Tips to maintain your curtains and drapes

Curtains, sheers and drapes are an investment, financially and aesthetically. Windows are not easy on window coverings, so to avoid having to start the choosing and hanging process again, take care of the curtains and drapes you have. Here are some tips.

• Follow the manufacturer's recommendations for cleaning drapes and sheers.
• Some can be hand-washed with a mild detergent in warm water.
• Others may require dry cleaning. When reinstalling still-wet sheers, place plastic sheeting and towels on the floor under the panes to absorb any drips.

You should always buy preshrunk drapes, but if your drapes shrink significantly after cleaning, you can usually lengthen them by simply letting down the hems.

If you've invested in good-quality drapes, you'll want to protect them. Here are some steps to prevent fibres from giving out before their time:

• Avoid unnecessary exposure to full sun. It can weaken hem threads and woven fibres and cause colours to fade. Use drapery lining or solar window tinting-film, or put shades or blinds behind the drapes to reduce exposure to sunlight and keep colour in tact.
• If your home is subject to big swings in relative humidity, use a humidifier or dehumidifier to help prevent shrinkage or stretching, especially in the case of loosely woven fabrics.
• Take care to prevent window condensation from staining your drapes. The best defense is insulated windows that form little or no condensation. Barring that, however, make sure the drapes and drape liners do not come into contact with the windows.
• Vacuum your drapes every few months with the soft brush attachment. Launder or have drapes dry-cleaned every few years, depending on the recommended cleaning method.