Is there a right way to clean window shades? This is one of the frequently asked questions by new homeowners.
First, it’s worth noting that window shades gather dust, dirt, and debris over time. If not cleaned regularly, these particles can affect your windows’ appearance and durability. They might also reduce your indoor air quality and cause upper respiratory illnesses.
Now that you appreciate the significance of cleaning window shades regularly, perhaps you’re wondering how to go about the process. Well, this article will help settle your concerns.
Read on for expert insights into how to clean your window shades to enhance their aesthetics and durability and eliminate allergens from your home.
Window Shades versus Window Blinds
Window shade and window blind are commonly used interchangeably. However, they’re not similar.
Blinds are rigid window coverings made of horizontal slats, while shades are window coverings composed of a single piece of material.
High-quality cordless cellular shades mostly feature delicate fabrics, such as silk. In contrast, blinds are commonly made from wood, metal, or (in rare cases) a composite.
Besides their variance in construction, blinds and shades also differ in functionality. Blinds can be tilted to regulate the light coming into a room or to partially block people from peeping from the outside. However, shades can only be opened or closed.
How to Clean Window Shades
The procedure for cleaning window shades may vary slightly, depending on the type of shades in question.
1. Cellular Shades
Cellular shades, also known as honeycomb shades, are arguably the most common window shades. These treatments have an accordion-like appearance when raised or lowered, and they’re remarkably energy efficient.
To clean cellular shades;
- Pull the shades down.
- Dust the treatments with a soft cloth or use an upholstery attachment to gently vacuum them.
Remember to only dust or vacuum once. If vacuuming a window shade, set your vacuum cleaner to low suction.
- Spot-clean the shades using a soft piece of cloth with lukewarm water and mild dish soap.
The best way to clean the shades is to wipe them down gently in the direction parallel to the pleats.
Avoid spot removers or strong detergent as these may blemish the shades. Do not rub the treatments either, as that could wrinkle or crush the delicate fabric.
- Let the shades air-dry completely.
- Raise the shades gently and inspect them thoroughly for any dirty patches or damages.
2. Panel Shades
Panel shades are a low-maintenance window treatment. They’re also more stylish and effective at improving the privacy of larger windows than traditional shades.
To clean panel shades;
- Pull the shades down.
- Vacuum on low suction using an upholstery attachment.
- Spot-clean the shades using a soft piece of cloth with lukewarm water and mild detergent.
- Let the shades air-dry before raising them.
NOTE: For optimal effects, clean your panel window shades at least monthly and deep-clean them annually.
3. Roller Shades
Roller shades are common in kitchens and bathrooms. They possess incredible thermoregulation properties due to their ability to block sunlight.
These window treatments are reasonably easy to clean too.
- Gently wipe the shades using a soft sponge with lukewarm water and mild dish soap.
- Clean each section thoroughly, starting from the bottom and working your way up.
- Let the shades air-dry.
Roller shades are also easy to clean in a bathtub. If you prefer this option;
- Remove the shades and immerse them in warm bathtub water.
- Add squirts of mild dishwashing detergent to the water.
- Use a soft brush to gently clean the treatments on both sides.
- Rinse the shades and let them air-dry before rehanging.
4. Roman Shades
One exciting thing about Roman shades is that they come in multiple styles. You can choose between flat and pleated varieties, or opt for those designed with swags and ties.
Fortunately, most Roman shades require a similar cleaning procedure;
- Remove the Roman shades from the windows and open them.
- Spread the fabric on a flat surface.
- Vacuum the fabric on low suction using the vacuum’s soft dusting brush attachment.
- Spot-clean the fabric using a soft piece of cloth with lukewarm water and mild soap.
- Rinse and blot-dry the shades.
- Let the shades air-dry completely, then raise them.
5. Sheer Shades
These are the most elegant window shades. They’re made from a stylish combination of blinds and shades. The blinds comprise soft fabric vanes while the shades are a delicate layer of sheer panels that encase the blinds.
Sheer shades come in various styles too. One design features the vanes floating between the sheer panels, whereas the other has the vanes attached to a sheer backing.
Besides their elegance, sheer shades are also remarkably energy-efficient. They provide better control of the amount of light coming into a room. There are translucent and room-darkening vane options, depending on the desired lighting requirements.
To clean sheer shades;
- Dust the shades using a dry, soft cloth or a vacuum set on low suction.
- Clean the shades using a soft cloth with warm water and mild detergent.
- Let the shades air-dry.
Final Word
Regular cleaning can help to keep your window shades looking sparkling. These treatments typically require basic cleaning once a month and deep cleaning annually.
However, how frequently you clean your window shades ultimately depends on how quickly dust builds up in your home. Other factors include the treatment’s material and design, and your window’s orientation.
