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You should avoid putting anything in the dryer that could be damaged from the heat or tumbling motion, or caught in any parts of the dryer. While there are some items that should never be dried (such as spandex, silk, leather, wool, etc.), there are some items you can dry, but only if you put them in a mesh bag first. These are usually delicate items or any items with strings or pieces attached that could be ripped off in a drying cycle. 

Window treatments fall under the categories of hard, soft, and layered. Hard refers to stiff, formed treatments that include window blinds and shutters. Soft refers to cloth window treatments that include drapes and curtains. Finally, layered refers to the combination of soft and hard treatments. For example, you might place flowing drapes over blinds to combine the practicality of a treatment that blocks the sun with the whimsical and elongating aesthetic of a full-window drape.

In general, shades and blinds are the most common window coverings used today because they create unobtrusive, sleek profiles that fit into any space. In addition, blinds and shades are extremely easy to use. Most operate using either a pull system or wand. While most blinds and shades sold by retailers are available in a wide range of sizes that are made to fit standard windows, customers can also order custom shades and blinds for windows that are hard to fit.

The best way to clean drapes or curtains depends on the fabric. Always check the care tag for instructions before attempting to wash them.

You can typically clean drapes yourself if they are made of durable materials like cotton, cotton blends, polyester, or burlap, which can often be machine-washed. However, some fabrics can be hand-washed.

For delicate materials such as linen, silk, velvet, lace, sateen, or wool, it is best to hire a professional drapery cleaner. These fabrics are often dry-clean only and can be damaged, shrink, or be destroyed by machine washing or using the wrong cleaning solutions.

If the care tag is missing, the drapes are old, thin, brittle, or have existing damage like pulls or tears, it's safest to have them professionally cleaned. A professional will use the correct methods and solutions for a safe, deep cleaning.