Due to the extreme UV index that is experienced in New Zealand and Australia, it is recommended that extra precautions are taken when selecting your furnishing fabrics. All Basford Brands Contract fabrics are tested and exceed the minimum standard required for colour fastness to light. All fabrics, regardless of dyes used, may deteriorate under direct sunlight or reflected Ultra Violet rays.
To help care for your fabric, we recommend the following tips which may help prolong the life of curtains:
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Curtains should be hung at least 10cm from the glass to enable air to circulate. This assists in preventing mildew, and reduces heat build-up, both of which can adversely affect your fabric.
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Regular dusting and vacuuming should be undertaken; however, frequent laundering is not usually required. When vacuuming, always use an appropriate attachment.
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Should washing be required, always refer to your fabric’s care code, as some fabrics require specific washing instructions.
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Before washing, remove hooks, rings & trims. Always exercise caution by test cleaning on non-exposed surface. Avoid excessive rubbing and abrasion.
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A superior quality lining is always recommended. Curtain linings offer an added layer of protection between the window and the curtain fabric. Depending on the situation, there are many different linings available, e.g. thermal linings for added insulation, blockout linings for light control, triple weave lining for easy washing. We recommend Filigree Linings as they are rated to UPF 50+ and offer a 3-year warranty. They also offer a range of Fire Retardant and silicone treated linings especially suited to commercial applications.
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If the sun is directly reflecting on the fabric behind a glass window, consider using a quality sun filter sheer where possible.
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Leading edges of the curtains (those facing the windows) are particularly vulnerable to sunlight degradation. To help minimize this effect, it is recommended that curtains be rotated periodically, i.e. the left-hand curtain swapped to the right-hand position.
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Ensure sufficient ‘stack back’ is achieved to minimise direct sunlight effects and draw the curtains back from the windows during the day. This is particularly important during the Summer months, when the sunlight is strongest. Although closing the curtains will help keep the interior cooler, it is highly destructive to decorative and ordinary lined fabrics. Temperatures between the glass and curtain or blind can become extreme, causing to fabrics becoming fragile which can lead to tearing and disintegration.
