How to clean Roman Shades, Curtains and Drapes?

Choosing the right curtains or shades for every room along with the installation is the hard part when it comes to window treatments. That being said, there is still a little work to do once the blinds or curtains are properly installed because they still require basic maintenance like everything else in the home.

All you need to do is learn how to clean your Roman shades, curtains and drapes to keep them looking like new. Follow these tips and tricks below in order to make sure that your home is in the best shape possible.

Step 1: Vacuum Often

Often the simplest solutions are the most effective when it comes to keeping your shades clean and looking like new. One of the best things you can do to keep them free or dust and dirt is to vacuum them on a weekly basis. This is especially crucial for fabric window treatments like Roman shades. It is as simple as using the upholstery head that comes with most new vacuums. With the vacuum on low suction, to avoid damage to the woven fabric, pass it over the curtain or shade. Work from the top to bottom and try to follow the weave of the fabric. Going against it might result in damage to the fibres.Blinds are just as easy to do. Follow the same instructions with the upholstery head and low suction, and follow the slats.

Each home is unique and some will need this to be done more often than others. If dust is forming on your blinds or curtains when they’re vacuumed, they should be done more regularly. This is in everyone’s best interest to have window treatments free of dust and dirt because the room looks cleaner, the colours are brighter, and it contributes to better air quality. This is particularly important for anyone living with asthma or other conditions.

Step 2: Dust Detailed Shades Weekly

If the window treatments are made of fabric they should be dusted on a weekly basis. If they have any embroidery, decorative needlework or quilting, begin by using a feather duster to

dust them. It is also a good idea to spray it with a dust repellent that can be purchased at most department stores or supermarkets. These sprays discourage dust from clinging to the fabric. While the vacuuming we mentioned previously is a great option for many window treatments, anything with detailing are better dealt with in this manner; the vacuuming might cause the stitches to loosen or come out entirely. Obviously, this should be avoided at all costs.

After the dusting has taken place it is a good idea to spray them with fabric freshener followed by clean water. This will help keep them fresh and odour-free. This process is especially important for treatments with stitches and detailing because they tend to catch more dust and dirt since there are places for it to collect easily. Luckily it can be avoided with the steps listed, which take hardly any time out of your busy schedule.

Step 3: Treating Spot Stains

Homes can be messy places, especially in rooms like the kitchen or dining room where food and drink is always a presence. It never seems to be a surprise when stains occur because of this. Sometimes they even end up on the shades or curtains, but do not panic if this happens. As long as you act swiftly, the stains will be out in no time at all. THe first thing that should be done if this happens is to soak up the excess liquid with a dry cloth. Once as much has been soaked up as possible, take a clean damp cloth and dab the stain. THe trick is to keep the spot wet until the stain is gone because this process becomes far more difficult once it has dried into the fibres. The next step is to take a cleaning agent to the spot; either a detergent or even baking soda will work. Scrub the area without damaging the fibres. Once the stain is out, take some clean water to rinse out the area. The window treatments will be as good as new.

Step 4: Washing Roman Shades and Curtains

If the shades are made of fabric they should be fully washed at least once a year. Some home environments might even require more consistent washing. Before getting started be sure to check the instructions attached. These will list the best method of washing. Most

fabrics are able to be put in the wash, which is the easiest option. Just be sure to remove all the dowels and cords before doing so. Delicate fabrics like silk, linen, and wool, on the other hand, should be taken to professional cleaners. The cost of having window treatments professionally cleaned intimidate some people, but it is never a good idea to take chances with an unrecommended method of washing. Doing so will most likely result in ruined window treatments.

Step 5: Fight Trapped Odors

Sometimes shades and curtains need a little freshening up without a full cleaning; cooking odours can get trapped in the fabric, and homeowners want to get rid of them. Freshening sprays like Febreeze are always a go-to in these cases, but there are also natural options which have less of a scent. Diluted vinegar is always a good choice, with the ratio being one part white vinegar and two parts water. Once it dries the vinegar smell disappears along with the original odour. Most people have these ingredients in their own home.

Window Treatments At Home

The best way to keep Roman shades, curtains and drapes looking like new is to implement regular cleaning. Luckily this is easy to do by following the steps listed. They are quickly completed and fit easily into any busy schedule. By keeping them looking like new, you will notice the difference throughout your home with brighter and fresher window treatments.

Comments

  1. Thanks for going over some tips for cleaning shades, curtains, and drapes. It’s nice to know that fabric window treatments should be dusted weekly. I’m interested if some fabric would need to be dusted more depending on how thick it is.

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