Discolored Drapes

Q: What is causing the discoloration on this drapery panel?
 

A: This is a drapery lining fabric with a coating applied to achieve room-darkening qualities by blocking out light. The black substance is applied between the outer fabric and the white coating. Prolonged exposure to light and other atmospheric conditions may cause the coatings to decompose. When the item is drycleaned, the blackout coating seeps through the outer fabric and white coating, resulting in a stained appearance. Dark streaks will appear in the folds that receive the greatest amount of light exposure.

Suggested Reading
DLI Standard, Gold, and Premier members may access more information on this topic in the following bulletin available in DLI's Encyclopedia of Drycleaning Online:

• Technical Operating Information (TOI) No. 749: Cleaning Drapes