How to Clean Cellular Shades & Maintain Their Fresh Look Forever

Have you ever heard of honeycomb technology and design? It’s used to create cellular shades (also known as honeycomb shades), which are a unique type of window covering. Cellular shades have become increasingly popular in Canada over the last few years because the unique design allows for superior air insulation, light regulation, and sound absorption.

For better longevity and ever-fresh looks, cleaning your cellular shades or blinds is important. But how exactly do you do that?

This article aims to guide readers on how to clean honeycomb blinds and shades – on top of understanding such coverings, what you need to clean them, and common mistakes you can avoid.

IN THIS ARTICLE

• Understanding Your Cellular Shades
• What Do You Need to Clean Your Cellular Shades?
• Routine Cleaning of Cellular Shades
• Dusting Your Shades
• Spot Cleaning Your Shades
• Deep Cleaning of Cellular Shades
• Bathtub Cleaning Method
• Professional Cleaning
• Maintenance Tips for Cellular Shades
• Common Mistakes to Avoid While Cleaning Cellular Shades
• Keeping Your Shades Fresh: A Closing Thought
• FAQs

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Understanding Your Cellular Shades

Knowing the types of cellular shades helps you identify which one you own and how to clean it. The most common type has a single cell, which is made of one layer of cells connected at the vertical edges, giving your windows a more uniform look while still providing great insulation. Another option is double cell shades, where two layers of cells are sewn together for superior energy efficiency and noise reduction benefits.

Although the material can vary, most cellular shades have a polyester or synthetic, soft fabric blend that comes in different colours. This, together with its design, helps prevent dust and allergens from entering your space.

With this in mind, it's even more important to check the manufacturer's cleaning instructions, as some materials may require a special type of cleaning. Inappropriate methods may even void the warranty, which is worse than dealing with a stain or two.

What Do You Need to Clean Your Cellular Shades?

To properly clean your cellular blinds, shades, and shutters, it's wise to take note of the type of fabric and its colour before purchasing any cleaning product. Generally, what you need includes:

• A vacuum cleaner with a soft brush attachment: This tool is great for dusting and removing any loose particles. The longer the vacuum hose, the better.
• Mild detergent solution (preferably non-abrasive): A solution of mild detergent and warm water ensures that the fabric does not get damaged 
• A soft, clean cloth or sponge: Cleaning shades' surfaces is easier and safer with this material than with a regular cloth.
• A roller with a lint-free cloth: Even after vacuuming and wiping with a microfiber cloth, there may be some dust left on the shades that are hard to remove. This tool is perfect for getting into those tight spaces.
• A hair dryer: This is the best way to dry your cellular shades after cleaning. It also helps remove any dust particles that may have been left behind.

For special stains, you may also need a spot-cleaning product that is specific to your type of fabric and colour. Other additional materials you may need are a stiff brush, a bucket of water, and a spray bottle.

If the above-mentioned items are not available, you can opt for a damp cloth instead of the vacuum and rubbing alcohol in place of the detergent. However, these methods may not be as effective and may cause damage to the fabric over time.

Routine Cleaning of Cellular Shades

Keeping up with your window treatment and its regular cleaning is essential for preserving its look and functionality. Regular light cleaning helps prevent dust build-up, which can accumulate over time and damage the fabric if left untreated.

To help you maintain your cellular shades, here are two routines you can follow:

Dusting Your Shades

A good rule of thumb is to dust using a feather duster or vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment once every two weeks.

Start by using a feather duster or soft brush attachment on your vacuum cleaner to remove any dust and debris from the fabric of your cellular shades. You can then work slowly along each shade, brushing in one direction until all the dust is gone.

Make sure you reach all the nooks and crevices as well as areas that may be difficult to reach with the duster or brush attachment, such as between pleats or at edges where the fabric folds over itself. Once finished, use a lint roller to remove any leftover particles that might still remain on the surface of your shades.

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Spot Cleaning Your Shades

For spot cleaning, use a mild soap solution with warm or lukewarm water to tackle small stains or dirt spots on your cellular shades. Start by mixing a few drops of mild detergent into a bowl of water. Then, dip a soft cloth into the solution and gently scrub away the stain from the fabric.

To avoid any damage to your shades, make sure you never rub too hard or soak the fabric. Doing so might cause it to shrink or warp. Once finished, use a lint-free cloth dampened with clean water to remove any soap residue from the fabric of your shades.

Routine cleaning is a great way to keep your shades sparkling without taking them down – but what if you need a deeper clean?

Deep Cleaning of Cellular Shades

The need for deep cleaning of cellular shades arises when you want to remove stubborn stains and dirt buildup that is more difficult to tackle with spot cleaning or dusting. For example, if you have pet hair, a beverage spill, or dust buildup in the pleats of your shades, a deep cleaning might be necessary.

