Have you noticed that even if you never open your windows, those draperies, shades, blinds and windows still get grimy, dirty, filthy?

How? Why?

The word is "convection."   It refers to the movement of air because of the differences in density due to temperature.  Warm air is lighter than cold air.  When the sun heats the air in the space between your windows and window treatments, the warm air rises and cooler air is drawn in at the bottom.  The graphic shows how convection works.

There is actually quite a bit of air flowing across and around your blinds, draperies, shades and window glass, even though the windows are closed!

Dirt, dust, lint, pollen, bacteria, grease, allergens, smoke particles - all of these stick to your window treatments and window glass, then bake on in the heat of the day.  When the air in the space cools, the direction is reversed.

Fabrics such as carpet, upholstered furniture and draperies act as filters, trapping soils, pollutants, gases and animal dander.  Like any filter, they need to be cleaned.

It is important to have fabrics cleaned before damage is permanent.  Soil on window treatments promotes the growth of mildew and mold.  Bacteria from the decomposition of body oils, perspiration and foods, airborne particulates, as well as fume fading, can permanently damage or discolor fabrics.  This damage to the fabric fibers cannot be fixed by cleaning.

Do you have allergies?  Are you concerned about indoor air quality?  Protect your investment in your window treatments:  there are substances clinging to your window coverings that will only degrade them.

Some of the substances on your window treatments can cause pitting, corrosion, oxidation and ruin them, or aggravate allergic reactions.

Many of today's window fashions cannot be taken down and cleaned using conventional in-plant dry-cleaning methods.  In-plant cleaning can cause damage or shrinkage, and you will probably be required to sign a waiver that says the cleaner is not responsible for the damages.

The good news is: you can have all of your window treatments cleaned right where you are.  You don't have to hang up sheets or live in a "fish bowl" because your shades, draperies or blinds don't go "out" for cleaning!