Tips from Innuwindow for Keeping Window Treatments Clean
How do you Clean Custom Window Treatments?
Periodic cleaning of your custom window treatments will extend their life and accentuate the beauty of your home. Lightly clean them with your weekly tidying up regimen to help fight Boston’s common allergens like pollens, dust, pet hair, and dander. If this seems daunting, here is some general advice for the proper cleaning of different materials and types of custom window treatments in Boston.
Drapes
A light cleaning can easily be done daily as you close your drapes each evening. Give them a little shake to release any dust particles so they don’t set into the fabric fibers. Using a soft brush attachment, vacuum the front and back sides of your drapes about once a month focusing on the bottom areas where the dirt tends to settle. Alternatively, if your drapes are easy to detach, shake them outside to air them out.
Sheer Curtains
Shaking off the dust particles is recommended every day or two. Depending on the fabric’s care instructions, deep cleaning of these delicate custom window treatments should be handled by a professional dry cleaning service.
Fabric Shades
We advise against deep cleaning pleated or honeycomb custom window treatments too frequently because it may cause the pleats to relax too much. For pleated shades, detach and lay flat on a clean surface and gently vacuum with a brush attachment following the pleats. Spray foam cleaners are ideal for small soiled spots and you may “dress” this type of custom window treatment by using the lowest setting on a handheld steamer following along the length of the pleats.
With cellular or honeycomb shades, you may also vacuum lightly with a soft brush attachment and use a hair dryer with a cool setting for the inner cells. Use a warm, damp sponge with mild detergent for any dirty spots.
Wood blinds and shutters
Frequent light cleaning is recommended for wood window treatments. Wipe down with a lint free cloth or a dusting mitt. This of custom window treatments should be vacuumed with a soft brush attachment starting at the top and moving horizontally and downward. For stubborn spot removal, wipe with a damp cloth. If you need a more targeted spot cleaning, try a clean soft toothbrush.
Composite Wood
Alternatives to wooden blinds and shutters have become increasingly popular in Boston area homes. Because of the coating and type of material, their cleaning will involve different protocols than wood window treatments. Wiping down with a mild liquid soap and damp cloth is our favorite cleaning process for these custom window treatments.
Below are some frequently asked questions about the care of custom window treatments.
How often Should You Clean Window Treatments?
Your custom window treatments should be cleaned frequently, but it’s not necessary to do a deep cleaning each time you tidy the house. Thorough cleanings are recommended every quarter and a deep cleaning is ideally done twice per year.
Can I Wash My Curtains in the Washing Machine?
Some custom window treatments are machine washable. We highly recommend that you use cold water with the delicate, gentle, or hand-wash setting for fabric window treatments. Be sure to check the instructions on both the liner and the curtain for confirmation that they are machine washable.
How do you Keep Window Shades Clean?
Keeping your window shades clean in your Boston home can seem challenging, however frequent quick dustings are the answer to avoiding dirt and dust buildup. Using a duster or wiping down with a soft lint-free cloth keeps the dust from settling into the shades’ fibers and your custom window treatments clean.
How do I Clean My Blinds Without Taking them Down?
Sometimes the easiest way to clean your blinds is to leave them on your window! Completely close or expand them, exposing as much surface area as possible. Depending on the type of material for your custom window treatments, below are some cleaning tips:
Vacuum on Low with a Soft Brush Attachment
- Use a soft, lint-free cloth or feather duster
- Wipe down with a warm, damp cloth
- Spot treatment with a mild liquid cleaner
- Always dry residual moisture
- Wipe down with a dryer sheet to repel dust particles
Does Vinegar Work to Clean Window Treatments?
Vinegar may be great for some types of cleaning, but never use vinegar on your wooden custom window treatments. The vinegar will cause a reaction with the material and cause physical damage to the wood’s composition.
Conversely, vinegar is a great catalyst for battling dirt and dust on aluminum or vinyl custom window treatments. When deep cleaning, remove your blinds from windows and lay flat in your bathtub. Cover with water and mix in 2-3 cups of vinegar with a tablespoon of dishwashing soap. Soak for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through. Rinse and dry with a clean towel or set on a clean flat surface to air dry.
Contact Innuwindow for Advice on Every Type of Window Treatment
We are top-rated Boston experts in custom window treatments! Contact us any time for recommendations on the best methods for caring for your blinds, curtains, shutters, drapes and shades. Call 508.650.9922 to schedule your custom window treatment consultation from Innuwindow today!