How to Clean Window Roller Shades

Window roller shades come in many different styles. Materials used to make these shades include wood, bamboo, grass weave, suede and other types of fabric and tightly woven paper. Roller shades are long lasting and fit any decor. Some people use them with valences to complete a look or with curtains to provide total privacy. Choose from light-filtering shades that allow varying amounts of sunlight into your home or blackout shades that block out all light. Whatever type of shades you use or are considering, clean them regularly to keep the shades in tip-top condition.

Things You'll Need

• Vacuum cleaner with dust attachment
• Warm water
• Mild detergent
• Soft cloth or sponge

Instructions

1. Use a clean, soft cloth to dust window roller shades regularly.

2. Put a dust brush attachment on your vacuum cleaner to deep clean your shades.

3. Make a solution of warm water and one squeeze of a mild detergent or dish soap in a bucket.

4. Dip a sponge or soft cloth into the solution, wring it well until it is just damp and gently clean spots off the roller shades.

5. Allow the shade to dry completely before rolling it back up again.

Tips & Warnings

• According to Roll-A-Shade, a manufacturer of roller shades, "Removing window shades may void the factory warranty."

• Clean your shades only when direct sunlight is not shining on them.

• Do not rub shades hard or use a sponge or cloth that has grit on it.

• If water runs down the shade, dry it quickly.

• Do not use strong cleaning solutions or abrasive cleaners to clean your window roller shades because they may cause permanent damage.

References

• The Shade Store: Types of Shades
• Roll-A-Shade: Operation and Recommended Cleaning Methods