Stage Curtain Care

Including velour, commando cloth....

Storage

Never store in plastic!

If there is any moisture in the goods due to changing humidity or otherwise, you run the risk of mold/mildew build-up and possible leaching of the flame proofing chemicals or fabric dye. Both flame proofing and dyeing of soft goods are a salt process that can be affected by moisture.

The best way to store curtains is in canvas bags or canvas storage hampers.

It is important that you fold your soft goods correctly and as neatly as possible. This will help prevent or limit the amount of wrinkles, especially with long-term storage. Click here for folding instructions.

Wrinkles

Most wrinkles will hang out over time. If possible, pre-hang your soft goods several days before a performance.

If you have a piece that is severely wrinkled you can try misting the back surface LIGHTLY with warm water. You can use a Hudson sprayer for this purpose, set to the finest setting. Do not soak the fabric!

It takes very little water to remove wrinkles.

Never spray the face of the fabric. You will risk damaging the nap and cause the flame proofing chemical to leach and stain.

Cleaning

Brush your curtains regularly, against the nap and then with the nap direction, to remove dust. You can also use a vacuum, but only with the nap -- not against it. This will extend the life of the fabric, as dust makes the fibers stiff and brittle over time and causes discoloration. Too much dust can also cause your curtain to fail during a flame test.

If you discover a stain, try brushing it out first. If this fails, you can try spot cleaning with commercial dry cleaning solvents available at hardware stores or dry cleaners. Be sure to read the directions carefully. Please note: Depending on the age and condition of a curtain spot cleaning can sometimes cause a "clean spot" which may stand out as much as the actual stain did.

With multiple or severe stains the piece should be professionally dry cleaned. Please note, dry cleaning will remove the flame proofing chemicals. The item will have to be re-treated.