Best Solutions for Cleaning Cellular Shades That Won’t Cause Damage
Cellular shades are a popular window covering choice for many reasons, but fabric blinds can attract dust and grime over time. If you are wondering how to clean cellular shades, we have rounded up the best tips to share with you.
Of course, regular maintenance from new is the ultimate way to keep your cellular blinds looking their best for years to come. But, if you have inherited older blinds or have had your shades for a few years, you may need to take action now to prevent permanent damage.
Read on for our simple guide to how to clean cellular shades.
What are Cellular Shades, and Why Are They Popular?
Cellular shades are simple, light, modern window coverings featuring two or more thin layers of fabric formed into honeycomb-shaped cells.
The honeycomb cells trap air inside, making these blinds excellent insulators – keeping rooms warmer in winter and cooler in summer.
They are available in many styles and fabrics and come in room-darkening options.
Why Do Cellular Blinds Need to be Cleaned?
Due to the light fabric cellular blinds are made from, they can be susceptible to the following:
- Dust
- Soot from wood-burning stoves
- Small bugs and flies that become trapped inside the cells
- Staining
- Mould
These issues may not just impact the appearance of the blinds but can also compromise the fabric and lead to permanent damage.
Cleaning cellular shades regularly is beneficial for several reasons:
- Retain ‘as new’ appearance: Custom-fitted shades are a luxurious décor item. Regular cleaning keeps them looking as good as new for years.
- Reducing airborne allergens: Dust and allergens can get trapped in the fabric and cells of blinds, impacting air quality in your home.
- Save money on repairs and replacements: Well-maintained and clean shades will last longer and require less frequent repair and replacement.
How to Clean Cellular Shades – Some Things to Note
Before starting any cleaning routine, be aware of the following considerations:
- Specific cleaning methods can damage some fabrics. Make sure to follow your manufacturer’s recommendations – especially regarding water use. Hunter Douglas has a cleaning guide that lists suitable cleaning methods for all of their cellular shades.
- Always clean horizontal cellular shades with side-to-side motions in line with the folds to prevent fabric damage. Vertical cellular blinds should, of course, be cleaned from top to bottom.
- If in doubt, stick to spot cleaning only and test any cleaning method on a hidden shade area.
- Heat can melt the glue that holds the fabric cells together. Therefore, only use cool or lukewarm water and air in cleaning treatments.
6 Simple Steps to Cleaning Cellular Shades
Whether you need a simple maintenance clean or a deep clean, follow the simple cleaning steps below:
For light cleaning and regular maintenance:
1. Gently Dust: Use a clean, dry microfibre cloth to remove light surface dust from your blinds. You can also use a lint roller on particularly stubborn dust particles. Just go gently and in line with the fabric folds.
Tip: Don’t be tempted to rub back and forth, as this could cause pilling of the fabric.
2. Blow the Bugs Away: Dust and small bugs can enter the honeycomb cells. The best way to remove these is to blow them out using a can of compressed air. Just point the nozzle into each cell and push enough air through to remove anything stuck there.
If you don’t have compressed air, a hairdryer set to cool and low is a good alternative.
Tip: Place a drop cloth under the far end of the blind to catch anything expelled.
3. Vacuum: A vacuum can suck away heavier dust or soot built up within the fabric. Use the soft brush attachment and choose the lowest power setting if you have the option.
Removing stains and mould:
If your shades have surface stains or are showing signs of developing mould, first carry out steps 1 to 3, then follow with the following:
4. Spot Cleaning: Lightly moisten a clean cloth or rag in lukewarm water mixed with mild dish soap. Gently blot the stain until it has gone, then blot again with a dry cloth to remove excess moisture, or use a hairdryer on the cool setting.
Make a solution of half lukewarm water and half white vinegar for mould removal. Dab onto the affected area and allow it to dry in direct sunlight.
Tip: Don’t rub at the stain, as this could cause the fabric to be pilled. Use a white or neutral cloth to avoid transferring colour to your shade.
Removing stubborn and built-up stains, dust and dirt:
If your shades are still dull or stained after these steps, consider a home submersion or professional treatment to freshen them up.
5. Bathtub Submersion: Try a deep clean at home if your cellular shades will fit into your bathtub.
Fill your bathtub with lukewarm water and dish soap. Add the blind and swish the water around to aid in the removal of grime. Drain and replace with clean water to rinse.
Rehang your shades and air dry in an open position.
Tip: Be aware that some fabrics cannot withstand full submersion and may be irreparably damaged. Check your manufacturer’s recommendations before completing this step.
If you have a motorized headrail, it must be removed before submersion.
6. Use a Professional Cleaning Company: Consult a professional cleaner if your shades are unsuitable for home submersion. There are two methods professionals may use:
- Ultrasonic cleaning – uses high-frequency sound waves that create tiny bubbles in the water to push the grime out of the fabric gently.
- Water injection – this cleaning method works similarly to a wet vacuum by injecting liquid into the fabric and removing it simultaneously. This results in less potential water damage than submersion techniques.
If You Need New Cellular Shades, Call Ruffell and Brown
Sadly, there may be times when too much staining or damage to cellular blinds prevents these cleaning methods from working successfully. In these circumstances, Ruffell and Brown Window Coverings Centre will be delighted to assist you with choosing and installing brand-new custom-fit cellular blinds, such as the Hunter Douglas Applause Honeycomb range.
Our knowledgeable staff at our Victoria, BC, showroom is waiting to help you. So drop in or contact us today for more information.
