Maintenance
Keep your shades looking and working their best
1. Routine Dusting & Surface Care
Regular upkeep is the most effective way to prevent permanent staining and mechanical wear.
- Weekly Dusting: Use a microfiber cloth or a feather duster. For horizontal slats, tilt them nearly closed and wipe downward. Flip the slats and repeat on the other side.
- The Vacuum Method: Use a soft brush attachment on a low-suction setting. This is ideal for fabric shades and cellular (honeycomb) structures.
- Tip: Always vacuum in the direction of the fabric grain or pleats to avoid snagging.
- Compressed Air: For honeycomb-style shades, use a can of compressed air to blow out dust or small insects that may have entered the internal cells.
2. Material-Specific Cleaning Instructions
Fabric Shades (Zebra, Roller, Sheer/Triple, & Cellular)
Fabric requires a “less is more” approach to cleaning.
- Spot Cleaning: Use a clean, white cloth dampened with lukewarm water and a tiny amount of mild detergent. Blot the area gently. Do not rub, as this can cause the fabric to “pill” or lose its texture.
- Steam Treatment: For wrinkles in Roman or Roller shades, use a handheld garment steamer on a low heat setting. Keep the steamer a few inches away from the fabric to avoid water droplets.
3. Hardware & Mechanical Upkeep
To ensure your custom blinds operate smoothly for years, pay attention to the moving parts:
- Lubrication: If the blinds feel “sticky” or heavy when lifting, apply a tiny amount of dry silicone spray to the inside of the headrail or the track. Avoid oil-based lubricants (like WD-40), which attract dust and can ruin the fabric.
- Cord Tension: For safety and function, ensure all cord tensioners are securely mounted. This prevents the cord from tangling or putting uneven pressure on the internal lift strings.
4. Maintenance "Red Flags"
To protect your warranty and the integrity of the product, avoid the following:
- No Harsh Chemicals: Avoid bleach, ammonia, or abrasive scrubbing pads.
- No Submerging: Never soak fabric shades or motorized components in water.
- Heat Sensitivity: Do not use high-heat hair dryers or irons on synthetic fabrics or cellular shades, as it can melt the glue or destroy the pleat memory.
→ When to Call a Professional
If your shades have heavy staining, mold, or mechanical failure inside the headrail, please contact our customer service department for a replacement service or consulting a professional ultrasonic blind cleaning service.
Monthly: Light Refresh
- [ ] Vacuum Fabrics: Use a soft brush attachment on low suction for all fabric and cellular shades.
- [ ] Clear Cells: Use compressed air to blow out any debris inside honeycomb/cellular shades.
- [ ] Check Operation: Raise and lower all treatments to ensure the cords and motors are moving smoothly.
Quarterly: Detail Clean
- [ ] Spot Clean Fabric: Inspect for small stains; blot (don’t rub) with a mild soap solution.
- [ ] Check Cords: Inspect lift strings for fraying and ensure wall tensioners are tight and secure.
Annual: Deep Maintenance
- [ ] Lubricate Tracks: Apply a small amount of dry silicone spray to headrails if the movement feels stiff.
- [ ] Steam Wrinkles: Use a low-heat garment steamer to remove settling lines from Roman or Roller shades.
- [ ] Hardware Check: Tighten any mounting screws that may have loosened due to daily use.
The “Never” List
- Never use bleach or abrasive chemicals.
- Never scrub fabric (always blot).
- Never soak motorized components or real wood in water.
- Never use oil-based lubricants (they attract dust).
Common Questions
Answers to what customers ask most
How do I clean my blinds without taking them down?
Most routine cleaning can be done while the blinds are installed. Close the slats flat against the window to dust the front, then rotate them 180 degrees to dust the back. For fabric shades, lower them completely to vacuum or spot clean. Taking them down is usually only necessary for professional ultrasonic cleaning or heavy repairs.
Can I use a hair dryer to dry my shades after spot cleaning?
Yes, but only on a cool setting. High heat can melt the adhesive used in cellular shades or damage the “pleat memory” of the fabric, causing it to sag or lose its shape permanently.
How do I get rid of the "new blind" smell?
Some synthetic materials or finishes may have a slight odor when first installed (off-gassing). To speed up the process, keep the windows open for a few hours a day and ensure the room is well-ventilated. The smell typically dissipates within 48 to 72 hours.
What is "ultrasonic cleaning" and do I need it?
Ultrasonic cleaning involves immersing the blinds in a tank of water while sound waves create tiny bubbles that “scrub” the surface. It is excellent for heavily soiled metal or faux wood blinds but should never be used for real wood or motorized shades. It is best left to professionals.
How do I remove insects from inside my cellular shades?
Do not try to squish them, as this will stain the fabric. Use a can of compressed air or a hairdryer on the “cool/low” setting to blow the debris out through the side of the honeycomb cells.
Can I use Windex on my blinds?
Generally, no. Glass cleaners often contain ammonia, which can yellow plastic/faux wood over time or damage the finish on real wood and aluminum. Stick to a mild solution of dish soap and warm water.
Why are my cordless blinds hanging unevenly?
If one side is lower than the other, the internal tension springs may be uneven. Try pulling the blind all the way down to its full length, then lifting it back up slowly while guiding it with both hands. This often resets the internal cord tension.