Decor Articles

Can I Wash Decor Fabric?

  • Past OnlineFabricStore
  • February xx, 2017

Yous may have wondered why 100% cotton décor material oft says dry make clean merely or dry cleaning recommended. And if you do wash it…?

We'll explain what may happen if yous decide to machine wash your material. As long as you know the possible consequences, yous can make your own decision.

This article is specifically about 100% cotton home décor weight fabrics, but the same is often true for other natural fibers, like linen, or blends.

Can I Wash Decor Fabric?

Nosotros recommend caring for your fabric in the fashion the manufacturer specifies. This fashion your cloth has the best chance of staying in its original condition and looking great for a long period of time. Nonetheless, many people do wash their 100% cotton wool décor fabric.

If you wash the textile, the post-obit may occur:

ane. The material will compress

Cotton is notorious for shrinking. While clothes are unremarkably pre-shrunk, décor fabric is oft not. Fifty-fifty if washed in cold water and air dried, your cloth will probable shrink a certain amount. As long as you're prepared for this and get a little extra, this shouldn't exist a big outcome. The pct it shrinks volition vary. If you practise plan on washing your cloth, Always wash it earlier starting your project. If you lot make it beginning and wash it later, you could have curtains that are as well short or cushions that are too small.

ii. The finish will launder off

Most décor fabrics have a finish or "sizing" on it that serves several purposes. Information technology creates a smooth coating that gives it some stiffness and body and could too have a slight sheen. Washing the fabric will remove this terminate and information technology may look a scrap duller and could experience softer and fuzzier. It may non hang as smoothly, looking slightly crinkled. Giving information technology a adept atomic number 26 can assistance. The stop as well protects information technology from staining. Be aware that you will lose that protection if you wash it. There are products you tin can apply after washing, like Scotchgard Cloth & Upholstery Protector, for similar protection.

iii. The dye may drain

The dye used for décor material isn't always colorfast so the color may bleed. This could be specially noticeable for fabrics with white backgrounds. Repeated washings volition likely fade the colors.

What you're using the fabric for and where you're using it is a factor. Curtains usually don't need to be washed unless they're in a potentially messy place, like the kitchen or kids' playroom. You lot might consider washing cushions, pillows, and other items that are more vulnerable to spills and dirt.

While nosotros nonetheless recommend dry cleaning when specified by the manufacturer, if you do decide to wash your textile with the effects in mind, mitt wash or machine launder on cold with a mild detergent on a frail cycle and air dry. Some people tumble dry on depression heat, but it'southward rough on the fabric and the heat could impairment the cloth.

No matter if you lot wash the cloth or have it dry cleaned, it's best to exercise so as little as possible. Washing repeatedly will wear out the fabric faster. Regularly vacuum the fabric to go on dust or pet hair off and spot clean when necessary. Utilise a cleaning solvent that isn't water based if you're dry cleaning only.

You lot tin test out how washing affects your fabric on a smaller piece earlier washing all your cloth. And again, if you lot practise determine to wash it, always pre-wash the cloth earlier starting your projection.

Now that you know what may happen if you wash "dry clean only" textile, you may be perfectly fine with the consequences, in which case, become ahead…at your ain risk!

Click here to discover the décor textile for your next projection.