Learning how to clean Cellular Shades is a skill that comes in handy, especially when you want your shades to retain their color and style for as long as possible. Not only do cellular shades provide insulation and light control, but they also enhance the aesthetic appeal of your home. However, over time, they can accumulate dust and grime, which might dull their vibrant look and even affect their functionality.
As shade experts, we’ll walk you through cleaning your shades step-by-step, providing practical tips and proven techniques to keep your shades in shipshape. In addition to keeping your shades looking as good as new, treating your shades with care can extend their lifetime and maintain functionality over time.
How to Clean Cellular Shades: A Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Dusting
The first line of defense in keeping your cellular shades clean is dusting. Use a feather duster, a clean cloth, or a vacuum with a brush attachment on the lowest setting to gently move across your shades horizontally, starting from the top and moving to the bottom. Ideally, shades should be dusted weekly to prevent the build-up of dust over time.
For those using a vacuum, try using it to suck dust out of your shades’ cells for an even deeper clean.
Step 2: Spot Cleaning
Ideal for minor stains or dirt patches, spot cleaning is an easy way to remove everyday grime. Mix together a solution of warm water and mild dish soap in a bowl, dampen a clean cloth in the solution, wring out excess water, and blot the stained area until you see the stain start to fade. Don’t rub the stain, as it may damage the fabric or spread the stain further. Once the stain has faded, rinse the fabric in clean water and blot it again to remove any soap residue that might remain. When you’re finished spot cleaning, allow your damp shades to air dry.
Step 3: Deep Cleaning
A necessity for heavily soiled shades, deep cleaning helps remove large stains and grime from shades that haven’t been cleaned in a while– because while most of us are well-intentioned, sometimes we forget that our shades need regular maintenance. To deep clean, we suggest bathing your shades in a tub or bin filled with warm water and a color-free cleaning agent. Soak your shades as long as you need to– without scrubbing any stains or spots.
To dry your shades, either hang them back up (making sure the shades are raised up all of the way to maintain their pleats), or lay them out flat on the floor over towels or cardboard.
However, there are a few caveats to giving your shades a bath– and that’s if your shades are old or constructed from blackout fabric. Soaking old fabric can cause it to come apart, so if you’re cleaning old shades, it’s best to stick with spot cleaning and dusting. If you’re cleaning blackout shades, water should be avoided at all costs, unless you’re cleaning a small spot. We recommend sticking to spot cleaning Blackout Cellular Shades as well.
The Trick to Shade Maintenance: Prevention
The best way to keep your Cellular Shades in excellent condition is to prevent heavy soiling in the first place. Regular dusting and occasional spot cleaning can go a long way to preserving the look, function, and longevity of your shades– and it only takes a few minutes out of your day!
Got more questions? Connect with one of our shade gurus for more advice on cleaning cellular shades.