How To Clean Your Window Treatments

When tidying your house, cleaning your windows is probably a task you don’t skip out on. It’s important to remember that, although not as often, their adornments need proper care and cleaning as well. The available types of window treatments on the market are vast, but they mostly exist under two categories; hard and soft. In the hard window treatment arena, you’ll mostly find blinds, shutters, and shades. For soft window treatments, your go-tos will be curtains, draperies, and valances. 

When it comes to hard window treatments, make the smart move by choosing a brand that offers warranty protection. Names like Hunter Douglas, Graber, Lafayette and many more may be more costly upfront, but they guarantee a quality product for years to come – (some of these name brands even offer additional care options).

If you are investing time in finding your perfect window treatment, you may as well make an investment in their quality and ease in maintenance. Window treatments don’t have to be deep-cleaned often, but if you don’t factor in maintenance, you’ll find yourself with draperies that don’t do your windows justice. 

How to Clean Hard Window Treatments

Wood, faux wood, aluminum, and vinyl shutters, blinds, and shades

Hard window treatments are made with an exorbitant variety of materials; however, the cleaning process is relatively the same for all. Follow the below tips to treat your window coverings with the respect they deserve. 

• Your vacuum will come in handy here. Switch to a soft brush attachment and run the device across the length of the slats. When you’re done with one side, repeat this process on the other side. 
• No vacuum? No problem. A feather duster, lambswool duster, or even an old sock can do the trick when you need to get the job done. A little creativity never hurt anybody. 
• Some stores carry cleaning tools specifically for slats; just make sure it’s not made of a hard material that will cause scratches. 
• Dry sponges work well if your treatments just need a little spot cleaning.
• You can also use a wet cleaner if need be; glass cleaner, a white vinegar-and-water solution, or a diluted all-purpose cleaner work great, but a little goes a long way. Instead of spraying directly onto your treatment, add a small amount to a dry cloth and wipe clean. 
• The best way to clean aluminum and vinyl blinds might be to remove them and hang them outside on “S” hooks. By doing this, you can spray them with a hose, scrub them down with a soft brush and let them air dry. 
• Whatever you do, make sure that you’re cleaning across rather than up and down. If you don’t go with the direction of the treatment, you run the risk of ending with more damage than you started with.

How to Clean Soft Window Treatments

Curtains • Draperies • Curtain Panels • Valances • Roman Shades 

It’s imperative to be mindful of how you clean your soft window treatments, especially when it comes to the fabric content they are made from. These can get damaged easier than the harder variety and their process of care may not be what you initially expect. Here’s the inside scoop for cleaning these window coverings, so that you don’t find yourself with regrets or ruined treatments. 

• To keep these home furnishings happy, frequent vacuuming and gentle brushing are essential for clearing dust and dirt. You can vacuum your soft treatments every three to six months using the handheld tool with the soft brush attachment. 
• The dry cleaners are your friend! Although smaller-scale maintenance can be done at home, most soft window treatments will need to visit the dry cleaners at some point. 
• Sheers, curtains, and draperies should go to your local dry cleaners- no question. These options don’t react well to household cleaning products. 
• Dust and dirt build-up = permanent damage. Dry cleaners aren’t magicians and there is only so much they can do if you don’t keep up with your routine maintenance. 
• Use your resources – that includes the Internet! You’d be surprised by how much information is out there. Through a simple search, you’ll find methods and solutions for even the most unique treatments. 
• Get familiar with your specific fabric CLEANING CODE. This is found in the care instructions located on your product’s attached tag. 

What are the Benefits of Cleaning My Window Treatments?

Cleaning your treatments is a safety measure. It’s crucial that your home breeds good health and not bacteria. Whether you choose a hard or soft treatment, they undoubtedly create a landing space for dirt, dust, or worse. If they are not cleaned adequately on a regular basis, you are exposing yourself to allergens and germs. Furthermore, window treatments can serve as a sneaky place for harmful insects and critters to hide unnoticed. By being diligent about their care, you are caring for yourself. 

Also, consistent cleaning will lengthen the life of your treatments greatly. Any material can become damaged over time if it’s not looked after properly. By stopping destruction before it starts, you’ll save yourself effort, time, and money. 

Your house will envelop the serene environment that you’re been alluding to create and those window coverings will catch the eyes of everyone who walks through your home. 

When in Doubt, Chat it out at Windows Dressed Up!

The interior window stylists love talkin’ dirty when it comes to window treatments. 😉 If you have any further questions about how to keep your window treatments cared for and looking spiffy, just reach out! We’re only a phone call away.