TIP: Did you know Flourish Mesh Panels are washable?

I didn't...until this weekend, when I commented on the spiffy panels in the booth of the jeweler next to me at Boca Raton.

"These aren't new," he said. "I washed them in a commercial washing machine."

Turns out that the metal "stiffening rods" in the top and bottom of the 10' front and side panels can be slid out (easily), making it possible to throw them in a commercial washing machine. (Hot water, regular cycle, and a cup of Tide did the trick.) They come out slightly damp, so I just set my frame up in the driveway, then re-inserted the rods and hung them as usual to make sure they stretched out to full length while drying. (The last step probably isn't necessary, but I needed a new booth shot anyway.)

If you have the back panel that folds to allow a rear door exit, only the two sidemost rods slide out. But the center one is short enough that it doesn't cause a problem putting the panel into the washer.

This saved me the $400 (plus shipping) I was going to spend on washable panel covers to hide the grunge. Hope it helps somebody else out there!

Replies

Suzanne McNenly September 3, 2011 at 10:57pm

Sooooo happy to hear that. Mine are new, but I've already been worried about the dirt issue when it happens:) You should let the guys at Flourish know, if they don't already. It would be helpful for them to tell new purchasers.

Question: I have a large front load washing machine....do you think that would work If I do one at a time? I'm not sure where one would find a commercial machine....is this something they have at laundramats?

Sue
- Christine Hauber > Suzanne McNenly September 9, 2011 at 10:40am
  
  Sue...The mesh walls are not too big individually, so there is a very good chance they will fit fine in your machine one or two at a time. As for larger machines, they are usually at laundromats.
  
  I contacted Flourish before doing this to see what they recommended. He had heard of someone using a washing machine but did know how it would turn out. He said they usually tell people to put them in the bathtub to clean.
  
  One thing to add now that I have seen them hanging....connect the velcro as there is a chance that during the wash, they can rub against the mesh.
  
  Other then that, they look great.
  
  Christine
  
  http://www.christinehauber.com
  
  Fine Art Photographer and workshop instructor
Christine Hauber September 2, 2011 at 1:01am

I have had grungy mesh panels for quiet some time. I have already tried putting in the driveway and scrubbing them but it never seemed to work very well. So I took your advice and took them to the laundromat and used a bit of borax with laundry detergent with warm water. (I took out the rods)

Anyway, they look great and so white. There are still some marks on them so the next time, I will spray those areas with spot remover.

Christine

http://www.christinehauber.com

Fine Art Photographer and workshop instructor
Kelly Crosser Alge February 1, 2011 at 9:38am

Thank you! I had a show on a windy beach/park in IN a few years ago, and when I took my work down there were white squares everywhere something had been. Tried the driveway, oxyclean, brushes, hose, etc. still look pretty dirty. I am so glad to hear this I never thought about trying to remove the metal strips.
Michael Reimer January 26, 2011 at 4:20pm

I washed mine in the driveway with a hose, some mild soap and a scrub brush.
- Geoff Coe > Michael Reimer January 26, 2011 at 4:27pm
  
  I've done that before, too. This does a much better job, IMHO, and faster--but if yours came completely clean, who am I to argue? ;-)

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