I have some floor-length velvet curtains that got wet
at the bottoms when the floor flooded. There is a line
of dirt where the top of the water was located. I have
been at a loss to know what to try. (Please note: I have
avoided dry cleaning because it would be extremely
difficult to detach the curtains)
Is there anything I could try to clean the dirt line
without removing the curtains?
Thanks for help!
Frank

frank1492 wrote:

I have some floor-length velvet curtains that got wet
at the bottoms when the floor flooded. There is a line
of dirt where the top of the water was located. I have
been at a loss to know what to try. (Please note: I have
avoided dry cleaning because it would be extremely
difficult to detach the curtains)
Is there anything I could try to clean the dirt line
without removing the curtains?
Thanks for help!
Frank


Do you know the fabric content.......nylon, silk, etc? What color?
What size
How is the curtain attached? Is there a cleaning tag?

If I was going to clean them in place, assuming they are washable, I'd
rig a
bucket or a pan (better - kitty litter box if deep enough) with cool
water and
a little Woolite. Take the entire width of curtain and let the bottom
hang into
the soapy solution a little deeper than the dirty line, soak for 30
min. You
will need a plastic tarp and old towels to catch what drips off the curtain.
Change the water and do the same to rinse with clear water x2. Do not wring
or squeeze. You will be taking a chance with color change or the dirt
wicking
up further into the fabric, so don't wet too long........if you need to
extract some
water, place a terry towel behind and take a rolled towel and just brush
down
the flattened fabric with the rolled towel. Even that might flatten the
pile a little,
so consider the risk vs. dirty line remaining. Make sure you don't have
any folds
while doing it. I would be a little braver
with darker fabric than with light. Do not use vinegar or ammonia, as they
can be used to set dyes in silk and might make the problem worse.

The curtains are a dark blue, home-made. I will try
your suggestion. Thanks very much!





On Tue, 30 Dec 2008 07:11:52 -0500, Norminn
wrote:

frank1492 wrote:

I have some floor-length velvet curtains that got wet
at the bottoms when the floor flooded. There is a line
of dirt where the top of the water was located. I have
been at a loss to know what to try. (Please note: I have
avoided dry cleaning because it would be extremely
difficult to detach the curtains)
Is there anything I could try to clean the dirt line
without removing the curtains?
Thanks for help!
Frank


Do you know the fabric content.......nylon, silk, etc? What color?
What size
How is the curtain attached? Is there a cleaning tag?

If I was going to clean them in place, assuming they are washable, I'd
rig a
bucket or a pan (better - kitty litter box if deep enough) with cool
water and
a little Woolite. Take the entire width of curtain and let the bottom
hang into
the soapy solution a little deeper than the dirty line, soak for 30
min. You
will need a plastic tarp and old towels to catch what drips off the curtain.
Change the water and do the same to rinse with clear water x2. Do not wring
or squeeze. You will be taking a chance with color change or the dirt
wicking
up further into the fabric, so don't wet too long........if you need to
extract some
water, place a terry towel behind and take a rolled towel and just brush
down
the flattened fabric with the rolled towel. Even that might flatten the
pile a little,
so consider the risk vs. dirty line remaining. Make sure you don't have
any folds
while doing it. I would be a little braver
with darker fabric than with light. Do not use vinegar or ammonia, as they
can be used to set dyes in silk and might make the problem worse.

On Tue, 30 Dec 2008 01:01:38 -0500, frank1492
wrote:

I have some floor-length velvet curtains that got wet
at the bottoms when the floor flooded. There is a line
of dirt where the top of the water was located. I have
been at a loss to know what to try. (Please note: I have
avoided dry cleaning because it would be extremely
difficult to detach the curtains)
Is there anything I could try to clean the dirt line
without removing the curtains?
Thanks for help!
Frank


I know its a hassle and there is cost, but your best bet is to take
down and take them to a professional dry cleaners who specializes in
drapery cleaning. They have all the equipment, will treat spots,
pleat the drapes, and there will be much less chance of damage. If
the drapes are over 10 years old, consider replacement.

On Dec 30, 5:05*pm, Phisherman wrote:
On Tue, 30 Dec 2008 01:01:38 -0500, frank1492
wrote:

I have some floor-length velvet curtains that got wet
at the bottoms when the floor flooded. There is a line
of dirt where the top of the water was located. I have
been at a loss to know what to try. (Please note: I have
avoided dry cleaning because it would be extremely
difficult to detach the curtains)
* * Is there anything I could try to clean the dirt line
without removing the curtains?
* * Thanks for help!
* * * * *Frank

I know its a hassle and there is cost, but your best bet is to take
down and take them to a professional dry cleaners who specializes in
drapery cleaning. *They have all the equipment, will treat spots,
pleat the drapes, and there will be much less chance of damage. *If
the drapes are over 10 years old, consider replacement. * *

This is your best option. Although Norminn's technique could work,
there are so many ways that it could turn into a disaster that your
odds of success are rather poor. One thing stands out as a hazard, and
that is the dirt line itself. Many kinds of crud will float on top of
a water line, and since you have no clue what is there, it will be
almost impossible to match the arsenal of tools, chemicals, knowledge,
and techniques that professional cleaners have at their disposal. If
you simply must leave the curtains in place, a disaster remediating
company like ServPro should be consulted. Whatever, don't get in over
your head, stay in the wading pool.

Joe