Debra Lynn Dadd

Dry Clean 100% Cotton?

QUESTION:

I have purchased some 1005 cotton tab top curtains for my kitchen. Even though the fabric is cotton the label says to dry clean only. I don’t want to dry clean these. I have a high efficiency washer and would prefer to wash them on the delicate or hand wash cycle in cold water. Do you think this would be advisable? Also would it be better to hang dry the curtains instead of using a dryer to prevent shrinkage. I really blows my mind that dry cleaning is recommended for 100% cotton fabric! The curtains are manufactured overseas – does this play into why they have to be dry cleaned??

POSTED BY KAREN :: ALABAMA USA :: 09/06/2006 10:50 PM

DEBRA'S ANSWER:

You don't have to dry clean cotton curtains. Frequently fabric care tags will say "dry clean only" because professional cleaning will give "best results". I always throw all my natural fibers into the washing machine and they always turn out fine.

The one suggestion I would make is that you might want to have the curtains professionally ironed. Professional ironing equipment uses more steam and higher temperatures. Or try removing the curtains from the dryer immediately and hanging them to minimize wrinkles, then use your home iron.

Debra :-)

COMMENTS:

My comment is that whenever we see "dry clean only" or "spot clean only" on all-cotton drapes, rugs, etc, we read this as a tipoff that some sort of chemical has been used on the product that will begin to come off (not totally come off) if you wash the item. First saw this on 100% cotton quilts available for sale at Marshall's store a year ago. These are all cotton fabric and batting. Seemed ideal, but, the cotton batting is treated with chemicals so that it will not pull apart and clump up. We just assume that other nonwashables cottons, particularly in the home goods arena, have chemicals on them. I think it is different when you see "dry clean only" on clothing. Here it might be just a warning by the fancy manufacturer. Let's face it, some people don't know how to wash woolens. But on curtains, etc, I'd stay away from those that are cotton and not washable.

POSTED BY JA :: NEW YORK USA :: 10/03/2006 3:42 PM

WASHING LINEN

Living in a very hot summer climate, I have found that linen is the best solution in the summer. I used to dry clean it which is a bit much if everything you are wearing for the entire summer is linen.

A student of mine who had studied fiber as part of a clothing design class, gave me this advice. JUST WASH IT ! I use Dr.Bonner's pure castile 18 in 1 Hemp/Peppermint. They make several variations. Read the fascinating story about the Bonner family on the website. They have other products, and the lip gloss is awesome.

As soon as I remove the garment, I fill the basin with warm or cold water...add a few drops of the liquid and walk away letting it soak. The bottle lasts forever.

When I travel 'lite' I take a small bottle of it and use it to wash my hair, body, and clothes. A suggestion is to use a drop in water as a mouth wash for a fresh feeling. I tried that ..it didn't appeal to me...but it's overall use is amazing.

Thank you, Debra for everything you do.

COMMENT FROM DEBRA: Here in hot hot Florida, I wear a lot of linen all summer, along with cotton. I just throw everything in the washng machine. Many years ago I decided not to purchase any clothing that needs dry cleaning.

POSTED BY JMARLENE :: :: HTTP://WWW.FINEARTREGISTRY/PORTFOLIO/TAGLIENTI :: ARIZONA USA :: 10/11/2006 4:00 AM

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