Knowing methods of deep cleaning cellular shades is essential to maintaining their appearance and prolonging the life of your window treatments.

Bathtub Cleaning Method

One of the most suitable ways to deep clean most fabric cellular shades is the bathtub cleaning method. You can easily begin by filling your tub with a few inches of lukewarm water and adding a mild detergent or fabric softener to it. After doing so, immerse your cellular shades in the water and allow them to soak for 3-5 minutes.

This is where it gets tricky: Soaking your cellular shades in the water. Don't let it soak for too long, or else it might damage the fabric.

Once finished, use a soft cloth or sponge dampened with the soapy solution to gently scrub away any stubborn stains from the fabric. Using a lint-free cloth dampened with clean water, rinse away the soap residue and any dirt buildup.

Proper drying is essential after deep cleaning your cellular shades, so make sure to avoid wringing out the fabric. Instead, hang them up in a well-ventilated area and allow them to air dry completely before rehanging them on your windows.

Professional Cleaning

We all get in situations where the stains are too stubborn to tackle at home due to delicate materials or complex designs of cellular shades. In such cases, it is best to seek help from professionals who can (not all) also do ultrasonic cleaning. This type of cleaning uses high-frequency sound waves to agitate the fabric and loosen any dirt or debris buildup.

To find a reliable and experienced professional cleaning service, it is best to do your research online. You can look for forums and reviews to find out about the quality of service provided by a particular company and decide accordingly. 

Expect your shades to be cleaned thoroughly and safely using only the best cleaning methods. Check their fees beforehand to make sure you are getting a good deal. Professional cleaning services also offer pick-up, blinds repair and delivery options, so you don’t have to worry about bringing your shades in for cleaning or fixing.

Maintenance Tips for Cellular Shades

Your need for deep cleaning can easily be less if you execute a regular maintenance procedure for your window treatment, especially kitchen shades and blinds for bathrooms. Here are some tips from home maintenance experts:

• Check product labels for individual care instructions.
• Remove dust before deep cleaning to prevent it from becoming embedded in the material.
• Spot clean any spills or stains immediately with a mild detergent solution.
• Try steam cleaning, which is a gentler alternative to chemical-based cleaners.

You can also opt for drying methods like air drying and vacuum drying for the best results. Just don't forget to read the product labels first before attempting any cleaning method.

Common Mistakes to Avoid While Cleaning Cellular Shades

Potential mistakes can cause your shades to become damaged or discoloured. Even worse, you may end up voiding your manufacturer's warranty. That’s why it is important to avoid mistakes while cleaning honeycomb blinds and shades.

One of the most common mistakes is using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners on the shades. Thinking that any type of detergent is suitable for cleaning the shades is also a mistake. In turn, this can damage the material and leave your shades looking worse than before.

You should also avoid scrubbing the fabric, which can cause discolouration and wear out the material. Doing so damages the material by removing the protective layer of the finish. What's worse is doing this after soaking the shades in water or any cleaning solution, which is also a big no-no.

When drying your shades, don't forget to check whether they are fully dry; hanging your shades while they are still wet can cause them to sag. 

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Keeping Your Shades Fresh: A Closing Thought

Simply put, taking proper care of your cellular shades is key to keeping them looking fresh, new and functional. With the right cleaning tips, you can make sure that they last for a long time.

The best thing you can always do is see the manufacturer's instructions for cleaning and care, as each product is different. Much better, opt for shops with excellent customer service that can also give free, expert advice.

At Factory Direct Blinds, you can do more than just buy window coverings. You can also get free expert advice and instructions for proper care and maintenance.

Read our guides for finding the best bathroom blinds, how to clean wood blinds, and more.

Contact us today via call, chat, or email to learn more about how Factory Direct Blinds can help you make the most of your window coverings.

FAQs

How do you deep clean cellular shades?

The best way to deep clean cellular shades is to use a vacuum cleaner with a soft brush attachment. Meanwhile, you can opt for top down bottom up cellular shades, which allow you to clean both sides of the shade without taking them down.

Are cellular shades hard to clean?

Similar to any shades or blinds for windows, cellular shades are not hard to clean. However, they do require proper care and cleaning techniques in order to ensure that they last for a long time.

How do you clean cellular blinds without removing them?

Do so by using a vacuum cleaner with an upholstery attachment and gently vacuum the shade from top to bottom. You can also use a soft, damp cloth to wipe down the blinds. If you have top-down bottom-up cellular shades, you can easily reach the bottom of the shade without having to remove it.

What is the best thing to clean shades with?

The best thing to clean shades with is a soft cloth or duster and a mild detergent. Avoid using abrasive cleaners as they can damage the fabric of the shade. Also, make sure to test any cleaning product on an inconspicuous area before applying it all over the shade.