Window treatments are the finishing touch to a well-appointed home. Once they are set, you’ve created an incredible look and the perfect atmosphere. But, how do you maintain their beauty for years to come? Setting a routine for cleaning blinds, shades, shutters and drapery to reduce dust and prevent allergens in your space can help.
Ask an Expert
Remember there are specific recommendations for taking care of your window treatments, it’s important to consult the manufacturer’s instructions. Their website or instructional manuals will provide details and best practices for taking care of fabrics and materials. At One Stop Decorating we can help point you in the right direction.
Hard Treatments: Cleaning Blinds & Shutters
Wood, metal, composite blinds and shutters are what we refer to as hard treatments, and they are simple to clean. You’ll find, blinds and shutters are made of similar materials, so the instructions will sound similar.
Regular Cleaning
A sure way to keep your blinds and shutters looking new is with regular cleaning. A handheld duster, cloth, or glove made from clean, dry microfiber is best to use. Close the slats/louvers flat and wipe the window coverings from side to side. Adjust them toward the ceiling to clean the other side. A couple helpful products we have found are sold online, a window blinds cleaning kit comes with a variety of tools and the extension dusting kit helps to reach high places. For tighter spots like corners and shutter hinges, use a clean toothbrush or natural fiber paint brush for best results.
Keeping Fabric Shades Looking Fresh
Soft treatments can be tricky to clean. They need a bit more TLC. To keep them free of dust, clean shades gently and intentionally. There are a number of options to consider below:
Microfiber: Cloth, Duster, Gloves
You’ll use a similar method of dusting for cleaning blinds and shutters. Use a gentle side-to-side wiping method for horizontal shades and top to bottom for vertical fabric blinds. Built up dirt and dust can cause soiled fabrics overtime , so be cautious. For more in-depth cleaning use these methods…
Canned Air
Canned air is a gentle way of cleaning fabrics and doesn’t fuss with the shape and an increasingly popular method for cleaning window shades. These two options are available when using canned air: A rechargeable canned air dusting tool or disposable cans of air that you may have seen before.
The Vacuum
The most recognized cleaning process for fabrics, the vacuum, can remove dust and allergens easily. But, be cautious. It’s recommended that you use a vacuum on the lowest setting, and even better if you have an upholstery tool that attaches to the vacuum. Here’s a vacuum cleaner with adjustable settings, along with two upholstery attachments.
Tricky Spots
If you have a visible dirt spot or possible stain, you may be able to clean your shades by spot cleaning. Use a clean sponge, lightly dampened with lukewarm water. Be sure to squeeze the sponge to ensure no water droplets remain. Gently wipe the spot and repeat. Next, keep your window shades in the closed position until they are completely dry.
Maintenance for Draperies & Curtains
Maintain the beauty of your draperies and curtains while removing dust, allergens and even pet hair. Here’s how:
- Identify Your Fabric: What kind of fabrics do you have in your home? Knowing this will help you figure out which cleaning methods will work best without causing any damage.
- Test the Fabric: Be cautious. Take the time to test a small, inconspicuous area before applying cleaner, steam or water. This way. you won’t damage the fabric beyond repair.
- Dry Cleaning Methods: Specialty fabrics and stitching techniques can be delicate and may require special cleaning to prevent shrinking. Check local businesses for pricing on Dry Clean Only treatments.
- Using a Steam Cleaner: Steam cleaning will remove dust and freshen the fabrics. The good news, they can remain hanging while being cleaned, and then left to air dry.
- Machine Wash: Some fabric curtains can be machine washed, the recommendation will be to use cold water on a delicate cycle. Remove the curtains from the machine promptly and hang dry or lie flat to dry.
- Wrinkle Remover: Light ironing can be done following the fabric type guidance. Again, testing a small area before applying to the entire set is advisable.
- Tackling Pet Hair: Keeping a lint roller on hand, you can quickly and efficiently remove pet hair from curtains. The vacuum is also a great option: upholstery attachments and low settings is the best way to get the pet hair away from your window treatments.
The Secret to Keeping a Clean Home
Housekeeping is part of homeownership. Keeping your home clean and fresh is important. Regular dusting should be part of your regular cleaning routine, including window treatment. Some shades may need more attention than others, it’s important to ask an expert or refer to the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions. Need help cleaning shades, blinds, shutters and drapery? Contact us for guidance.
