The popularity of cellular shades has increased in recent years.
Many folks love the way they look while others love the fact that they offer built-in insulation.
Yet, many households pass on additing (adding) cellular shades to their property.
Why?
The general impression is that although cellular shades look amazing, they’re difficult to clean without damaging them.
This is simply not the case.
Cellular shades are easy to clean and maintain – they just require different methods for keeping them looking their best.
Keep reading to find out how you can safely and effectively clean your cellular shades without damaging them.
Light Cleaning Methods for Cellular Shades
The best way to keep your cellular shades looking their best is to routinely clean them.
Gently running a soft microfiber cloth or feather duster along both sides of the expanded shades once a week helps keep dust and dirt from accumulating.
In the event that you miss a week or two of routine cleaning, you may have to use the next cleaning method.
Moderate Cleaning Methods for Cellular Shades
It’s amazing how much dust our households collect each day. Miss a week of light cleaning and you’ll easily spot the dust buildup on your tables, decorations and your cellular shades.
Then during the winter months, it seems like you’re dusting and cleaning every other day. That’s due to the fact that we spend more time indoors kicking up dust every time we walk, sit and move. Plus, it’s too cold to open up the windows and let the fresh air rid rooms of dust.
During these times, you may have to give your cellular shades a more moderate cleaning.
If the light cleaning methods aren’t adequate removing the extra dust, cobwebs and dirt from your shades, it’s time to vacuum them.
To do this, use the brush attachment of your vacuum cleaner.
Next, select the lowest setting on the vacuum and gently run the brush along each shade pleat.
When you’ve vacuumed one side, do the same to the opposite side. Then run a clean microfiber cloth or feather duster over the shades to disperse any dust or dirt that the vacuum may have missed.
While this method works well for removing tougher dust build-up, it can damage your shades if not performed properly. Remember, you can’t apply the same pressure to the shades as you would when you vacuum your carpet or furniture.
Use the slightest amount of pressure when moving the brush attachment across the shade pleats to avoid damaging them.
Additionally, you can help cut down on the amount of dust in your home during the winter months by vacuuming your carpets twice a week and replacing the air filter in your HVAC system.
Heavy Cleaning Methods for Cellular Shades
Even if you perform weekly light cleaning and occasional vacuuming, your cellular shades may still need a little extra TLC.
This is especially true if you have pets and children in your household. If that’s the case, then the chances of your shades encountering more dirt, dust, hair and stains may be more likely.
If light and moderate cleaning methods aren’t not delivering the best results, it’s time to give your dirty shades a more thorough cleaning.
To achieve your desired results and restore your shades to their glory, you’ll need a clean, soft white cloth, a bottle of dish soap, and a little bit of water.
Take your clean cloth and lightly dampen a small section with water. Be sure that it’s just damp and not dripping water. Excessive exposure to water may damage your shades.
Then, add a tiny dab of dish soap to the damp area of the cloth.
Gently blot the stained or soiled areas of the shade with the damp soapy section of the cloth. Do not rub or scrub the stained or soiled area as this will embed the dirt or stain deeper into the shade’s materials.
After you’ve finished lightly blotting the shade, leave it completely extended so it can dry. Once it’s completely dry, raise the shades for a few hours. This helps the shades retain their shape and pleating.
While light blotting with a damp, soapy cloth is safe when done correctly and only in extreme situations, it’s best to limit your shades exposure to water.
Please note, you should never soak your cellular shades in clean or soapy water as this practice will compromise the shades’ shape. Excessive water exposure also causes the shade’s metal components to rust and ruin its structural integrity.
How to Clean Cellular Shade Air Pockets
While cellular shades’ air pockets are what give them their unique look and insulating properties, they can also get clogged with dirt, debris and, occasionally, flies, spiders and insects.
To keep the air pockets clean and clear, use gentle blasts of air to clear them of everyday debris and uninvited guests.
Keep a can of compressed air with your cleaning supplies. Use it once a week to ensure that dirt and other contaminants don’t build up in your shade’s air pockets.
If you’re out of compressed air, simply use a hair dryer. Switching it to the lowest setting and selecting the cool air option will do the trick in a pinch!
Have More Cellular Shade Questions? Ask the Experts at Bartlett Blinds!
While cleaning cellular shades may be a bit different than cleaning other blinds and window coverings, it’s easy if you follow the above steps.
And remember, if you have any questions about cellular shades, just ask us!
As the area’s leading specialists in custom window treatments, we have the knowledge to help you make informed choices about your window treatment needs.
Contact Bartlett Blinds today to learn more about our selection of affordable cellular shades, blinds, shutters and other window treatments!