How To Properly Clean Your Window Treatments

Window treatments can make a room look amazing or take away from the overall beauty. If done correctly, they are a great focal point and can increase the aesthetics of your décor and set the atmosphere for your home. Maintaining the appearance of your window treatments is important so that they can continue to enhance the overall look and feel of your living space.

If you want to add privacy, filter light, or cool a home in your room, custom shades like roller shades, roman shades, or even cellular shades are great choices. These shades, even though they are efficient, if not cleaned properly, are prone to collecting dust, dander, and allergens. If you are looking for ways to clean your custom shades easily and hassle-free, below are a few methods suggested by our shutter company that you can do with just a duster, warm water, soft cloths, or a vacuum.

Honeycomb Shades

Honeycomb shades also sometimes referred to as cellular or pleated shades are one of the most energy-saving. They have built-in pockets that resemble the look of a honeycomb which trap air while preventing interior air from slipping out and exterior air from going in.

Tools needed to clean your honeycomb shades: Vacuum or duster, water, sponge.

• Be sure to draw the shades down.
• If using a vacuum cleaner, make sure to use the dusting tool or brush that is attached.
• Put the vacuum on low suction and gently go over the shade, gathering all of the dust.
• Use your vacuum to gently blow air through the "combs" to remove any dust that may have settled within.
• If your honeycomb shades have stains, use a damp sponge to blot the stains out. Note: It is important not to rub the fabric.

Roman Shades

Roman shades are a mixture of elegant drapery and a modern shade. They are a unique window treatment that is made out of one long ongoing piece of fabric. They have folds that are horizontal and fold along the length of the shade, which enables them to be easily raised and lowered.

Tools needed to clean your roman shades: Vacuum, water, mild dish detergent, sponge.

• Lower shades.
• Start at the top and gently vacuum the shades in a downward motion.
• If there are stains, you can spot clean using a sponge or washcloth and mild detergent. Note: Be sure not to saturate the shade.
• Repeat step 3 until the stain is removed.
• Let the shades dry before raising.

Solar Shades

Solar shades are an excellent way to add a protective deterrent against harmful UV rays. Solar shades also lower solar gain, they are able to minimize glare, and they are able to add privacy in the daytime.

Tools needed to clean your solar shades: Soft wet cloth, mild soap, lukewarm water, duster.

• Be sure the shades are fully drawn.
• Wet the washcloth with soapy water.
• Gently wipe shades. Note: Make sure to scrub in various directions to get within the tight weaves.
• Lightly dry your shades.
• If the shades are not extremely dirty, you can clean with a feather duster.

Wood Shades

Natural wood shades are a beautiful way to insert texture and eclectic style to any room in your home. Woven shades are composed of materials like bamboo, wood, or grass that should be treated with care when being cleaned.

Tools needed to clean your wood shades: Vacuum, brush attachment, damp cloth

• Make sure shades are fully lowered
• Firmly hold the wood material from the back to prevent damage to the shape of any of the materials getting caught inside the hose.
• Use the brush attachment on a vacuum to carefully clean the shaded
• If there are spots that need to be cleaned, dab with a damp cloth. Note: It is important to ensure that the cloth isn't drenched. Natural wood materials can become misshapen when saturated with water.

If you have any additional questions on the proper ways to clean your custom shades or other window treatments, contact us at River City Blinds to speak to one of our window treatment experts.