How to Clean and Care for Blinds and Shades

Custom window treatments are built to last for years, and a little regular care keeps them looking their best. The good news: most of the time, a gentle dusting is all they need. The most common mistake we see is cleaning too hard, not too little.

Before you start: every product and fabric is different. Check the care instructions that came with your window treatments, or call your nearest showroom if you’re unsure. When in doubt, start with the gentlest method and test any spot cleaning in a hidden area first.

Regular dusting: the most important step

For almost every product, regular dusting does most of the work.

• Use a feather duster or soft microfiber cloth every week or two.
• Vacuum with a soft brush attachment on low suction for a deeper clean every month or so.
• Lower the shade fully so you can reach the whole surface, and work from top to bottom.
• Don’t forget the headrail and bottom rail, where dust collects.

Designer tip: Add your window treatments to your regular dusting routine. Dust that sits for months is much harder to remove, especially in kitchens where it mixes with cooking oils.

Fabric shades

This includes cellular shades, Roman shades, roller shades and sheer shadings.

• Dust or vacuum gently with a soft brush attachment.
• For cellular shades, a hair dryer on the cool setting can blow dust out of the cells.
• Spot clean small marks with a damp, clean cloth, blotting rather than rubbing.
• Avoid soaking fabric shades or using harsh cleaners, which can damage or discolor the fabric.
• For sheer shadings, be extra gentle with the sheer facings.

Woven wood shades

Woven wood shades are made of natural materials like bamboo, reeds and grasses. Dust or vacuum gently, and avoid water, which can stain or warp natural fibers.

Wood and faux wood blinds

• Close the slats one way and dust, then close them the other way and dust again.
• Faux wood, like EverWood® Alternative Wood Blinds, can be wiped with a damp cloth and a little mild soap.
• Wipe real wood blinds, like Parkland® Wood Blinds, only with a dry or barely damp cloth, then dry them right away.

Metal and vertical blinds

Metal blinds can be dusted or wiped with a damp cloth. For vertical blinds, dust each vane from top to bottom and follow the care instructions for fabric vanes.

Shutters

Dust the louvers with a cloth or duster, working from the top down. Shutters made for humid rooms can usually be wiped with a damp cloth. Open and close the louvers as you go so you reach both sides.

Drapery

Vacuum drapery gently with a brush attachment now and then, especially along the top and hems. For deeper cleaning, ask us before washing: many custom draperies need professional cleaning.

Motorized shades

Clean them the same way as manual shades of the same type, but don’t pull or force a motorized shade by hand. If one stops moving smoothly, it may simply need a new or recharged battery. More in our guide to motorized shades.

What to avoid

• Harsh chemicals, bleach, ammonia or abrasive pads.
• Soaking any fabric or natural material.
• Pulling a shade at an angle or forcing it past where it stops.
• Spraying cleaner directly onto a shade.

Kitchens and bathrooms

These rooms collect grease and humidity, so they may need more frequent dusting. Choosing the right materials helps too. See window treatments for kitchens and bathrooms.

When to call us

If a shade won’t raise, lower or stay put, hangs unevenly, or a motorized shade stops responding, don’t force it. Our team repairs window treatments, including Hunter Douglas products bought elsewhere. Visit our Repairs & Service page to send a request with a photo, and we’ll reply within one business day.