Skip to main content

How to Clean Blinds & Other Window Treatments

Vacuuming shades with upholstery attachment

Let's be honest. When was the last time you cleaned your window treatments? If it's been way too long, you're not alone. It's an intimidating task, especially if you don't know how to clean blinds. You might be afraid of doing it wrong. I know I was the first time I cleaned my cellular shades!

But once you learn how to clean blinds and shades, you'll realize it's not that hard...and it makes a big difference.

Regular cleaning will keep your window treatments looking like new, help them last longer, and reduce the dust and allergens in your house.

Here's how to clean blinds and other window treatments with confidence!

How to Clean Blinds

In general, blinds can be lightly dusted with a feather duster on a regular basis (weekly/monthly). Twice a year, you can give them more of a deep clean. Read more about how to clean blinds.

Note: All vacuuming recommended below is with the upholstery attachment.

Horizontal Blinds, Faux Wood Blinds, Soft Vertical Blinds, Fabric Blinds

Lightly vacuum and spot clean with a soft cloth or sponge. Use a mild soap and warm water. Note: Be careful not to crush or wrinkle fabric blinds.

Wood Blinds

For painted and stained finishes, dust with a soft cloth. Never use water on wooden blinds.

Vinyl Vertical Blinds

You can remove vinyl vanes and soak them in water. Use a thin layer of mild soap to protect against static electricity.

Fabric vanes should not be soaked in water or dry cleaned.

bali-design-blog-how-to-clean-shades.jpg

How to Clean Shades

Shades can be cleaned (monthly/quarterly) by lightly vacuuming with the upholstery attachment. Read more on how to give your shades a deeper clean. Note: Always allow the shades to air dry completely before raising.

Cellular Shades

Spot clean using a soft cloth or sponge, a mild soap, and warm water. Wipe the area gently in the direction parallel to the pleats in the fabric, until stains are removed. Be careful not to crush or wrinkle the fabric. Avoid strong soaps or spot removers. Dry cleaning is not recommended.

Pleated Shades

Spot clean with mild soap and a soft cloth or sponge. For deep stains or soil, contact a cleaner from the certified network of ultrasonic cleaners.

Classic Roman Shades

Remove the shade from the window before cleaning. Open it fully and lay the fabric on a flat surface. Spot clean using a soft cloth or sponge, a mild detergent, and warm water. Do not use strong soaps or spot removers. Dry cleaning and ultrasonic cleaning methods are not recommended.

Tailored Roman Shades

Fabric window treatments are not meant to be washed; even spot cleaning with water, club soda, soaps, or cleansers is not recommended. If your Bali Tailored Roman Shades need a thorough cleaning, have the shades cleaned by experienced professionals. Not all dry cleaners know how to clean shades safely and effectively, so be sure to ask!

Solar/Roller Shades

Small stains can be wiped clean with a damp cloth and mild soap. Do not soak in water.

Natural Shades

Light vacuuming with a brush attachment is the best way to keep natural shades clean. Do not use water or liquid cleaners.

bali-design-blog-vacuuming-shades-1.jpg

How to Clean Drapery

In general, the best way to clean drapery is with the upholstery attachment of your vacuum. Never launder drapery yourself. Decorative fabrics are not meant to be washed; even spot cleaning with water, club soda, soaps, or cleansers is not recommended.

If they do need a thorough cleaning, have the drapes washed by experienced professionals. Not all dry cleaners know how to clean drapery safely and effectively, so be sure to ask! Since the methods of independent companies vary, Bali cannot guarantee ultrasonic or injection/extraction cleaning methods.

How to Clean Shutters

In general, shutters should be cleaned by dusting regularly or lightly vacuuming. Do not use water on wood shutters.

I hope this guide gives you some clarity on how to clean blinds, shades, drapery, and shutters! If you have questions about your particular window treatments, contact Bali Customer Service for additional guidance.