Tips for Cleaning Window Treatments

When cared for properly, quality window treatments can last years. Part of proper care is making sure window treatments are cleaned appropriately.

The material your window covering is made from is the primary determinant of how it should be cleaned. Window treatments are made from a variety of materials, including natural woods, composite materials and fabrics. Below are some tips and tricks for cleaning your window treatments.

Faux Wood or Composite Products

• Dust regularly using a soft, dry cloth, Swiffer or feather duster.
• Reduce static and help repel dust by wiping the product with dryer sheets, such as Bounce, Downy, etc.
• DO NOT use abrasive cleaners or chemical solvents. These cleaners will scratch or damage the surface.
• For deeper cleanings, bathtub cleaning or water immersion may be used. First, remove the product from your window and immerse entire assembly in lukewarm water with a mild detergent. Wash for  five  minutes  by  gently  moving  liquid  around  with  your  fingers. Rinse with clean water. Before removing from the rinse water, close or tilt the shade to allow excess water to drain off. Re-install into window opening and lower blind or shade all the way to allow it to dry completely.
• If you are unsure if your blinds or shades are faux wood or composite, contact a window treatment expert.

Wood Products

• Dust regularly with a dry, soft cloth, Swiffer or feather duster.
• DO NOT use ultrasonic cleaning or chemical solvents. Scrubbing cleansers are also not recommended and will damage the product.
• Lemon oil or wood preservatives can be used to clean stain-finished wood blinds and shutters. Avoid using water, which may damage the surface.
• To ensure a long life, protect all fine wood products from exposure to steam or high moisture areas, rain or outside irrigation systems.
• When cleaning any window, spray glass cleaner on the cloth rather than spraying directly on the window. This will prevent damage to the wood finish by splattering cleaner.

Fabric Treatments and Soft Sheer Shades

• Dust regularly using a dry, soft cloth, Swiffer or feather duster to maintain like-new appearance. Many fabric shades are already treated to repel dust and dirt.
• For deeper  cleaning,  vacuum  gently  with  the  brush  attachment  of  your  vacuum. Be careful not to crimp or crumple the shade when vacuuming.
• Daily operation  (raising  and  lowering  the  shade)  will  also  contribute  toward  repelling dust.
• Compressed air  can  be  used  in  the  air  pockets  of  cellular  shades  or  in the  vanes  of  a  soft  sheer  horizontal  shade  to  remove  any  trapped debris.
• A hair  dryer  (non-heat  setting  only)  can  be  used  to  blow  off  dust  from  all shades. Only use cool air.  Hot  or  warm  air  can  melt  the  sheer  fabric  surrounding  the  fabric  vanes in soft sheer horizontal shades.
• Spot-clean shades,  blinds  and other fabric treatments with  a  soft  cloth,  or  a  sponge  moistened  with  lukewarm water. Blot gently to avoid creasing or damaging the fabric. Rubbing can damage fabrics.
• Do NOT  use  magnetic  cleaners,  such  as  a  dusting  mitt  or  Swiffer,  on  room-darkening fabrics.  This may damage the room-darkening backing.
• When cleaning  any  window,  spray  glass  cleaner  on  a  cloth  rather  than  spraying  directly  on  the window. This will prevent damage to the fabrics by splattering cleaner.
• For deep grime or stains, fabric window treatments may need to be removed and professionally cleaned. Some drapers and curtains may be dry cleaned. Do not machine wash drapes and curtains. Check with the manufacturer for recommended cleaning instructions.

For more information on window treatment care or if you’re interested in updating your blinds, shades, shutters and more, contact Made in the Shade Wichita at (316) 272-2173 for a free, in-home consultation.