Silk Curtains

Caring For Silk Curtains

How do you take care of silk curtains? Silk is a natural fiber usually obtained from the cocoons of silkworms. Fabrics made from silk are not only expensive but are also quite difficult to maintain. In order for to enjoy the beauty of your silk curtains and allow these to stand the test of time, special care and attention should be given to the delicate fabric.

A large number of silk fabrics are usually dyed and specially finished to increase its resistance to fading brought about by excessive exposure to the sun. For added protection, you may also consider an additional layer of drapes behind the silk curtains. Backing curtains, usually referred to as insulating draperies, are available at many home furnishing stores or home improvement centers. Some curtains are sold with linings negating the need for insulating drapes or backing curtains.

Preferably, silk should be dry-cleaned by professionals. However, with particular care, these can be hand washed right at your own homes. Silk curtains, do not require frequent maintenance and cleaning but like many types of drapes, these often attract dust. You may remove the accumulated dust from the curtain with the use of hand-held vacuum or a similar device.

You need to secure a hanging curtain by taking hold of the fabric where the vacuum is pointed at to prevent it from siphoning too much of the material. You can ensure that the vacuum only glides the surface of the fabric by grabbing hold at the lower part of the curtain to keep it firmly stretched. This will also prevent the silk curtains from acquiring dirt or dust that might be within the vacuum itself.
If the silk curtains have acquired a dirty smear or smudge, you may not have or resort to completely cleaning the entire length by just cleaning the spot or area of the stain. You may remove the smudge by applying warm water with soap to the dirty area and gently rubbing it with a sponge.

You may then pat the wet spot on your silk curtain until it is quite dry. Make use of hair blower to dry the area if it is still damp. Because silk is delicate and sensitive, the blow dryer should be on a lower heat setting and held at a distance from the surface of the fabric.

Spot cleaning making use of soapy water is most effective on printed silk curtains. Silk is at time sensitive to water stains such that there is a possibility of slight discoloration after cleaning the dirty spot. This will be more apparent or noticeable in the case of solid colored fabrics where a dry treatment or application would be a better option.

Most of the dry applications for removing dirty spots on silk curtains employ chemicals that lift the stain out of the fabric. Normally, the cleaner is left on the fabric for a specific period of time before you easily brush off the dirt and residue from the fabric. This would usually work with most silk curtains. You may then have to consider a complete cleaning if it is not able to remove dirty spots.

Where To Buy Silk Curtains

If you are looking to purchase silk curtains, you should begin your search on the internet. This is because you’ll find the widest selection of designs and styles. You’ll also find that more online vendors offer discounts. Just be sure to measure the area of your window before buying.