[Robin Ray]

Hi have been asked to clean a pair of £3000 curtains  because of mould on the bottom of the linings. Its white black out material, with a membrane in the middle flocked one side and weave the other. How do I tackle this? I have been thinking about bleaching the mould marks then rinsing out with water. Would this be OK? Obviously I will need solvent for the fronts, I haven't got the system yet but I will.

Thanks
Rob

[Neil Williams]

Personally leave well alone. Most of us hate curtain cleaning anyway and it's one thing screwing up a £50 set of curtains, but £3k's worth dealing with a problem that isn't likely to get a 100% result isn't worth the risk unless you REALLY know what you're doing.
As for the bleach option.....umm No

[Robin Ray]

I didn't mean dettol.

How would an expert tackle this?

[idealrob]

let proffesional do it, find  a good independent dry cleaner and still make a good cut, we clean carpets and have a full dry cleaning factory. With the curtains you mention, the have a wool/blanket type interlining which are very moisture risk, because of this we always hang to dry before dry cleaning to remove the moisture before cleaning. as the different fabric composition can cuse rippeling or distortion. You can make lots of money just taking them down, taking to a cleaners and refitting. say you charged 10% of cost, £300, you would definetly get them cleaned in todays market for max £150 or possibly less than £100

idealrob

[Hilton]

You wont get the mould out , if you bleach them you risk damaging the cotton when the sun shines there is a real risk the lining will fall apart landing you with a nice bill.

I would get the lining replaced or just have the affected area removed and repaired, then cleaned. You are supposed to be the professional so advise them of this and quote accordingly.

[CATMAN]

Leave well alone, you cannot get mould out full stop.

I used to have a dry cleaners and even with all the more powerful chemicals you've got no chance

[slioch]

A pattern is emerging with the replies and I agree.  I have turned down 3 straightforard curtain jobs in the last week - too busy and I hate it, but I have one I can't avoid this week.  When I get mould on curtains for an insurance job I usually call in CRDN and they often refuse it.  With the interlining you could have a can of worms.