How to Clean and Store Your Kate Backdrop
Kate backdrops, thanks to their tube-less design are the perfect option for all kinds of photographers, with it's easily folded design to allow for compact storage or transportation. This also makes the fabric much easier to clean than a standard background kept on a tube or core. Kate themselves have provided their guidance on how to clean and store Kate Backdrops to ensure you get the longest life out of them.
1. Check the Care Label
All Kate Backgrounds come with a care label sewn into the back of the fabric - read the label before cleaning it to make sure you're washing it correctly.
Most backdrop fabrics can be washed by hand, or in a washing machine on a gentle cycle (if the label allows it).
Also, remember to absolutely avoid bleach, or any other harsh cleaner on backdrops. These can damage the fabric itself or affect the finish on the print and dye of the fabric.
Make sure to dry the background fully after washing, to avoid storing when moist and risking mould, odours or water stains.
2. Clean Your Backdrops Right After Every Photoshoot
Hang the backdrop up and gently shake it to remove any dust, sand or any unwanted debris from the shoot. You can then use a lint roller to pick up hair, glitter and fabric fibres. This is a great tip to follow, especially in floor areas where dirt collects easily or if clients have been wearing standing on it with shoes.
If not kept mounted, backgrounds can be folded and put in a wardrobe on a hanger or shelf, or rolled up to store instead to avoid as much creasing. Try to avoid storing backgrounds in a garage or shed as the moisture can cause bad smells and damage. Try storing indoors somewhere with proper ventilation and minimal humidity.
3. Spot Clean Stains on Photography Backdrops Before They Set
As simple as it may sound, cleaning high contact spots immediately after the shoot can prevent small marks from turning into permanent stains, and it will take 5 minutes instead of 5 hours.
As soon as you notice any kind of small stain like makeup, fingerprints, dirt… remove it as soon as possible using cold water and any mild detergent.
You can dab the stained area gently with a clean soft cloth. Do not rub on it, especially if you’re cleaning a printed surface backdrop! Then, allow your backdrop to air dry completely before folding or storing it. This will help prevent new water mark stains or unpleasant odours.
4. Removing Wrinkles and Creases
You can use a handheld steamer to remove wrinkles from the fabric. But definitely make sure to keep a safe distance from the backdrop’s printed surface to avoid damage.
Shop Kate Backdrops at https://www.essentialphoto.co.uk/collections/kate-backdrops
EssentialPhoto & Video is an official Kate Backdrop Partner and UK Distributor, stocking a wide range of products and offering a 12 Month Warranty*, as well as Customer Support and after-sales repair at our Birmingham-based store. All Kate stock is dispatched from our warehouse in the West Midlands, UK.
