Spring is the season in which many of us are looking to start preparing for the rest of the year and shake out the winter doldrums from our homes. One way that people start engaging with warmer weather and sunnier days is with seasonal cleaning.
Many people overlook their window treatments when cleaning their homes for a new season. The dust and grime buildup isn’t as evident as it may be when you notice it on your floors or shelves, so it’s easy to forget that dirt collects on your shades. Let our home decor experts at White House Designs for Life walk you through cleaning shades to keep them looking fantastic all year long.
How Often Should You Clean Shades?
A quick once-over every week during your usual cleaning routine will keep dust from accumulating on your shades. We recommend giving them a deep cleaning at least once yearly (or even more often if you have pets or young kids).
Cleaning Cellular Shades
Begin cleaning your cellular shades like Hunter Douglas Duette® Cellular Shades using a feather duster to remove dust from the front and back of the shade. Use a blow dryer on a low, cool setting or vacuum with an upholstery attachment to remove dust from within cells. You can spot-clean your cellular shades with a sponge and a mixture of warm water and mild detergent; test an inconspicuous area of the shades first to ensure the detergent won’t harm the fabric. Opaque fabrics are more likely to develop permanent creases, so take extra care when cleaning those.
Cleaning Roman Shades
Despite the variety of Roman shade styles available, your cleaning method will depend on whether the fabric is washable. If your Roman shades are in a fabrication that is not machine washable, have them professionally dry-cleaned. You can clean washable Roman shades in a few easy steps:
- Use your vacuum or a feather duster to remove loose dirt.
- Remove the dowels from flat shades.
- Wash your shades according to the care instructions.
- Hang your Roman shades to dry; placing them in a dryer can cause shrinkage.
- Use an iron or fabric steamer to release wrinkles and rehang your shades.
Cleaning Woven Wood Shades
Shades made from natural materials, like jute or bamboo, should never come into contact with water. To clean Provenance® Woven Wood Shades:
- Begin with a feather duster or soft, lint-free cloth to remove surface debris.
- Follow this step by vacuuming with an upholstery attachment, moving side to side and top to bottom.
- If you have any remaining spots after vacuuming, use a barely damp, lint-free cloth to wipe the spot gently, but do not get your shades wet.
Cleaning Roller Shades
Roller shades are the most accessible shades to clean because they don’t have any nooks or crannies where dirt can hide. Begin cleaning roller shades by using a soft cloth or a feather duster. Finish the job by wiping the shades with a damp cloth, but do not immerse them in water. Soiled areas on vinyl shades can withstand a solution of warm water and dish soap, but ensure you immediately wipe the area with a clean, damp cloth to prevent a buildup of residue.
Hunter Douglas Shades Near Fairfield, New Jersey
Outfit your windows with Hunter Douglas shades from White House Designs for Life. You can rely on us for interior design services, furniture, and elegant home accessories.
White House Designs for Life has five locations, including our Hunter Douglas Gallery in Paramus, New Jersey. We are happy to serve Fairfield, Wayne, Paramus, and Chester, New Jersey. Visit one of our showrooms or contact us today to schedule your complimentary consultation.