Cleaning Tips for Blinds, Shades and Drapes
Introduction
Proper care is essential to maintain the beauty and longevity of your window treatments. In this blog post, we'll provide tips on steaming, cleaning, and general care for various types of window treatments, along with some special cleaning instructions for specific materials.
General Cleaning Tips
Regular Maintenance: Consistent care will help your window treatments last longer. Dust your window treatments regularly with a soft brush or microfiber cloth.
Vacuuming: Use the upholstery attachment on your vacuum cleaner to gently remove dust and cobwebs. Be sure to vacuum both sides of the fabric.
Avoid Harsh Chemicals: When cleaning, use gentle cleaning agents and avoid harsh chemicals that can damage the fabric. Spot clean with a mild soap solution and test in an inconspicuous area first.
Special Cleaning Instructions Based On Window Treatment Type
Cellular Shades: Dusting and vacuuming are recommended for monthly maintenance. Spot clean with mild soap. Avoid harsh chemicals, detergents, and ultrasonic cleaning.
Sheer and Layered Shades: Dust regularly with a feather duster, vacuum with low suction, or blow away dust with a hairdryer on a cool setting. Use an anti-static product to eliminate static cling. Sheer fabrics are machine washable on a gentle cycle with warm water and mild detergent. Air dry.
Vinyl Vertical Blinds: Vinyl vanes can be removed and immersed in water for cleaning. To eliminate static electricity, coat the vanes with a thin layer of mild detergent.
Sheer Vertical Blinds: Sheer fabrics can be re-steamed at a low temperature before hanging. Do not iron out permanent pleats and remove fabric from vanes before steaming. Sheer fabrics are machine washable on a gentle cycle with warm water and mild detergent. Air dry.
Natural Shades: Occasional light vacuuming with a brush attachment will keep shades clean. Avoid water or liquid cleaners.
Wood Blinds: Clean blinds with painted and stained finishes with spray polish or a soft cloth. Avoid water on wood products.
Shutters: For more thorough cleaning than dusting and vacuuming, use a mild detergent solution and apply with a damp cloth. Rinse and dry with a cloth.
Soft Roman Shades: For best results, steam your new shades once they're installed. Use a professional steamer or a standard iron with a steam button. Be cautious when steaming silk fabrics. Vacuum regularly with a soft brush attachment and avoid wet cleaning, especially for shades with cotton content. Dry cleaning is recommended.
Drapery: Vacuum periodically using a drapery hose attachment. Professional dry cleaning is generally recommended for drapery panels.
Top Treatments: Similar to soft Roman shades, steam your top treatment after installation. Use caution with silk fabrics. Only dry clean your top treatment.
Motorized Shade Remote Controls: Wipe the plastic surfaces of your remotes with a mild soap solution using a dampened cloth. Avoid submerging or spraying cleaners directly on the remote.
Horizontal Blinds: Dusting or vacuuming with a soft bristle brush is recommended.
By following these care instructions, you can enjoy the beauty and functionality of your window treatments for many years to come.