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Cleaning and Care of Drapery Linings:

We recommend that customers follow the PROPER CLEANING TECHNIQUES FOR ROC-LON® COATED FABRICS INCLUDING CONTRACT DRAPERY AND ALL BLACKOUTS. Because Roc-lon® coated drapery linings, blackouts and fabrics are so different from other materials, special care should be exercised to protect them from potential harm.

Many curtains and draperies are unnecessarily dry cleaned. A regular soft brushing or careful vacuum cleaning will generally keep curtains looking bright and new for many seasons. If dry cleaning becomes necessary, be sure to use a professional dry cleaner. Coin-operated machines can harm the lining and face fabric as well. The following procedures are recommended by the International Fabricare Institute for Coated Linings (NOTE: Check the manufacturer's recommendations for proper care and cleaning of all face fabrics):

DRY CLEANING

  1. Inspect draperies for labels that recommend special care. Classify
    them for cleaning method.
  2. Make sure the draperies have been measured before cleaning. Pass this information to the dry cleaner.
  3. Remove all drapery hooks and pins. Look for and remove any sharp objects attached to draperies or in the machine.
  4. Run underweight loads. Do not overload.
  5. Give a short run without adding moisture:
    - White Spirits (Petroleum solvent) . . . . . 10 to 15 minutes
    or Perchloroethylene . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 minutes
    or Fluorocarbon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 minutes
  6. Give normal extraction.
  7. Tumble dry. DO NOT EXCEED 120° Fahrenheit (50° Celsius)
    TUMBLER TEMPERATURE!
  8. Hang immediately. Do not leave in hamper.

Caution: If draperies are cabinet or air dried, do not place the coated side over the bar - place the fabric side over the bar. If the drapery is damp with solvent or water and is folded so that the coated side comes in contact with itself, the fabric may self-stick while drying and then shred or tear the coating when you try to separate it.

When dry, re-hang the draperies and allow to condition at room temperature for a few days. DO NOT IRON THE ACRYLIC COATED SIDE OF THE LINING and only use a light cool iron on the fabric side if necessary. Check manufacturer's recommendations for ironing face fabrics.

HAND WASHING
For uncoated lining fabrics only - For face fabrics check manufacturer's recommendation for washability. Only wash smaller curtains:

  1. Loosen tape draw strings (if any) and remove all hooks.
  2. Follow curtain fabric care label recommendations where given.
  3. Use mild detergent or soap flakes - follow manufacturer's
    recommendations.
  4. Ensure that the flakes or detergent are dissolved fully before
    immersing the curtains.
  5. Do not rub acrylic foam areas - squeeze gently.
  6. Water temperature should not be greater than warm for linings or cooler if required by the face fabric manufacturer.
  7. Rinse thoroughly - detergents left in the curtains can cause severe deterioration to certain face fabrics.
  8. Do not use bleach in any form.

After washing, shake curtains to remove excessive water. Do not wring out
or squeeze. Hang curtains on a suitable line, from the heading, full length in open width to drip dry. If curtains have to be placed over a line, make sure
that the line is well padded to avoid a permanent crease, and distribute
the weight evenly.

When dry, re-hang the curtains and allow to condition at room temperature
for a few days.

Warning: Shrinkage is more likely to occur if curtains are washed. Adjustment for shrinkage
may be necessary by un-picking and re-tacking hems.

For questions or more information, please call Rockland at 1-800-876-2566 or fax 1-410-522-2545 or email mail@roc-lon.com.

 

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