INTERNATIONAL FABRICARE INSTITUTE BULLETIN #676

Today's window treatments are so varied in style, fabrics, and construction that conventional wetcleaning or drycleaning is not always possible. On-site drapery cleaning is an innovative process that permits cleaning at the customer's home or place of business. On-site cleaning also offers an option to customers in situations where drapes are too difficult to move, such as in theaters or ballrooms. With the on-site systems used today, it is also possible to apply or reapply flame retardant and other types of finishes.

CLEANING PROCESS
A solvent or water-based solution is sprayed onto the window treatment where it hangs. A mixture of a non-flammable drycleaning solvent and a specifically formulated detergent is used for fabrics or stains requiring solvent cleaning. For the wetside treatment, a solution of water and detergent is used. The water temperature can be adjusted, depending on the degree of soiling or fabric type.

The fabric is sprayed from top to bottom for a uniform application of the solution. The operator must spray the fabric at a relatively constant speed to avoid saturating an area. The application rate will be influenced by the weight and fiber content of the fabric. The fabric is vacuumed for removal of the solution and soils. A second application may be needed for extensive soiling. Prespotting may also be necessary for removal of local stains. The front and back of the window treatment should be cleaned for optimum soil removal. If the item contains more than one component, such as a lining, all components should be treated.

IFI TESTING
IFI tested several flat fabrics and window treatments. The tests fabrics were rayon, cotton, nylon, and polyester. The samples included vertical blinds, mini-blinds, drapery panels, a fabric-covered vertical blind and fabric-covered mini-blinds.

For evaluation of the cleaning performance, two sets of the flat fabrics were exposed to soil and cigarette smoke. One set was soiled with rug soil in a manner simulating atmospheric soiling. The other sample was subjected to smoke, in addition to soiling. One set of soiled samples was cleaned using solvent and another set was cleaned using the water-based solution. The samples were evaluated for soil and odor removal by five independent raters. Each data point represents an average of five values. The samples were also evaluated for any change in color or appearance.

The test results on the flat fabrics show good soil removal with both processes. The wetcleaned samples showed slightly better odor removal. Colorfastness tests show more shade change and color loss with the wetcleaning process. The fabric initially showed, however, some potential for crocking and color loss. The shade change was within acceptable limits. None of the samples exhibited color transfer with wetcleaning or drycleaning process.

The window treatment samples were also subjected to both processes. After cleaning, the samples showed good soil removal, particularly of oil-based soils.

SUMMARY
An obvious advantage to on-site processing is convenience. Many window treatments cannot be processed by an immersion method, such as wetcleaning or drycleaning. Fabrics used for window treatments may have finishes or prints that will be removed or undergo severe color changes with an immersion process. The on-site process helps to prevent color loss on most fabrics. Another advantage is dimensional change. We did not evaluate shrinkage; however, the process does not involve agitation, extraction or immersion in a solution, so shrinkage or stretching from the cleaning process is not a problem. Mechanical action is also very limited, which minimizes damage, particularly on sheer or fragile items. The convenience of his process may also encourage more frequent cleaning of window treatments, which could potentially extend the useful life of the item.

Written by Jackie Stephens, IFI Vice President of Textile Testing