Delicate polyester lace drapes need particular care when laundering, especially if you’re trying to whiten and brighten discolored panels. While fundamental chlorine bleach works for polyester-blend drapes, it imparts a gray or yellowish tinge to 100-percent polyester. For the best results, use oxygen-based bleach, sometimes sold as all-fabric bleach, even with a blend, and remember that dyed polyester cannot be lightened or altered with bleach. You can just whiten your previously white lace drapes, not turn the crimson into a shade of pink.
Put the lace drapes out on the floor in a well-lit area. Spray any stains or clear discoloration with stain remover. Flip the drapes over and repeat this on the opposite side. Allow the drapes sit in a hamper or bucket immediately, enabling the stain remover to completely penetrate.
Set your washing machine to the hottest water setting and turn it to the presoak cycle. Insert bleach, measured in accordance with package instructions, to the washing machine and turn it about. Big manufacturers recommend one scoop each load for soaking.
Permit the machine to fill about halfway and then insert the lace polyester drapes to the tub. This allows the bleach to dissolve evenly in the water; pouring the bleach directly over the drapes when they’re already inside the device causes discoloration.
Wait for the machine to fill entirely. Turn the washing machine away and close the lid; while most presoak settings will wait to get a set amount of time prior to draining, ample soaking time is essential when bleaching polyester drapes. Let them soak for at least one hour or overnight if possible.
Drain the washing machine and place it to the rinse cycle. Turn the machine on and let it run until drained.
Set the washing machine to the hottest water setting and the gentlest wash cycle and turn it on. Insert laundry detergent and one scoop of bleach to the tub. If the manufacturer recommends less or more bleach, follow this direction. Allow the machine fill part-way and add the drapes. Permit the machine to run through the entire cycle.
Remove the drapes from the washer and hang or lay them flat to dry, preferably in a bright, sunny area outside. As the drapes dry, the sun will naturally whiten them further. Even if the curtain’s tag indicates that machine drying is okay, the lace will be more delicate after bleaching, and the heat and movement of this dryer may damage it.