How to Clean and Maintain Your Window Coverings: Expert Tips for Blinds and Shades

Maintaining the cleanliness of your window coverings not only enhances their appearance but also extends their lifespan. Here's a guide on how to care for various types of blinds, shades and shutters.

Honeycomb Shades

Regularly dust with a soft, clean cloth, feather duster or vacuum gently using a brush attachment. For deeper cleaning, gently blot stains with a sponge or cloth dampened with mild soap and water, ensuring not to oversaturate or crease the fabric.

Banded Shades

Dust gently with a feather duster or use a small vacuum with a low-suction brush attachment. Avoid spot cleaning, as it may damage the fabric. For significant stains, professional cleaning is recommended.

Roller Shades and Panel Tracks

Dust regularly using a soft dust cloth or feather duster. Roller Shades can be gently vacuumed with a brush attachment for a deeper clean. For spot cleaning, use a damp cloth with mild soap and water, gently blotting the area and allowing it to air dry completely. Only screen type shades or vinyls should be spot cleaned, do not spot clean woven fabrics.

Horizontal or Sheer Shadings

Due to their delicate nature, regularly dust with a feather duster, soft cloth or use a vacuum with a low-suction brush attachment. Avoid magnetic cleaners (dusting mitt) as it will damage the light-dimming fabrics. Professional cleaning is advisable for thorough maintenance.

Vertical Blinds

Dust each slat with a duster or vacuum using a brush attachment. For deeper cleaning, vinyl slates can be removed and wiped them with a damp cloth and mild soap, then dry thoroughly before rehanging. Do not spot clean fabric blinds. For significant stains, professional cleaning is recommended.

Wood and Faux Wood Blinds

Wipe with a soft, dry cloth or dust with a feather duster. Wood and faux wood blinds can also be gently vacuumed with a brush attachment. Avoid using water on real wood blinds to prevent damage and warping. Faux wood blinds can be spot cleaned with a damp cloth and mild soap, followed by drying with a soft cloth.

Eclipse® Shutters

Dust regularly with a soft cloth or vacuum using a brush attachment. For tougher stains, clean with a damp cloth and mild soap if needed. Ensure the shutters are wiped dry so no soap residue is left behind and to avoid water spots if you have hard water supply.

Professional Maintenance Tips

To maintain the quality of your window coverings, avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners, as they can damage fabrics and finishes. For stubborn stains or detailed care, consider professional cleaning services such as ultrasonic cleaning or injection/extraction cleaning to effectively remove tough stains and allergens, leaving your blinds refreshed.

By following these care guidelines, your window treatments will remain in excellent condition for years to come. For more expert advice or to explore our range of blinds, shades and shutters, contact A-Blinds Experts today.