FAQ

How does ultrasonic cleaning work?
Why use ultrasonic cleaning?
What types of dirt can be removed with ultrasonic cleaning?
Can you clean cloth blinds?
How long will my blinds be down?
Do I have to bring the blinds to you?
I don't know how/want to take the blinds down myself.
Will the same blinds be hung on the same window?
How do I make an appointment?
What are the advantages of On-Site drapery cleaning?

How does ultrasonic cleaning work?

Ultrasonic cleaning utilizes the cavitation energy of millions of exploding bubbles created as high frequency sound waves pass through a cleaning solution in specially designed tanks. Simply put, the sound waves create millions of microscopic bubbles which expand and explode in milliseconds. Anything placed in the tank is bombarded and cleaned by this gentle yet thorough "bubble scrubbing" energy.

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Why use ultrasonic cleaning?

Ultrasonic cleaning provides a deep thorough cleaning (down to the microscopic level) that other methods can not match. We aren't simply dusting or washing the items off. Every surface is cleaned in the process. No other method cleans the cords, ladders, and mechanical parts in the headrail as effectively (or as gently). For instance, simply dusting or wiping a mini blind would not clean the undersides, cords, back edges or headrails and could leave a residual film of dirt or soaps instead of a static free "hospital sterile" clean blind.

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What types of dirt can ultrasonic cleaning remove?

Dirt, grease, food, smoke, hairspray, pollen, mold, allergens, insects. Left unattended, these substances can compromise the health and appeal of your window treatments. Over time soiled spots become stains and finishes loose their appeal under the accumulated grime. Those who have allergies or asthma will find that removing the pollen, mold and allergens that accumulate on the window treatments (and fly off into the air every time they are moved) will improve the indoor air quality. Ultrasonic cleaning removes this stuff - it isn't just moved around the blind or the room!

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Can you clean cloth blinds?

Yes! We clean blinds and shades made of all sorts of materials - fabrics, metal, vinyl, composites and woods.

Cellular shades, pleated shades, roman shades and fabric shades are all cleaned professionally using either ultrasonics or other appropriate methods depending upon the material and type of shade.

We clean Luminettes^®, Silhouettes^® and other types of sheer fabric window treatments either ultrasonically or using our On-Site equipment as appropriate.

Specialty Roman shades and some types of room darkening shades can be safely dry cleaned with our On-Site equipment.

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How long will my blinds be down?

We offer same day service in most situations. Blinds taken for cleaning in the morning are back in their place nice fresh and clean by late that same afternoon.

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Do I have to bring the blinds to you?

No, we offer a convenient pick-up service or (our most popular) full service option. Dropping off blinds at the shop is great for those who have the time, are comfortable taking the blinds down (without breaking brackets or damaging the blinds etc.).

We DO NOT recommend you bring in Luminettes^® or other such products to us unless you have the tubes to put them on and are willing to accept all liability for damage caused to the fabric or treatment should it be mishandled outside our control. Saving a few dollars in some situations definitely isn't worth it! We also carry many common brackets and parts to replace broken clips etc.

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I don't know how/want to take the blinds down myself.

Use our full service option. We'll do everything. Figuring out how to get those often pesky clips undone is just part of an average day's work. We'll check the installation before rehanging and make adjustments as warranted to insure your blinds will operate as they should for many more years. With this option you see us for a few minutes in the morning and then again later that afternoon or as scheduled.

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Will the blinds be hung on the same window?

Yes. We mark the blinds when we take them down so they go back where they belong. Even if the blinds are all the same size - some may be "custom faded" to a particular window. Faded vertical blinds are kept in the same order for this same reason.

How do I make an appointment?

Just give us a call at 815-577-9797 and if Bert, Miriam, Jeanne or another of our employees isn't available to take your call personally - leave a message on the answering machine. If we were busy with another call, customer or in the shop your turn will come to be to focus of our attention. We check our messages regularly when we are out of the shop as well. Appointments are scheduled Monday-Friday and on Saturdays (Saturdays before 9:30 a.m./after 3:00 p.m.).

What are the advantages of On-Site Drapery Cleaning?

With our On-Site drapery cleaning process, we can bring a small portable dry cleaning machine right to your home or business, and actually dry clean the fabrics right where they are hanging on the window. Due to the process and cleaning agents used, we can guarantee that there will be no shrinkage or damage, and you'll not have to live without them. Beside the equipment, we also bring our expertise to bear, as we have both On-Site certification and IICRC Upholstery and Fabric Care Certification.