Special Services

Curtains

Karl Chehade has been cleaning curtains and drapes for nearly 50 years. Keeping up to date with the latest textiles and treatments, he guarantees his cleaning process on even the most delicate of fabrics.

Yes, we can even flame proof your curtains.

Improve the look and feel of your home furnishings, by having them cleaned at Karl Chehade's!

Phone now for an obligation FREE quote on 08 81721277.

Some Useful Information

Do you know about the invisible enemies of your curtains?

Today's shopper has avilable a huge variety of drapery fabrics and patterns. Most of these are intended to give long, satisfactory service. However, some, like an article of fashion apparel, are created mainly for beauty rather than serviceability. It is wise to inquire about the durability of fabrics when making your selections.

In addition to the limitations of wearability in the fabrics themselves, there are various invisible enemies which are constantly attacking the fibres of the material and shortening its life.

Curtains or draperies may appear to be in perfect condition when sent in for drycleaning. Actually, however, they could be so deterioated that even the moderate agitation necessary to remove soil would cause them to fall into shreds. When this occurs, it is not carelessness or incompetence on the part of the cleaner but rather the result of one or more of the following factors.

Sun Damage

Constant exposure to the bright, hot rays of the sun will damage the strength of most fibres. Sometimes this happens after only a few months of use. Indirect sunlight is also damaging but not to as great a degree. Lined draperies naturally resist sun damage better that unlined. However, it is poor economy to line quality drapery fabric with an inferior lining which might deteriorate long before the drapery itself.

Effect of Sunlight on Certain Dyes

When just one colour of a printed fabric is adversely affected, it is the result of the chemical action of sunlight on certain dyestuffs. Colours most frequently affected are yellow, red and chartreuse. Buying vat or solution dyed fabrics reduces this possibility.

Sun Fading

After the soil has been removed, faded or yellow streaks are often evident, which drycleaning will not correct. These streaks will be more prevalent in the folds exposed to direct sunlight. Upon inspection, some evidence of fabric weakness is usually found in the faded areas. The description of a fabric as "sunfast" is generally inaccurate as none is completely resistant to sun damage.

Oxidation

Here again chemistry plays its role. Natural chemicals in the air will sometimes combine with high humidity. This forms a mild acid which causes curtain fabrics to deteriiorate and discolour.

Shirinkage

Up to 5% shrinkage can be expected unless the fabric has been completely pre-shrunk. An adjustment hem that could be let down when needed could solve this problem.

Humidity

Loosely woven fabrics are affected by humidity changes. The amount of humidity in the air can cause drapery measurements to shrink or stretch.

Prints

When certain types of pigments are used in printing the pattern on draperies, the pigment or dyes do not penetrate the fibres of the fabric deeply enough to hold the colour securely. The serviceability of pigment printed fabrics depends on the fabric itself as well as the method by which the pigment is applied. Some of these colours can become considerably lightened or removed altogether in the cleaning process. Inquire about limitations of some prints of this type when selecting drapery material.

Fume Fading

Gases and fumes in the atmosphere of the home often react upon certain dyes in fabrics containing acetate and generally cause a reddish colour. Blues, greens and colours containing the blue dyes are the most susceptible.

Linings

In recent years a number of coated fabrics have been developed for use in drapery linings. Silver or gold linings fall into this category. Some do not dryclean or wash satisfactory. Some rubber coated or bonded materials have also proved unserviceable at most curtain cleaning organisations. However, at Karl Chehade Drycleaning, we have employed the latest technology and techniques to greatly improve the cleaning and longevity of all coated drapes.

Helpfull Hints in buying and caring for draperies

Because of the many invisible factors that might affect both the life and apperance of draperies and curtains, the retail store cannot guarantee how long they will last nor can the drycleaner always determine what the result of the drycleaning process will be. You, the shopper, however, will benefit by remembering the following hints when purchasing curtains or draperies:

• Buy from reputable stores.
• Shop for quality mechandise.
• Ask for sanforized or pre-shrunk fabrics.
• Buy dyed fabrics that are resistant to sun fading.
• Buy material that is properly labelled.
• Good workmanship in the construction of draperies is as important as the quality of the fabric itself.
• If possible, frequently rotate curtains and draperies from sunny windows to an unexposed side of the house to equalise the effect of the sun.
• Inform your drycleaner if your fabrics contain glass yarns, as they would require special handling. Manufacturers and testing laboratories recommend the use of a water process with which your drycleaner is familiar.
• Inform your cleaner of the fibre content in your curtains or draperies.
• Have your draperies cleaned regularly. Imbedded soil can cause light backgrounds to discolour and eventually will deteriorate fibres.