Re: [A/S] Question on cleaning drapes

["Carol and Oliver Filippi" <ofilippi@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

As drapes age, they tend to deteriorate from sun damage, which literally
"cooks" the fabric and lining.  This is what appears to be water or
"nicotine" stains.  In reality, it is burnt fabric.  This fabric has little
life left in it, and very little strength.  Hence trying to clean it will
only cause it to disintegrate.

A key component of a good set of drapes is the lining material.  The
traditional lining fabric of choice is called "Millium", which includes a
silvery coating on the back side of the lining which prevents (or reduces)
the sun damage to the interior drapery fabric. It also acts as an insulator,
reducing drafts and heat or cold loss. In addition,  the lining is
formulated to resist sunlight damage as much as possible.

Once the drapery fabric is shot, the only thing to do is replace them.
[Although it is possible for the lining to go before the drapery fabric, in
which case replacing the lining is a viable option.  However, the labor
involved could be prohibitive, sine the original drapes must be disassembled
and remade with the new lining.  This is more labor than making a new set of
drapes from scratch!]

So, unless the original fabric is very, very special and in excellent shape,
the most cost effective (and only valid) solution is to completely replace
the drapes. (which in the case of an Airstream, should include new plastic
slides and elastic - which also deteriorate from sunlight and UV).

Oliver Filippi




James Ambruso uses another draper lining fabric which is also designed to
meet the requirements of a lining fabric described above.