We know that creating that unique ambiance in your home took time. Whether your home furnishing is custom-made or off-the-shelf, all need a thorough cleaning from time to time to extend their useful life. That's where we come in.
DRAPERIES
We clean and restore many draperies. With proper care, draperies made of an average grade of fabric can be expected to last three to five years. A higher price does not necessarily mean that they will last longer than less expensive draperies.
The most significant concern with draperies is the conditions they are exposed to in your home. That's why we carefully examine and evaluate them before undertaking any cleaning procedures.
Sunlight can discolor and weaken fabric resulting in a shredding of the drapes after a cleaning process.
Exposure to moisture and humidity from rain, window condensation, leaks, or pet stains can cause dye bleeding and stubborn water rings that may be impossible to remove.
If the fabric has not been properly preshrunk, dry cleaning, laundering, or wet cleaning can cause shrinkage. Manufacturing industry standards allow two to four percent shrinkage in household fabrics—a significant amount on a ceiling-to-floor length drapery. Loosely woven fabrics or those made of rayon and acetate blends are more susceptible to shrinkage. Separate linings, on the other hand, may not shrink at the same rate.
Insulated or reflective coated backing may degrade to the point that some of the coating comes off.
The combined effects of age, moisture, light, heat, smoke, and other atmospheric soils can cause fabrics to become permanently discolored. Unfortunately, even with the most extraordinary precautions, after draperies and other fabric window coverings are cleaned, existing damage will sometimes become evident. For this reason, we discuss possible results before cleaning and require customer consent before undertaking any requested service.
BEDSPREADS AND COMFORTERS
Sometimes we are asked to clean bedspreads and comforters simply because of their size. Other times it's because the care instructions read, "professional care is best." Save any care instructions, as they may be on a temporary label or on the packaging instead of being attached to the item since care labels are not required on household items. We strongly suggest that all matching or coordinating items are cleaned at the same time. This way, any color changes, however minimal, will be uniform. Whatever the circumstance, we double-check all available information and examine the fabric and construction before beginning any cleaning process.
UPHOLSTERY
Upholstery is usually cleaned by a professional cleaning process while still on the furniture. This ensures that the cushion covers continue to match the rest of the furniture, reducing the possibility of shrinkage. The zippers on furniture cushions are generally used by the manufacturer to get the cushion into the upholstery covering, not to remove the covering for cleaning. Cleanability codes have been adopted by the American Furniture Manufacturers to help consumers better understand upholstery care. The codes can often be found attached to the upholstery item or may be found on a temporary label.
CLEANABILITY CODES
Cleanability Code W: Spot clean, using the foam only from a water-based cleaning agent, such as a mild detergent or non-solvent upholstery shampoo product.
Cleanability Code X: Clean this fabric only by vacuuming or light brushing. Water-based foam or solvent-based cleaning agents of any kind may cause excessive shrinking, fading, or possible pile distortion.
Cleanability Code S: Clean with a pure solvent in a well-ventilated room. Cleaning by a furniture professional.