A Quick & Easy Guide on How to Clean Your Window Treatments

You’ve just taken a look at several different window treatment options in your space. There are a couple aesthetics you just LOVE, but you can’t decide which to choose…

Sometimes, maintenance can be the tie-breaker!

I know it sounds a little silly, but if you’re simplifying your life and your space, the last thing you want or need is high-maintenance window treatments. We have kids, grandkids, and furbabies for that. 😉

To help you make a decision that works with your lifestyle, I’ve compiled this simple summary of cleaning requirements by window treatment. Take a look at a few you’re deciding between, or look at all of them if you haven’t narrowed it down yet.

As always, feel free to ask questions and I’m more than happy to weigh in. Enjoy!

How to Clean Wood, Faux Wood, Vertical and Aluminum Blinds

Wood Blinds

Need only a weekly light feather dusting
Do NOT use water to clean
Can treat the slats with Murphy’s Oil or another wood-safe product as desired

Faux Wood Blinds

Needs only a weekly light feather dusting
Can use a moist cloth and mild detergent for any necessary spot treatment

Vertical Blinds

The nice thing about vertical blinds is that they rarely collect any dust! This means they are generally low maintenance. If you have any pets or young children running around, we suggest opting for vinyl or wood blinds over fabric.

Fabric Vanes

Vacuum with a brush attachment every couple weeks or so
Treat with dry cleaners’ spot treatment if necessary

Vinyl Vanes

Vacuum with a brush attachment every couple weeks or so
Use hot water, a well-wrung microfiber cloth, and a gentle circular motion to remove any spots

Wood Vanes

Needs only a light feather dusting every few weeks
Do NOT use water to clean
Treat the vanes with Murphy’s Oil or another wood-safe product as desired

Aluminum Blinds

Water-resistant!
A light, weekly feather dusting will suffice
Use a soft sponge and mild detergent, or a vacuum cleaner with a soft brush attachment, to clean any dirt

How to Clean a Variety of Different Shades

Roller Shades

Fully extend the shade when cleaning and leaving to dry
Use mild dish detergent, warm water, and wring your soft cloth or sponge well!
Gently clean the shades from bottom to top

Solar Shades

Use a feather duster, soft cloth and mild detergent, or a vacuum cleaner with a soft brush attachment to clean

Cellular Shades

Our cellular shades are treated to resist stains and static electricity, making them easy to maintain!

Used compressed air to clean any dust or debris out of the cells every couple weeks or so
To clean the exterior, use a microfiber cloth, feather duster, or vacuum brush attachment

Pleated Shades

Start with a light feather dusting
Vacuum from top to bottom with a soft brush attachment if needed
You can usually treat spots with a soft sponge and mild detergent but it depends on the manufacturer

Roman Shades

Vacuum weekly with a soft brush attachment
Use a microfiber cloth or feather duster to remove dirt
In the event of a stain, blot immediately with club soda to keep the stain from setting and take the fabric to a trusted dry cleaner

Sheer Shades

Generally, a light vacuuming with a soft brush attachment is enough
To treat spots, use warm water, a well-wrung microfiber cloth, mild dish detergent, and a gentle hand

Layered Shades

Generally, a light vacuuming with a soft brush attachment is enough
To treat spot, use warm water, a well-wrung microfiber cloth, mild dish detergent, and a gentle hand