Most window treatments require little maintenance beyond light dusting or gentle vacuuming to keep them looking new for years. When choosing the best cleaning methods for your blinds, shades, sheers and other types of treatments, it is important to consider what materials they are made of.
Below is a list of some of the most common materials you will see, along with our recommended best practices.
Faux Wood or Vinyl
To reduce static cling and help repel dust, wipe your faux wood and vinyl blinds with dryer sheets. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or chemical solvents, as they may scratch or damage the surface. To clean stubborn marks or fingerprints, use a mild soap and water solution. Avoid ammonia-based products.
Wood or Composite
As with other wood elements in your home, wood and composite blinds require a little extra care.
Clean them using a feather duster, soft dusting mitt or microfiber cloth. A vacuum with a soft brush attachment may also be used. Avoid using chemical solvents and harsh cleaners as they may damage the finish, and remember to protect all wood products from exposure to moisture to prevent warping and discoloring. Avoid ultrasonic cleaning.
Fabric Shades and Shadings
Light dusting is recommended for all fabric window treatments. Do not use magnetic dusters on room-darkening fabrics.
Best Practices for Cleaning Your Window Treatments
- Dusting: Regular light dusting maintains a like-new appearance for most blinds, shades, shadings and sheers.
- Vacuuming: For deeper cleaning, vacuum gently with a soft brush attachment.
- Compressed air or hair dryer: Use a hair dryer to blow dust from fabric treatments and remove dirt or dead bugs from inside cells or vane panels. Always use a non-heat setting.
- Spot cleaning: Spot clean shades and blinds with a soft cloth or sponge and warm water. Add mild detergent if needed. Blot gently (do not rub) to avoid creasing or damaging the fabric.
- Bathtub cleaning (water immersion): Use only for faux wood or vinyl products and some, but not all, cellular fabrics. The headrails should not be immersed in water.
- Steaming: Steaming can be done to remove wrinkles from some fabrics. Opt for a handheld travel-size steamer that provides continuous steam.
- Professional cleaning: Methods such as ultrasonic cleaning and injection/extraction cleaning are only recommended for specific products and materials. Ask a Primera expert before deciding on the right cleaning service for your window treatments.
Dust Weekly and Deep Clean Often.
It is easy to overlook your window treatments when there are countless other household chores on your to-do list, but weekly dusting and vacuuming will go a long way toward keeping them looking like new. A more thorough cleaning can be done seasonally to help eliminate dust, pet dander and other debris; this is especially important for fabric window treatments, which can trap allergens and impact your indoor air quality.
Your Unique Window Treatments are Waiting
Primera offers a wide variety of window treatment selections for every taste and style. Whether you are working with a design client or exploring ideas for your new home, our experienced team can answer any questions you may have to ensure the entire process—from selection to installation—is as seamless as possible.
Call (866) 752-7336 or email us at info@primera.net. Better yet, schedule an appointment online to come in and meet with us!
