Routine maintenance of window treatments reduces unwanted allergens, enhances their appearance, and increases their longevity, ensuring a healthier and more visually appealing home. Regular cleaning prevents dust and dirt buildup, which can cause fabric and materials to deteriorate over time. In this blog post, we’ll offer expert tips for cleaning each type of window treatment to help you maintain their beauty and functionality.
Cleaning Tip #1: Sustaining Bright & Beautiful Blinds
For cleaning blinds, we recommend lowering the blinds, tilting the slats closed, and vacuuming with a soft brush attachment on each side to remove dust and dirt thoroughly. Alternatively, you can tilt the slats open and use a feather duster on each one for a quick clean, ensuring all surfaces are addressed.
For wood blinds, we recommend using spray wood polish on a cloth to gently wipe them clean and then letting them air dry to maintain their natural luster. For faux wood, vinyl, or aluminum blinds, spot clean with a mixture of mild soap and warm water using a soft cloth, and then let them air dry to avoid any damage and ensure they stay looking their best. Regularly cleaning your blinds this way will keep them looking fresh and functioning well.
Cleaning Tip #2: Protecting Stainless & Sparkling Shades
Due to their delicate nature, we recommend pulling down cellular and roller shades and lightly vacuuming or dusting with a soft bristle brush attachment or feather duster. Spot clean only when necessary. For Roman shades, vacuum them in place with a soft bristle brush attachment; if needed, remove the shade, lay the fabric flat, spot clean with mild soap and warm water using a soft cloth, and then air dry before re-hanging to maintain their shape and appearance.
Cleaning Tip #3: Refrishing Shiny & Spotless Shutters
We recommend dusting shutters with a dry cloth to remove surface dirt, followed by spot cleaning with mild soap, warm water, and a soft cloth as needed. Remove any excess water immediately to prevent damage, then allow the shutters to air dry completely.
Cleaning Tip #4: Maintaining Charming & Comfortable Curtains
For cotton curtains, we recommend vacuuming them from top to bottom with an upholstery attachment, then removing, taking off hardware, and washing on a delicate cycle before ironing to dry. For sheer curtains, vacuum first, then remove the panels, submerge in cold water with detergent, rinse, submerge again in water, and press out water gently. Hang to dry. We recommend consulting a professional cleaner for silk curtains to ensure their delicate fabric is handled correctly. Read more about the Art of Crafting Custom Window Treatments here.
We suggest cleaning your window treatments as often as you clean your home, with a deep cleaning at least once a year to maintain their appearance and functionality. If you have any questions or need assistance, feel free to contact us. We’re here to help you select the ideal window treatments for your home and ensure they stay in perfect condition.
Do you have a question about cleaning your specific window treatments? We are here to help. Contact us!
Xoxo,
Jill