How To Clean Outdoor Shades

Nice weather beckons all homeowners to complete those outdoor tasks on their to-do lists. Does one of your tasks require learning how to clean outdoor shades? You’re in luck! Our team at Budget Blinds developed a simple guide to help you clean them with ease.

1. Gather the Cleaning Materials

When cleaning your outdoor shades, you need the following items:

Gentle dish detergent: Harsh detergents could fade the fabric color. They could also damage and fray the fabric.
Microfiber rag: Microfiber removes and locks away dirt more readily than regular cotton rags.
Shop vacuum with a hose attachment: You need a vacuum cleaner that can easily travel outdoors and reach high places.
Bucket of warm water: Warm water helps remove any remaining dirt when you wash the shades.
Connected water hose: A garden hose makes pre-soaking and rinsing easier.

Once you’ve acquired these items, you can begin the cleaning process.

2. Read the Manufacturer’s Directions for How To Clean Outdoor Shades

Next, review the cleaning instructions detailed in your manufacturer’s guidebook. Although most outdoor shades can undergo the same cleaning process, some may require different techniques or specific cleaning products. Some materials are more delicate than others. If you deviate from the care guide, you may nullify any warranty attached to them. Therefore, you’ll pay out of pocket for any repairs or replacements. If you don’t have a copy of the directions, you might find them on the manufacturer’s website.

3. Dust the Fabric

Next, open your outdoor roller shades completely. Since learning how to clean outdoor shades involves an inspection, check for damage on both sides. If you notice frayed edges, worn patches, or other damage, contact the manufacturer. The company may replace the product with a brand-new one if you have a valid warranty.

If you find no signs of damage, you can begin the cleaning process. Use the microfiber cloth to remove excess dirt from the fabric. Carefully run the rag from top to bottom or with the grain.

4. Vacuum Excess Debris

After dusting the shades, suck up any remaining dust with the vacuum. Since your shades remain outdoors, the dust they collect can wedge deep between the fabric’s fibers. Use care when passing the vacuum hose over the shades to collect any dirt and avoid damage.

5. Dampen the Shades

After removing the dry, excess dust, use your garden hose to apply a gentle stream of water. The pressure shouldn’t permanently damage or disturb the fabric. However, it should be strong enough to remove any remaining dust.

You should apply enough water to soak the shades through. The water runoff should look clean before you move on to the next and final step.

6. Soap and Rinse

Add your dish detergent to a bucket. Fill the bucket with water that feels warm to the touch. Soak a soft rag or sponge in the combination before wringing it out.

Search for and gently wash any areas on the shades that appear stained, discolored, or otherwise dirty. Use gentle scrubbing motions that go with the grain of the fabric. Then, turn the hose back on and rinse the area free of soap.

Repeat this step until you make the shades clean and uniform on all sides. Leave the shades unrolled and fully open until they dry completely.

Shop a Wide Selection of Outdoor Shades at Budget Blinds

After you learn how to clean outdoor shades, double-check the manufacturer’s guide for any further maintenance instructions. If your current set of shades shows signs of wear and tear, replace them at Budget Blinds. Schedule a design consultation with us today!

SW Missouri serves the following areas: Billings, Blue Eye, Branson, Brookline, Cape Fair, Cedarcreek, Clever, Crane, Forsyth, Galena, Hollister, Hurley, Kimberling City, Kirbyville, Kissee Mills, Lampe, Nixa, Point Lookout, Ponce De Leon, Powersite, Protem, Reeds Spring, Republic, Ridgedale, Rockaway Beach, Rueter, Springfield, Taneyville, Walnut Shade