fabrics.
Machine wash and dry at low temperature. Remove from dryer as soon as the garment is dry.
If ironing is required, use a moderately warm iron.
(For specific instruction refer to the garment's sewn-in care label.)

Microfibres

Acrylic, nylon and polyester microfibers are machine washable, machine dryable or drycleanable

Follow the instructions for washing fabrics consisting of these individual fibers.
(For specific instruction refer to the garment's sewn-in care label.)

Nylon

Most items made from nylon can be machined washed and tumbled dried at low temperatures.

Use warm water and add a fabric softener to the final rinse cycle.
To minimize static electricity use a dyer sheet when machine drying.
Remove articles from the dyer as soon as the tumbling cycle is completed.
If ironing is required, use a warm iron.
(For specific instruction refer to the garment's sewn-in care label.)

Polyester

Most items made from polyester can be machine washed and dried.

Use warm water and add a fabric softener to the final rinse cycle.
Machine dry at low temperature setting and remove articles as soon as the tumbling cycle is complete.
If ironing is needed, use a moderately warm iron.
Most items made from polyester can be dry-cleaned.
(For specific instruction refer to the garment's sewn-in care label.)

Polyolefin (OLEFIN)

Most items can be washed or dry-cleaned.

Most stains can be readily be removed by wiping, using lukewarm water and detergent.
If fabric is machine washed, it should be line dried or tumbled dried with gentle or no heat.
Do not iron.
(For specific instruction refer to the garment's sewn-in care label.)

Raylon

Most rayon garments should be dry-cleaned, but some types of fabric and garment construction are such that they can be hand or machine washed. For washable items, use the following as a guide:

Use mild lukewarm or cool suds. Gently squeeze suds through the fabric and rinse in lukewarm water. Do not wring or twist the article.
Smooth or shake out the article and place on a non-rust hanger to dry. Rayon sweaters should be laid flat to dry.
Press the article while damp on the wrong side with the iron at a moderate setting. If finishing on the right side is required, a press cloth should be used.
Between wearings, rayon articles may be pressed with a cool iron.
(For specific instruction refer to the garment's sewn-in care label.)

Silk

Only pre-washed silk is washable. Read the label!

Dry cleaning is generally preferred, since laundering detergent and dyes in other clothes may adversely affect silk fabric.
For washable silk, follow the care instructions carefully.
For items without linings and without embellishments attached, careful handwashing is permissable, with mild soap and lukewarm water .
Chlorine bleach should never be used on silk.
For long-time storage, silk should be sealed against light, air and insects.
(For specific instruction refer to the garment's sewn-in care label.)

Spandex

Hand or machine wash in lukewarm water.
Do not use chlorine bleach on any fabric containing spandex. Use a color safe bleach only.
Rinse thoroughly.
Drip dry. If machine drying, use low temperature setting.
If ironing is required, iron rapidly and don't leave the iron in one place too long. Use a low temperature setting on the iron.
(For specific instruction refer to the garment's sewn-in care label.)

Triacetate

Pleated garments are best hand laundered. Most other garments containing 100% triacetate can be machine washed.
If ironing is needed, a high temperature setting may be used.
Articles containing triacetate require little care due mainly to the fiber's resistance to high temperature.
(For specific instruction refer to the garment's sewn-in care label.)

Wool

Give wool garments a 24-hour rest between wearings. Hang on shaped or padded hangers, leaving lots of space. In general, wool fibers will shed wrinkles and return to their orginal shape
Empty pockets, remove belts and hang with closures zipped and buttoned.
Fold knits.
Brush wool to remove surface soil. Use a damp sponge for knits and finer fabrics.
Refresh wool garments quickly after wearing or unpacking by hanging them in a steamy bathroom. Moisture from the steam will remove wrinkles.
If wool gets wet, dry the garment at room temperature away from heat. If there's a nap, brush with the nap.
Remove spots and stains promptly.
Keep moths away by storing wool with fresh cedar blocks.
Dry clean once a season(or when stained), and especially before storing.
Always steam when pressing wool. Use the wool setting. Avoid pressing wool totally dry. When possible, press on the reverse side of the fabric. When necessary to press on the right side, use a press cloth to avoid a shine. Lower and lift the iron, don't slide it back and forth. Prevent imprinting inside detail by placing a piece of brown paper or tissue paper under folds, seams or darts.

(For specific instruction refer to the garment's sewn-in care label.)

Monday, February 1, 2010

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