Life Expectancy of Household Textiles

Life Expectancy of Household Textiles
The American National Standards Institute, Inc. approved the Fair Claims Guide for Consumer Textile Products. This standard provides the guidelines for determining liability for claims adjustment purposes for textile products. It also includes the following life expectancy chart for household textile items:

Life Expectancy Table
Item Years
Bedspreads six years
Blankets
Heavy Wool and Synthetic Fibers 10 years
Lightweight five years
Electric five years
Comforters five years
Down five years
Curtains
Sheer three years
Glass Fiber three years
Draperies
Lined five years
Unlined four years
Sheer three years
Glass Fiber four years
Sheets and Pillow Cases two years
Slipcovers three years
Table Linen
Fancy five years
Other two years
Towels three years
Upholstery Fabrics five years
Articles Coated or Flocked two years

How long the items last also depends on selection. Consider the following before purchasing a household product:
* Will the material be durable?
* Will the fabric resist stains and soil?
* Are there any protective coatings of finishes available that will prolong the useful life of the textile?
* Is the fabric preshrunk?
* Is the fabric resistant to light, fading or pollution?
* Do any care instructions come with the purchase? Read all instructions or information before buying the item.

Proper care will always help prolong the beauty of the household textile. Here are some basic rules to protect and prolong the beauty of household textiles:
* Protect all furnishings from sunlight, fumes, and pets.
* Damage, like tears, should be repaired immediately.
* Vacuum and/or brush to remove dust regularly.
* Follow the manufacturer's cleaning recommendations.
* Do not allow the item to become extremely soiled, and have any stains removed immediately.
* Clean household textiles before storing.