How to Care for Sleepout® Fabric Blackout Curtains
Airing Out New Fabric When It Arrives
Sleepout fabric is certified as toxin-free by GREENGUARD® Gold, but a brief airing will remove any residual packaging odors within 48 hours.
Hang and Ventilate: Hang the fabric in a well-ventilated area where it can drape freely.
Ensure Airflow: Open a window or use a fan to encourage continuous airflow through the room.
Removing Wrinkles and Creases
Since the blackout lining is sensitive to high heat, the safest methods utilize steam and gravity.
1. Hang and Let Gravity Work (Easiest)
Install: Hang the curtains or shades in their intended location immediately.
Mist (Optional): Lightly mist the wrinkled areas with a clean spray bottle filled with plain, cool water. Do not soak the fabric.
Wait: The weight of the fabric, combined with the slight moisture, will naturally pull out many creases over 24 to 72 hours.
2. The Steaming Method (Most Effective & Safest)
With a Garment Steamer:
Test on a small, inconspicuous area first. Hold the steamer nozzle several inches away from the fabric. Apply steam slowly and evenly, working from the top of the panel downward. Crucially: Never press the steamer directly onto the blackout coating, as this can damage or melt the material.
Without a Steamer (Shower Steam):
Hang the curtains in your bathroom. Close the door and windows. Run a hot shower for 10-15 minutes to fill the room with steam. Allow the fabric to hang in the steam for 20-30 minutes, then let it air dry completely before closing or gathering it.
3. Ironing (Use Extreme Caution)
Check Temperature: Set your iron to the lowest heat setting (usually the synthetic or polyester setting). Iron the Fabric Side Only: NEVER iron directly on the blackout lining. Use a Pressing Cloth: Place a clean, thin cotton cloth (like a pillowcase) between the iron and the front (decorative) side of the Sleepout fabric for added protection. Move Quickly: Iron gently and quickly, or simply use the steam feature of the iron while holding it slightly away from the fabric.
General Cleaning & Maintenance
Sleepout fabric is designed to be low-maintenance.
Regular Dusting: Use a soft-bristle brush, a lint roller, or the brush attachment of your vacuum cleaner on a low setting. This prevents dust buildup that can become harder to remove later.
Spot Cleaning (Most Recommended):
Preparation: Mix a small amount of mild detergent (like dish soap or a gentle laundry soap) with cool water.
Application: Dampen a clean, white cloth with the solution and gently blot the soiled area. Do not rub, as this can damage the fabric fibers or the blackout coating.
Rinsing: Use a second cloth dampened with plain cool water to blot away any soap residue.
Drying: Allow the area to air-dry completely. Keep the window treatment open or the fabric spread out until dry.
Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Do not use bleach, solvents, or abrasive cleaners, as these will damage the blackout coating and potentially discolor the fabric.
Washing Instructions (Use Caution)
While some sleepout fabrics are labeled as machine-washable, it is highly recommended to check the specific care tag from the manufacturer first, as washing can potentially compromise the blackout layer.
Preparation: Remove any hooks, weights, or hardware. If the fabric is a curtain, fold it neatly.
Machine Setting: Use a gentle cycle (or "delicates") with cool or lukewarm water.
Detergent: Use a mild, non-bleaching detergent.
Avoid: Do not overload the washing machine.
Or
Hand Wash: Submerge the fabric in a tub of cool water with a small amount of mild detergent. Gently swish the fabric and let it soak for a short time.
Rinse Thoroughly: Drain the soapy water and rinse repeatedly with clean, cool water until all soap residue is gone.
Drying & Ironing
Drying: Always air-dry sleepout fabric.
Hang curtains back up to dry, or lay the fabric flat on a clean surface.
Do not use a clothes dryer, as the heat can melt or permanently damage the blackout coating.
Ironing: Avoid ironing whenever possible. The blackout coating is sensitive to heat.
If absolutely necessary, Use the lowest heat setting (synthetic/polyester setting) and iron the fabric only on the non-coated (front/decorative) side.
Use a pressing cloth or an old towel between the iron and the fabric for extra protection.
Never directly iron the blackout coating.