Glass surfaces/Mopping
Today's tip:
Although they're not exactly glass surfaces, they're still rather closely related. I'm talking about curtains, drapes and shades. And, by extension, also bedspreads, comforters, comforter covers, blankets, etc.
Way back when, my mother used to change the curtains and the bedspread in every bedroom, twice per year, to go from summer to winter and back again. The winter spread was usually corduroy or chenille or some such heavy fabric; the summer spread was usually something considerably lighter, and was generally lighter in color. And, during the six months that a particular spread was on the bed, it (and its accompanying curtains) would be washed once. So, essentially, everything was changed and washed four times per year. Of course, blankets and comforters and the like were washed considerably more frequently.
I'm not suggesting two sets of everything (unless, of course, that's the way you want to go). Rather, I am suggesting taking everything down at least four times per year for a wash (with blankets, etc. being washed more frequently, as they come in contact with skin).
Here's where it can get mighty expensive if you have curtains and/or spreads (yes, there are folks who use these) which need to be dry-cleaned. Of course the best thing to do is avoid this issue entirely by only buying curtains and spreads which may be washed and dried in a machine. Even if you don't have a large enough machine, it will still be cheaper to go the laundromat route than the dry cleaning route.
However, even items that need to be dry cleaned may sometimes may be hand-washed. Check with the manufacturer if you are unsure, but generally cotton, chenille and corduroy may be washed, at least by hand, irrespective of what the label says. The main issue there is dye lots. That is, if the dye is going to run, then this can be a problem. But hand washing certainly won't ruin those types of fabrics. The real problem fabrics, when it comes to not dry cleaning, are going to be things like silk, or if there's intricate lace and detailing.
All you need to do to accomplish the hand washing is fill the bath tub or a slop sink (if you're doing a bedspread or comforter or comforter cover, you'll need to use the tub) with cold water and a mild soap, such as Ivory. Cold water is far less likely to cause a release of dyes, plus it won't cause shrinkage. Scrub gently. If there are stains which don't come out, stop what you're doing, as you'll need to take the item to the dry cleaner.
Do not use the dryer, even if the items fit inside it, as that can cause shrinkage, discoloration and/or tearing. Rather, either put the curtains, etc. on a clothes line or lay on top of a spread-out sheet (or sheets, if you need the room) in an infrequently-used room or even the lawn if it's a warm day. Turn over a few times in order to assure even drying.
To avoid this problem, as stated above, only purchase linens which may be washed and dried in machines. Catalogs and companies such as JC Penney, Target, Spiegel, etc. will list washing instructions either in their paper catalogs or on their websites or on the items' care labels.
Today's tip:
Although they're not exactly glass surfaces, they're still rather closely related. I'm talking about curtains, drapes and shades. And, by extension, also bedspreads, comforters, comforter covers, blankets, etc.
Way back when, my mother used to change the curtains and the bedspread in every bedroom, twice per year, to go from summer to winter and back again. The winter spread was usually corduroy or chenille or some such heavy fabric; the summer spread was usually something considerably lighter, and was generally lighter in color. And, during the six months that a particular spread was on the bed, it (and its accompanying curtains) would be washed once. So, essentially, everything was changed and washed four times per year. Of course, blankets and comforters and the like were washed considerably more frequently.
I'm not suggesting two sets of everything (unless, of course, that's the way you want to go). Rather, I am suggesting taking everything down at least four times per year for a wash (with blankets, etc. being washed more frequently, as they come in contact with skin).
Here's where it can get mighty expensive if you have curtains and/or spreads (yes, there are folks who use these) which need to be dry-cleaned. Of course the best thing to do is avoid this issue entirely by only buying curtains and spreads which may be washed and dried in a machine. Even if you don't have a large enough machine, it will still be cheaper to go the laundromat route than the dry cleaning route.
However, even items that need to be dry cleaned may sometimes may be hand-washed. Check with the manufacturer if you are unsure, but generally cotton, chenille and corduroy may be washed, at least by hand, irrespective of what the label says. The main issue there is dye lots. That is, if the dye is going to run, then this can be a problem. But hand washing certainly won't ruin those types of fabrics. The real problem fabrics, when it comes to not dry cleaning, are going to be things like silk, or if there's intricate lace and detailing.
All you need to do to accomplish the hand washing is fill the bath tub or a slop sink (if you're doing a bedspread or comforter or comforter cover, you'll need to use the tub) with cold water and a mild soap, such as Ivory. Cold water is far less likely to cause a release of dyes, plus it won't cause shrinkage. Scrub gently. If there are stains which don't come out, stop what you're doing, as you'll need to take the item to the dry cleaner.
Do not use the dryer, even if the items fit inside it, as that can cause shrinkage, discoloration and/or tearing. Rather, either put the curtains, etc. on a clothes line or lay on top of a spread-out sheet (or sheets, if you need the room) in an infrequently-used room or even the lawn if it's a warm day. Turn over a few times in order to assure even drying.
To avoid this problem, as stated above, only purchase linens which may be washed and dried in machines. Catalogs and companies such as JC Penney, Target, Spiegel, etc. will list washing instructions either in their paper catalogs or on their websites or on the items' care labels.
posted by Jespah at
7:38 AM
