CLEANING & CARING FOR YOUR NEW WINDOW TREATMENTS

​Prolong the life of your window treatments by properly cleaning and caring for them. Your custom window treatments from LC Window Treatments are designed to require minimal care, however regular upkeep is still necessary. Proper cleaning and care depends on the fabrics and construction of your window treatment. Check out our tips!

​Safe Ways to Clean Your Window Treatments

When cleaning the actual window, spray glass cleaner directly on the cloth rather than the window to prevent  cleaning chemicals from damaging your window treatment.

​Wood or Composite Blinds and Shutters

Wipe down composite wood window treatments with dryer sheets to reduce static cling and repel dust. We do not recommend using any chemical or ultrasonic cleaning solvents as they may damage the product. When cleaning composite shutters, use a mild soap on a damp rag and allow them to air dry.  To clean real wood shutters, treat them like any stained wood furniture.  Never use water or harsh chemical cleaners.   To remove dust, swipe the louvers clean with a swifter or microfiber cloth or the brush attachment of your vacuum.

Roman Shades
 
Fabric Shades need to be periodically “dressed,” which involves steaming the fabric to achieve a uniform appearance along the full length of the shade. We recommend using a hand-held steamer on the lowest setting. To remove any dust or allergens, you may also use a vacuum on the lowest setting with a soft brush attachment. Do not place the brush attachment directly on the fabric to avoid damage.

Draperies

Daily care for drapery panels can be simple; gently shake them out as they are drawn closed at night. This can help prevent dust and dirt from getting into the fibers. Every month or so use a vacuum on the lowest setting with a soft brush attachment. Pay special attention to the bottom half of the window treatments, as this is where most dust typically accumulates. For a deeper clean, drapery treatments should be professionally cleaned.

Cellular Honeycomb Shades

Mild detergents-such as Woolite-spot removers, and dry cleaning may harm your cellular shades.  Dusting and vacuuming are recommended for monthly maintenance.  Spot clean with a mild soap.  For deep stains or soil, contact a cleaner from the certified network of ultrasonic cleaners.  To locate a certified window treatments cleaner in your area, visit blindcleaners.biz.

Roller Shades
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Cleaning methods depend largely on the material of the roller shade. Various fabrics include: vinyl, fabric,polyester, or delicate materials like mercerised cotton used to make Plisse shades.
If your shades are vinyl you do not need to be overly delicately with how you handle them. If your shades are cloth however, you will want to give them plenty of TLC. For routine cleaning, use a feather duster or a soft hand broom to flick dust, dirt, or uninvited inhabitants off the roller shade. For a more thorough cleaning use a vacuum on the lowest setting with a soft brush attachment.

Woven Wood Shades

Woven wood shade materials can vary depending on your product. Use a vacuum with hose attachment to remove dust from the crevices in the fabric. Gently sweep the brush attachment across the fabric until it’s clean. Never use water or harsh cleaners on woven wood shades – they can damage lift strings, materials, and cause discoloration.
If your shades are made of wood slats or bamboo, you may be able to wipe them down with a lint-free cloth and furniture polish. Always spray the polish on the cloth first and then wipe down your shades rather than spraying the material itself.

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​How often should I clean my window treatments?

Window treatments need to be regularly maintained to have them looking as great as they did when they were first installed. However, this key chore is often overlooked by many home-owners. Adding  your window treatments into your weekly cleaning routine will make it less of a chore. You should be periodically dusting them.

In addition to the weekly care you should occasionally give your window treatments a thorough  cleaning to eliminate and remove allergens. Window treatments act as a kind of filter between your home and the outdoors, so inevitability they can pick up dirt, pollens, pet dander and other allergens over time. This is especially true with fabric window treatments that are low to the floor like panels or drapes. Once your window treatments pick up allergens, they can impact the air quality of your home. As the air blows in through the windows, it’ll unsettle the allergens, which will cause them to circulate throughout your home. The perfect time to schedule a deep cleaning for your window treatment is during your spring cleaning routine.

If you still are unsure about the proper care/cleaning for your window treatments, contact us today for help!