Dry cleaned curtains but stains not removed

[Onandoff]

I spent a fortune dry cleaning some heavy velvet curtains but just went to hang them up and the large stained patch on the lining is still there and just as bad as when I took them in. I think it was from the windows running. Is it worth returning them and asking them to try and remove it?

Did you let them know there was a stain when you took them in?
Dry cleaning can’t remove all stains though.

“The longer a stain is left untreated, the less likely it is to be removed. When a spill first occurs, it sits on the surface of the fabric, but over time, that spill can start to react with the fabric causing the fabric to actually change colors. So when a neglected stain is finally addressed and actually removed, the fabric where the stain once sat is now a different color. That’s why we always say when you spill something on a garment, bring it to us as soon as possible.
Not knowing what the stain is made of makes it more difficult to remove. Different stains require different approaches. If a spotter knows what the stain is, they can automatically choose the appropriate product or method. When they don’t know what the stain is, they rely on their years of experience and training to make an educated decision. Many times they start out with the mildest methods and agents first. If that doesn’t work, then they try something stronger. This process continues until either the stain is removed or the spotter realizes that they could damage the garment if they continue. Sadly, there is no one-size-fits-all stain remover, so that’s why we always ask that you share as much information as possible at drop off.
There are some stains that are incredibly stubborn, but place that stain on a delicate fabric, then it becomes even more challenging and sometimes impossible to remove.
The bottom line on successful stain removal is to address it as soon as possible, let us know at drop off what the spill is, and never put anything away without cleaning it first.”

I did last year and they sent them to a more specialist branch. Who even knew they had two levels of branch?

wherewildflowersgrow they might have sent it to a branch that still uses a perc based cleaning fluid rather than the environmentally friendly silica based stuff. Perc can be more effective at removing stains.

I went back in. They said they treated it (didn’t say what with) but that it didn’t come out. It’s just a brownish water stain from the window. Bummer.

On the upside, it is in the lining..

What are the curtains made of? Could you have a go at washing them in the bath? You'd need to fully submerge them to ensure no new water marks. Choose a sunny day so they can dry outside. Better still if you could detach the lining if that is the only stained bit.