By nature of positioning, cotton drapes fade through the years, leaving your once-vibrant red drapes an off shade of pink. Rectify this with quality fabric hanger in a color that coordinates with your current decor. Together with sun-faded cotton drapes, a wax that is darker than the current shade conceals irregular fading and leads to a more uniform result. Before you begin, check the tag on your drapes for laundering directions and to determine the exact makeup of the fabric; compare this to the cloth hanger directions to make certain that the product will work for your window treatments.
Lay the drapes on a huge work surface and spray any stains or discoloration using stain remover. Let this sit for one hour or overnight, if desired, and then wash and dry the drapes according to the directions on the tag.
Obtain enough wax to process your drapes. Explain just how much wax you need dependent on the magnitude of the cotton drapes; about three yards of fabric equals approximately one pound. Be sure you have enough dye to thoroughly saturate your own drapes.
Heat two to three cups of water in a pot on the stove just until it reaches a simmer. Remove the pot from the heat and add the dye into the heated water according to manufacturer directions. If the directions indicate another method for dissolving the dye, follow those.
Fill a large stainless steel bucket with very hot tap water, utilizing the amount of water indicated on the dye packaging. For every pound of fabric, you need approximately 3 gallons of water. Size the bucket or container accordingly, taking into consideration just how much water the cloth will displace.
Add the dissolved dye to the water and stir thoroughly. Put the drapes inside the dye solution and stir, pushing the cloth down until it’s totally immersed. Wait 5 to 10 minutes and add 1 cup of salt into the answer, stirring to dissolve.
Let the drapes soak for the time recommended by the dye manufacturer, stirring the curtains every 5 minutes. Movement and agitation are important when dying drapes, ensuring that the fabric is equally saturated in the dye.
Take the basin or sink into the tub or a very large sink. Pour the dye out. Rinse the drapes first in warm water extensively and then in cold water until wax stops coming out of the cloth. Work carefully and in small sections; drapes are enormous, and it’s not hard to miss a small place, resulting in uneven color.
Wash and dry the drapes according to the tag and the dye manufacturer’s directions before rehanging.