How to Clean Your Blinds and Shutters

Arizona dust is relentless, but keeping window coverings clean is easier than most people think. The key is a light touch on a regular schedule instead of a heavy scrub once a year. Here is how we recommend caring for each product we install.

Plantation shutters

Shutters are the easiest window covering to keep clean because the louvers are wide and solid.

1. Dust weekly. Tilt the louvers fully open and wipe each one with a microfiber cloth or a soft duster. A vacuum with the brush attachment works well too.
2. Wipe monthly. Dampen a cloth with warm water and a drop of dish soap, wring it nearly dry, and wipe both sides of each louver and the frame. Dry with a clean cloth.
3. Painted and composite shutters can take a little more moisture. Stained wood shutters should be wiped nearly dry and never soaked.

Faux wood blinds

Faux wood is moisture-proof, so it can handle real cleaning.

1. Close the slats flat and dust top to bottom with a microfiber cloth, then tilt them the other way and repeat.
2. For a deeper clean, wipe each slat with a damp cloth and mild soap. In kitchens, a little vinegar in the water cuts cooking grease.
3. Very dirty faux wood blinds can be taken down and gently washed in the bathtub with warm soapy water, rinsed, and hung to drip dry. Do not do this with real wood.

Real wood blinds

1. Dust regularly with a soft cloth or feather duster. This is the most important step because dust that sits on wood eventually dulls the finish.
2. Wipe with a barely damp cloth only when needed, and dry immediately. Never soak wood slats and never use water on the cords.
3. Avoid harsh cleaners and anything with ammonia.

Roman shades and fabric shades

1. Vacuum gently with the upholstery brush attachment on low suction, working with the folds.
2. Spot clean small marks with a cloth dampened with water and a drop of mild detergent. Blot, do not rub, and test a hidden corner first.
3. Lower and raise the shade every so often even if you do not need to. It keeps the folds crisp and the fabric evenly exposed.

Cellular (honeycomb) shades

1. Dust with a feather duster or vacuum on the lowest setting with the brush attachment.
2. Bugs sometimes find their way into the cells. A blast of compressed air or a hair dryer on cool will clear them out.
3. Spot clean with water and mild soap. Blot dry.

Roller and solar shades

1. Lower the shade fully and dust with a soft cloth or vacuum brush.
2. Wipe with a damp sponge and mild soap. Solar screen fabrics are vinyl-coated and very forgiving; light-filtering fabrics should be treated gently.
3. Let the shade dry completely before rolling it up.

What not to do

• Do not use abrasive pads, bleach or ammonia on any window covering.
• Do not put blinds in the dishwasher or washing machine, no matter what you read online.
• Do not yank cords or force a blind that is stuck. Call us and we will take a look.

Questions about caring for something we installed? Get in touch and we will walk you through it.