Why Should You Dry Clean the Cotton Fabrics in Your Home Decor?

Cleaning Cotton Fabrics

• Cotton fabrics are technically washable, but manufacturers recommend dry cleaning to prevent damage. Washing cotton fabrics may cause the fabric to shrink or may cause the dye to fade or run. Many cotton upholstery fabrics have been treated with finishes that create a gloss or make them stain resistant. Washing these fabrics removes the gloss or stain-resistant qualities and may destroy the original appearance of the item. Decorative trims are often damaged by machine washing. The one exception is if you don't mind a casual, wrinkled appearance. Denim slipcovers, for example, are washable.

Spot Cleaning

• Spot clean cotton fabrics labeled with an "S" to remove minor stains. Blot any spills with a clean white cloth. Don't rub the stain, which can damage the fabric or push the stain further into the fibers. Apply a small amount of a gentle solvent, such as Renuzit or Carbona. Blot again and dry the area with a hair dryer set on low so the solvent doesn't leave a water ring.

Refreshing Draperies

• Take down cotton draperies, and dry them in a cool dryer to remove dirt and dust. Remove any rings or pins. Place the drapes, one panel at a time, in the dryer with an old towel. Dry the drapes for 30 minutes on a "fluff" cycle. Hot air may shrink them. Remove the drapes promptly and rehang them to avoid wrinkling. The towel absorbs dirt and dust, leaving the drapes clean and fresh without the expense of dry cleaning.

Considerations

• Cotton decorator fabrics feel soft to the touch and come in a variety of patterns and colors. They are suitable for active families although they may not last as long as synthetic microfiber fabrics. Order a few extra yards of cotton fabric as insurance. If you need to recover an ottoman or cushion, you'll have the fabric available, which is much less costly than ordering new furniture.