How to Clean Fabric Window Shades
Are you someone who prefers style and comfort, all in one? And you are always on the lookout to keep your home looking appealing and in line with your energy? If so, we are pretty sure that you have fabric window shades already installed in your home or office by now.
These fabric window coverings are a stylish and functional addition to any home. They offer numerous benefits to individuals, including privacy, light control, and a soft touch to the overall interior design.
However, like any other household item, these shades can also become dirty, which is why they require regular cleaning to maintain their appearance and functionality. Clean window shades are essential for keeping the room cool in the summer and protecting the environment from losing its heat insulation in winter.
Many individuals may find cleaning fabric window shades extremely difficult. However, if we tell you how to perform this task using the correct method, it can become an easy and rewarding process. Here's what you need to know to clean your fabric window shades effectively, helping you restore their fresh, vibrant look.
Why Cleaning Fabric Window Shades is Important?
Fabric window shades can collect dust, dirt, and allergens over time, which not only affects their appearance but also contributes to poor air quality in your home. This bad quality of air can lead to dust allergies and other health issues.
If you are wondering what weekly cleaning can do for your fabric shades, they can enhance the appearance of your room, increase the lifespan of your window coverings, and bring you additional benefits.
Better Appearance
Clean shades brighten your windows and improve the overall aesthetics of your room. You will achieve a tidy and sophisticated look with these clean shades.
Enhance Their Lifespan
Regular maintenance of window coverings is necessary to prevent wear and tear. It will further ensure that your shades last longer and always look as if they are newly bought.
Improve Air Quality
Dust, pollen, and other allergens that settle on your shades can affect your health. Regularly cleaning these fabric window shades helps reduce indoor allergens. This will significantly enhance the overall state of your home, providing a neat and peaceful environment.
What You Will Need to Clean Your Fabric Window Shades?
Before you start the cleaning process, it's essential to gather all the necessary tools and cleaning products that can help you achieve the oh-so-perfect results. These items that can make your task much easier include:
Vacuum cleaner
Mild detergent
Warm water
Soft cloths or microfiber towels
A bucket
A sponge or soft brush
A ladder to reach higher windows
Step 1: Prepare Your Shades for Cleaning
You need to prepare your shades for an in-depth cleaning. The first thing you need to do is remove any loose dust or debris by dusting it off from the window coverings. This step will prevent dirt from being pushed deeper into the fabric during the cleaning process.
Lower the shades: Gently lower the shades to their full length to make cleaning easier.
Vacuum the shades: Using the brush attachment on your vacuum cleaner, gently vacuum the fabric to remove dust and dirt. Work your way from the top of the shade to the bottom to prevent dust from falling onto already cleaned areas.
Check for stains: Inspect the fabric for any visible stains or spots. Treat any stains before you start the cleaning process.
Step 2: Test the Cleaning Solution
Before applying any cleaning solution to your shade, you need to test it on a small area. This ensures that the cleaning solution won't cause any damage or discolouration to the fabric.
Select a mild detergent: Choose a mild detergent that’s suitable for delicate fabrics.
Test in a small area: Apply a small amount of the cleaning solution to a hidden area of the fabric and allow it to dry. If you do not see any adverse reaction, proceed with cleaning the rest of the shade.
Step 3: Clean the Fabric Window Shades
Once your fabric window shades are ready and tested with the suitable washing detergent, it's time to start cleaning them.
Prepare the cleaning solution: To prepare your cleaning solution, fill a bucket with warm water and add a small amount of mild detergent. Stir until the detergent dissolves completely.
Dampen a soft cloth or sponge: Dip a soft cloth or sponge into the soapy water and wring it out to remove excess liquid. It’s important not to soak the fabric, as excess water can damage the material or cause it to stretch.
Gently clean the shades: Start cleaning from the top of the shade and work your way down, using gentle strokes. Be sure to focus on any stained areas. Avoid scrubbing too hard, as this can damage the fabric.
Use a soft brush for tough stains: For stubborn stains, gently scrub the area with a soft-bristled brush. Work in circular motions to lift the stain without harming the fabric.
Step 4: Rinse and Dry the Shades
Once your fabric window shades are clean, it's time to rinse off any soap residue and dry them properly to prevent any damage or mould growth.
Rinse the fabric: Dampen a clean cloth with plain water and wipe down the shades to remove any soap residue. It’s essential to remove all detergent to prevent it from leaving streaks or attracting dirt in the future.
Dry the shades: Use a clean, dry microfiber towel to blot the shades and absorb excess moisture. Allow the shades to air dry by lowering them and letting them dry completely. Avoid direct sunlight, as this can cause fading.
Optional: Dry cleaning method: If your shades are too large or delicate to wash by hand, consider taking them to a professional dry cleaner who specialises in fabric window treatments.
Step 5: Reinstall the Shades
After your fabric window shades have dried completely, you need to learn how to reinstall them. For the reinstallation of your fabric window shades, follow these simple steps.
Rehang the shades carefully: If you had to remove the shades for cleaning, carefully rehang them on the window covering rod.
Check for wrinkles: If you notice that your fabric window shades have become wrinkled during the cleaning process, gently smooth out any wrinkles by hand. If the wrinkles persist, consider using a handheld steamer on a low setting to help reduce them.
How Often Should You Clean Fabric Window Shades?
The frequency of cleaning your fabric window shades depends on several factors, including their location in your home and the amount of dust or dirt they are exposed to. There are higher possibilities that the shades in the kitchen or the living room are likely to get dirtier. You will need to have an in-depth cleaning every 3-6 months, while fabric shades, typically found in bedrooms or offices, require cleaning once or twice a year. However, weekly light cleaning, such as light dusting, can help keep them neat and extend their maximum lifespan.
Conclusion
Cleaning your fabric window shades can become a tiring and frustrating task, especially if you're unsure of the best method. However, with the right approach and a bit of patience, you can restore them to their original, fresh look. Start by gathering the necessary items and test patching a mild detergent on your fabric shades. Follow our simple steps for cleaning, rinse, and dry them thoroughly before reinstalling for the best results. If you're looking for professional window cleaning services, we can help you achieve pristine, sparkling shades without the hassle.
However, if you want to clean your windows along with your window covering, you can always take assistance from the expert cleaners at Neighbours Windows, located in Winnipeg. With regular cleaning of windows and their shades, you can enhance the overall appearance of your house or office while appreciating the elite look you’ll get after the cleaning process.
