Spring Cleaning: How to Clean Your Window Treatments
It happens all the time: Homeowners undertake serious spring-cleaning projects but forget about or skip their window treatments. At Cindy's Window Fashions, our experts know that these coverings are considerable investments that deserve regular attention. Daily buildup and stains may shorten their lifespans, but if window treatment cleaning is on your to-do list, they’ll last much longer.
Cleaning your Hunter Douglas window treatments doesn’t have to feel complicated, as long as you’re careful. And since there are different categories of window treatments, we’ve tailored our cleaning tips for each one.
How To Clean Window Blinds That Are Horizontal
Cleaning window blinds depends on the covering’s material, but you can start by dusting the slats or using your vacuum cleaner attachment to remove buildup. Avoid getting wood blinds overly wet, as that can cause warping or mildew growth. Instead, use a dry or slightly damp cleaning cloth to wipe each slat. Faux wood, on the other hand, can handle a bit more moisture, so a mild soap solution works well for deeper cleaning.
Close your blinds and work horizontally along the slats, then reverse them to clean the other side. And for that stubborn grime? A soft sponge can loosen residue without scratching the surface. Dry thoroughly with a microfiber rag to reduce streaks or water spots.
How To Clean Vertical Window Blinds
The cleaning process of vertical window blinds is slightly different due to the opposite orientation. Start by removing dust with a vacuum attachment or dust cloth, moving from top to bottom along each vane. Wipe down vanes with a damp cloth or remove them for a more thorough wash in lukewarm water. Then, leave them open or lay them flat to dry.
Additionally, keeping the tracks clean is equally important, as dirt can affect the smooth operation of the blinds. For more precise results, use a clean toothbrush to reach the narrow spaces.
How To Clean Cellular Shades
Cellular shades boast great energy efficiency benefits, but their honeycomb-like structure can trap dust. A vacuum with the brush attachment on a low setting should gently remove dust from the surfaces.
For deeper cleaning, use compressed air to clear out debris from inside the cells. You can spot-clean cellular shades with mild detergent, but don’t get the material too wet, as excess water can damage the fabric and the internal structure. And always allow fabric shades like these to air dry completely before raising them.
How To Care for Drapes Properly
Drapes require a different approach. It’s best to check the care label first to determine whether they’re machine washable, hand washable, or dry-clean-only. Lightweight fabrics may handle a gentle wash cycle, while heavier materials and those with room-darkening liners usually need professional care.
You can steam drapery to remove wrinkles and refresh the fabric without taking the drapes down, which helps eliminate odors and light dust.
Learn More Window Treatment Cleaning Near Gresham, OR
Knock another to-do off your list of spring-cleaning chores with confidence, as you clean your custom window treatments properly. If you have any questions, visit our showrooms, contact us for a consultation, or call (503) 667-8898. At Cindy's Window Fashions, we’re family-owned and operated, and we want you to have peace and comfort in your home. That starts with fresh, clean blinds and shades.
Cindy’s Window Fashions, a local Hunter Douglas window fashions store, proudly serves Gresham, Portland, Clackamas, Happy Valley, Damascus, Sandy, Oregon City, Milwaukie, Corbett, Hood River, Cascade Locks, Lake Oswego, Beaverton, Hillsboro, Tigard, West Linn, Fairfield, Troutdale, OR, and Vancouver, Camas, Battle Ground, WA.