Window coverings add personality, texture, and warmth to your home, but like anything else that collects dust and grime over time, they need regular upkeep to stay fresh.
“Regular cleaning is important for both looks and longevity,” says Erica Bail Flynn, Executive Director of Creative Services at Graber. “Incorporating window treatment upkeep into your routine helps them maintain their sharp appearance for years.” Whether you’ve got classic blinds or flowy drapes, the right cleaning method will help them last longer—and make your space feel cleaner, too.
“Consistency is key to preserving the beauty of your window treatments,” she added. “It’s a small task that pays off with lasting results and cleaner air in your home.”
Cleaning Wood and Faux Wood Blinds or Shutters
Wood blinds are popular because they’re classic and sturdy. But, if you've ever owned them, you'll agree that they're a magnet for dust (especially in active spaces or around vents). We use a feather duster is great for regular upkeep, but you can also use a microfiber cloth, gently wiping each slat from side to side.
For deep cleaning:
- Wooden blinds: Stick with dry, gentle cleaning methods. Use a soft cloth sprayed lightly with furniture polish, wiping it gently across each slat. Never spray liquid cleaners directly on the blinds, and never use water—wood can easily warp or discolor.
- Faux wood blinds: They're not wood, meaning they can handle a bit more moisture if necessary. Start by dry dusting or vacuuming with the upholstery attachment. Then, if needed, wipe with a soft cloth or sponge dipped in a mix of warm water and mild dish soap. You still want to avoid soaking them, and remember to dry the surfaces immediately with a clean towel.
Don't forget about the cords or hardware. You'll need to wipe them with a slightly damp cloth, but don't get them so wet that water drips into the mechanism.
Vinyl, Aluminum, and Vertical Blinds
These blinds are easier to clean, but they do have a way of collecting grease and dust, especially when they're hanging in kitchens. Prioritize cleaning with a feather duster or microfiber cloth for regular upkeep. Aim for weekly if they're in a main living space.
One thing to remember is you should avoid twisting or bending the vanes while cleaning. This can cause permanent damage.
For deep cleaning:
- Vinyl and aluminum horizontal blinds: Vacuum them with the brush attachment, holding each slat steady as you go. Then mix a small bucket of warm water with mild dish soap. You're safe to dip a soft cloth in the solution, wring it out, and wipe down each slat, but remember to work top to bottom; it helps avoid drips on slats you already cleaned. For greasy spots, apply gentle pressure, then dry each slat to prevent water marks.
- Vinyl vertical blinds: This is a bit more tedious, but it's worth it. Remove the vanes one by one, then soak them in the bathtub with warm water and dish soap. Let them soak for a few minutes, wipe them down, then rinse and dry them flat on a towel. If you’d rather keep them hanging, just spot clean each vane with a damp cloth and soap. You can also rub a thin layer of mild soap over each one to reduce static cling.
- Fabric vertical blinds: Fabric blinds are more delicate. Vacuum lightly using the upholstery attachment. Don’t bother trying to use water or cleaning sprays, and never soak them.
Cellular Blinds and Pleated Shades
These fabric shades are soft and structured, and they trap air for insulation. If you haven't looked closely at honeycomb shades, you might not even realize how much dust they also trap. Light dusting or vacuuming once a month is the way to go – it keeps them clean and functional.
Need a deeper clean? Try this:
- Use the upholstery attachment with low suction. Hold the shade in place and move the vacuum gently across the fabric, following the pleat direction. This is good for built up dust, especially if the blinds are in a room with lots of activity.
- Use a lint roller to dust the visible surfaces and around pleats.
- For stains, use a damp sponge or lint-free cloth with a drop of dish soap to clean blinds. We also trust fabric stain removers, but before you try whatever you have on hand, make sure you test it in a safe area first. Wipe gently along the pleats—not across them—to avoid crushing. Dab with a dry towel to blot out moisture.
- Never use harsh cleaners or soak the delicate fabric. Don’t raise the shades while they’re still wet, or you could damage the structure and risk mildew or mold growth.
If you notice discoloration in sheer fabric or deep stains that won’t budge, call an ultrasonic cleaner who specializes in window coverings. It's easier and more affordable to have the fabric blinds cleaned professionally than to have to buy new.
Roman Shades
Roman shades are often made of a heavier or more decorative type of fabric, and those fabrics need extra care. Routine vacuuming is the easiest way keep them dust-free.
For deeper cleaning:
- Classic Roman shades: Take them down from the window first. Lay the shade flat on a clean surface. Mix warm water with a little mild detergent, dip a cloth or sponge in, and gently dab at any dirty areas. Don’t scrub. Let the shade dry fully before rehanging it.
- Tailored Roman shades: These are usually lined and stitched in layers, and it’s best not to attempt at-home cleaning. Look for a professional cleaner with experience handling layered fabric window treatments. Specifically ask: "Have you cleaned roman shades before?"
- Natural woven Roman shades: Natural fibers usually only need light vacuuming with a brush attachment. Avoid using water if possible... it can weaken the fibers or cause discoloration.
Roller and Solar Shades
These simple, streamlined shades are pretty low-maintenance. Clean them every few months to prevent buildup.
To clean:
- Use the upholstery vacuum attachment to remove surface dust.
- For spots, dip a soft cloth in soapy water, wring it out well, and gently wipe the area. Don’t scrub hard; it can damage the finish. Ask me how I know; I flattened a mosquito in our roller shade last year 🥴.
- Never submerge fabric roller shades in water. After wiping, blot the area dry and let it air dry completely before rolling the shade back up.
Solar window shades can get dusty but don’t usually need anything more than light vacuuming or wiping with a dry microfiber cloth.
Sliding Panels
Sliding panels cover wide windows or glass doors and are easily forgotten during routine cleaning. Since they cover a lot of space, the surface area can gather more dust and dirt.
Keep them clean by:
- Vacuuming monthly with the upholstery tool. Work from top to bottom.
- If the panels are fabric, stick to dry methods. Don’t use water or spray cleaners.
- For roller-style panels, spot clean with a damp cloth and a drop of mild soap. Avoid rubbing them too hard, and let them dry fully before sliding open or closed.
Layered Shades
Layered or zebra shades use alternating bands of sheer and solid fabric (magic, I tell you), which means cleaning needs to be extra gentle.
To clean:
- Dust regularly (weekly!) with a feather duster or microfiber cloth.
- You can use a vacuum on low suction, but if I were you, I'd be very careful not to stretch or pull the fabric, especially the sheer panels.
- For light dirt, it's easy to blow dust away with a hairdryer on the cool setting. You can also use a can of compressed air.
- Spots happen, and you can clean them using a sponge dampened with distilled water or mild soap. Gently dab—don’t rub. And again, be really gentle on the sheer layers.
If they need a deep clean, call a pro. And remember, they might say they can to win your business, but not all cleaners have the tools or experience to handle layered fabrics like this.
Curtains and Drapes
Curtains range from thick velvet to delicate sheers, so cleaning depends on the material. The most important part of my cleaning routine is to focus around the bottom; anything that's close to (or touching) the floor gathers more dust and pet fur. Other habits go a long way, too:
- Vacuuming every month with the upholstery tool, starting at the top and working down.
- Shaking them out now and then to keep dust from settling.
- If you need to deep clean them, check the care label first. Some can be machine washed on gentle, others may need dry cleaning.
Avoid spraying fabric fresheners or using spot removers unless the label says it’s safe. And just like any fabric stain removal product, test it on a hidden area first.
