November 7, 2023
How to Clean Window Treatments: Shades, Shutters, Curtains, and More
No one wants to feel cramped in their home or apartment, which is why windows are so important and appealing. Whether they provide a view of the calm nature outside or overlook the impressive New York City skyline, the windows in a space can have a huge impact on the residence’s overall appeal. Of course, you don’t want your windows open all the time, which is where window treatments come into play.
Window treatments can easily change the entire feeling of a room, turning a barren space into a cozy gathering place or a luxurious escape. Whether you decide to cover your windows with curtains, shutters, or blinds, you’ll want to take care of your window treatments so they serve you well for years to come. Keep your window treatments looking great by following our top cleaning tips.
Why Clean Your Window Treatments?
Cleaning your window treatments probably isn’t something on your standard cleaning list. It’s not uncommon to go weeks or even months without cleaning them. Some people may not know how to clean their window treatments properly or think the process will be complicated and boring. Luckily, cleaning your window treatments can be quick and easy while bringing some surprising benefits.
You may not think about cleaning your window treatments regularly, but they can build up a surprising amount of dust and grime, which could cause your family or guests to get sick. If you have pets or kids, the dirt only multiplies. Does someone in your home smoke regularly? The smell of smoke can become trapped in your curtains or drapes, leaving an unpleasant odor even when the rest of the room is clean.
Learning how to clean your window treatments takes less time than you may think. Each type of window treatment requires a unique cleaning process, but none of them are very labor-intensive. With a bit of time and a couple of simple products, you can keep your window treatments looking great and lasting for years to come.
Cleaning Shutters and Wood Blinds
Shutters and wood blinds can provide a sleek look to any home or apartment. However, they’re also prone to catching dust and dirt and keeping it there for weeks on end.
To clean your blinds or shutters, let them down as far as possible before using a duster or soft cloth to remove the dirt from each slat. Run a dryer sheet over the slats to help prevent future dust buildup and make regular cleaning even easier. You can also use your vacuum’s brush attachment to remove the dust and dirt.
Don’t use liquid on your shutters or wood blinds, as liquids can damage porous surfaces. You can instead use lemon oil or furniture polish to protect the surface of your blinds and keep them shiny and clean. You may also consider using a non-silicone anti-static spray after cleaning.
Cleaning Vertical Blinds
Vertical blinds are ideal for smaller rooms, providing an elegant floor-to-ceiling look. Cleaning vertical blinds is not much different from cleaning standard horizontal blinds.
Start by hand dusting or vacuuming both sides of each slat from top to bottom. If dusting alone doesn’t remove all the dirt, you can take your blinds down from the windows to give them a deeper cleaning.
Stains can be treated with warm water and soap or an all-purpose spray cleaner. Rinse the stain and cleaner with a clean cloth. When it’s time to dry, you can use a microfiber cloth or an old t-shirt. Alternatively, hang your blinds outside on a warm day or put them on a towel rack inside.
You can use a mixture of dish soap and water to wash your blinds, rinsing them with clean water and drying them with a soft cloth. For a bit of a deeper clean, place your blinds in your bathtub and cover them with water. Add two cups of white vinegar and a squirt of dish soap, let them soak for five minutes, and rinse with clean water.
Cleaning Curtains and Drapes
Curtains and drapes are arguably the most popular types of window coverings, and for good reason. They are available in countless styles and colors, so you’re almost guaranteed to find something to enhance your space. Plus, with the proper care, they can last for years!
Be sure to read the label on your curtains before washing and follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Some materials must be dry cleaned, while others can be washed at home. It’s also important to consider the style of the curtains. Window treatments with multiple layers, patterns, embroidery, or other details will require more attention than plain treatments.
Typically, sheer curtains can be cleaned with cold water and mild detergent. Cotton curtains are normally safe to wash at home, and silk curtains should only be cleaned with a vacuum or by a professional.
Cleaning Shades
Shades are another popular option for window treatments, and there are numerous varieties to choose from. We’ve gathered tips for cleaning some of the most common types of shades.
To clean your Roman shades, note the fabric of your shades and do your research about whether that fabric is washable or not. If so, follow the fabric instructions to wash your shades and hang them to dry. If not, take your shades to the dry cleaner.
To clean cellular shades (sometimes called “honeycomb shades”), use a feather duster or your vacuum’s upholstery attachment. A blow dryer can help you get the dust out of the cells; just be sure to put the dryer on its coolest setting. If needed, you can use a damp sponge and mild detergent to remove stains. Rinse with warm water and blot dry.
To clean roller shades, use a feather duster or your vacuum’s upholstery attachment. Do not submerge these blinds in water, as moisture can damage the rolling mechanisms. However, you can clean the surface of your shades with a damp cloth.
Finally, to clean sheer shades, use your vacuum’s brush attachment set on the lowest suction setting. These shades look delicate, but they are typically made with knitted polyester that can easily stand up to the gentle suction of your vacuum.
Working with White Glove Cleaner
Cleaning your window treatments is just one element of maintaining your space. If you don’t have the time, money, or desire to spend all day cleaning your home or apartment, contact White Glove Cleaner! We are proud to be one of the most reputable cleaning services in New York City, offering regular and one-time services to both residential and commercial clients.
White Glove Cleaner only employs the most dedicated and well-trained cleaners for our team, all of whom are individually vetted and background-checked. You can opt for a singular cleaning to get ready for a big event or to prepare for moving, or you can have us come back every week, every other week, or every month to maintain your space.
Working with White Glove Cleaner can save you precious time and money compared to cleaning your home yourself. We use our own high-quality cleaning products and equipment, meaning you don’t have to purchase any tools. You’ll also regain hours of your day by letting us clean your space while you head to work, the grocery, or anywhere else in NYC. At the end of the day, you’ll have a freshly cleaned residence to enjoy with your friends and family.
White Glove Cleaner offers more than just our standard cleaning service. We provide specialty services including move-in/move-out cleaning, green cleaning with hypoallergenic products, deep cleaning, post-construction cleaning, and more. For a small additional fee, we can perform additional tasks like laundry, cleaning inside of your appliances, or organizing. Contact White Glove Cleaner today to learn how we can help with your space.