If you’re like most Arizona residents, you’ve probably spent considerable time getting your window treatments just right. That said, if you want to extend the life of your window coverings, prevent further damage and minimize wear and tear, we’ve got some great routine maintenance tips to help you prevent dirt and dust buildup.
Some people don’t even recognize cleaning shades as a necessity! There are many different types of window treatments, as well as different fabrics and materials. Learning the best cleaning methods and proper care for your window treatments will ensure their smooth operation and longevity. So let’s get started!
Regular Maintenance Tips
Curtains & Drapes, Roman & Fabric Shades
You can use a vacuum cleaner with an upholstery attachment or a soft brush attachment for dusting curtains and drapery, fabric shades, and even Roman shades. It’s really important to vacuum your drapes and fabric shades slowly and gently.
Be consistent with this, once every two weeks, as part of your regular cleaning process. Using a vacuum cleaner attachment to clean them effectively gets rid of dust, pet dander, dead bugs, and other allergens, to help restore indoor air quality.
These window treatments, which include roman shades as well, can collect pollutants, and keeping them vacuumed will improve air circulation. and keeping them clean adds an aesthetic appeal to your living space.
Blinds, Shades with Slats
The first step of regular maintenance for most blinds or shades made from wood or plastic with horizontal or vertical slats, is really all about having a regular dusting routine. You can do this effectively in one of two ways, and about once a week for best practices.
The first is to use a feather duster, which is easiest. You can also use a microfiber cloth, and gently remove dust. You do not need to remove the blinds from the window frames for this part of the regular cleaning routine. This also goes for woven wood shades.
Faux Wood Blinds or Shutters
Faux wood blinds and shutters are quite popular, partly because they are designed to withstand harsh weather and extreme temperatures, including UV rays. So it’s important to mention the slightly different method for cleaning them.
Maintenance is simple. Start by mixing a cleaning solution with a few drops of Dawn (or other mild detergent) in lukewarm water. Take a soft, clean cloth and dampen it in the solution. Wipe down both sides of each slat, then rub a dryer sheet over each one. This helps prevent dust buildup.
Motorized Window Treatments, Roller Shades, & Cellular Shades
For roller shades and cellular shades, routine maintenance is the same as for curtains and drapes. Using a vacuum cleaner is ideal, but don’t allow it to tug on this shade material, when cleaning roller and cellular shades.
Be gentle, and use the soft brush attachment. Luckily, motorized blinds and especially roller shades are easier to clean. They’re typically one long strip of material, so lower fully and clean by gently wiping each side down with a soft cloth. For a deeper cleaning of roller shades, microfiber cloths work well.
But for roller shades and motorized blinds, avoid any harsh chemicals and avoid any water in the motor compartment. Be careful with the roller mechanism on roller shades. Always allow to air-dry thoroughly.
Spot Cleaning
We all know that sometimes our window coverings get unknown spots and stains, and a little spot cleaning is needed. In this case, all you need is a cleaning solution of warm water and a mild detergent soap.
Take a soft, damp cloth and gently dab the spot, blotting at it but not wiping or rubbing it. This can damage the curtain or shade fabric.
You may have to repeat this process two or three times. Make sure you allow any fabric to air dry completely, afterwards.
Deep Cleaning
When you have really stubborn stains or extra soiled window coverings that may require a deeper cleaning, you have a few options. The first step to a deep cleaning starts with checking the manufacturer’s instructions, whenever possible.
Sometimes all it takes for a deeper cleaning with drapes and certain fabrics is to be machine washed (gentle cycle). Some delicate materials may need professional cleaners like a dry cleaning service.
There are many fabrics that can also be steam cleaned, another type of professional cleaning. These are the recommended methods for deep cleaning window coverings.
Additional Tips
Here are some more helpful tips:
- Avoid exposure to high heat or using hot water
- Deep cleaning should be done at least twice per year
- Always test your cleaning solution on an inconspicuous area before spot-cleaning
- Do not immerse window treatments in water unless instructions say otherwise
- Check hardware regularly
- Address any repairs needed as they arise
We Repair Broken Window Treatments
Here at Arizona Blinds Company, we can handle all your window treatment repairs, typically at a very reasonable cost. Broken slats on window blinds compromise your privacy and light control. It’s also common for blinds and shades to need to be restrung.
We can fix these simple problems quickly and efficiently, as well as any problems with motors from motorized window treatments. Proper installation is crucial, so when you need professional help, why not schedule a free, in-house consultation at Arizona Blinds Company, today?
