Tips to Keep Fabric-Based Window Solutions Fresh
The right window treatments are instrumental in helping you obtain a great night’s sleep, a sense of privacy, and valuable protection for your artwork, furniture, flooring, and possessions from the harmful UV rays of the sun. These investments in your home help to show your style. For window solutions made of harder materials like wood or faux wood, cleaning is simple and straightforward. However, homeowners are often intimidated to clean fabric-based window solutions for fear of damaging the material or harming the functionality. We’ve got some tips to make maintenance of your fabric window solutions easier.
Try spot cleaning whenever there is an unexpected spill or splatter on your fabric window shades. The key to preventing damaging stains is to spot clean immediately after the accident occurs. Mild dish soap in room temperature water is the best option as strong detergents or cleansers can result in color fading and weakened fibers. Always remember to do a test patch on an area that isn’t visible first and blot the impacted area rather than rub it. Let it thoroughly air dry.
Each season, it is beneficial to perform a deeper cleaning on your fabric window solutions, eliminating any dust or debris that might be on their surface. After removing them, unstring them and give a thorough vacuum. For fabric window shades, arrange them in warm, soapy water in your bathtub and gently cleanse them with a sponge, letting them dry in a ventilated area for up to two days.
By taking care of your fabric window solutions regularly, you’ll not only help extend their lifespan but you’ll help remove any dust, pollen, dirt, or pet dander buildup which will help your family breathe well, minimize allergy symptoms and prevent discoloration of your window treatments. Every other week, give your fabric window solutions a refresh. Using the lowest suction level on your vacuum, gently pass the wand end over the surface of fabric shades to loosen any airborne materials that become trapped in drapery panels or curtains. Do the same to clean your shades, vacuuming gently in the direction of the pleats to remove any dust that has become embedded. Don’t forget to make a pass over the back of the shades as well.
Other things to keep in mind when cleaning window solutions made of fabric:
Roman shades can be washable or non-washable. For the washable variety, follow the fabric instructions and always hang dry so they won’t shrink, then steam out wrinkles. If they are non-washable, which include wool, linen, silk, and fiberglass-blend styles, dry clean when they need freshening up.
For honeycomb shades, use a hair dryer on the lowest, cool setting to gently blow any dust out of the cells. Dry cleaning and ultrasonic cleaning are not recommended.
Solar shades can be vacuumed on both sides with an upholstery attachment. Brush with mild soap and warm water if you have stubborn stains but never submerge in water.
Budget Blinds of Greenwich can help you upgrade your window solutions and elevate any room in your home. Call 203-580-3362 to schedule your free consultation and we’ll bring the showroom to you. From shutters to blinds, automation to soft window treatments, let us transform your view!
Photo courtesy of Horizon Window Fashions