As a cellular shades homeowner, you may wonder if you can wash your window treatments. After all, cellular shades are known for being energy-efficient and providing privacy, but they can also collect dust and dirt over time. Can you wash cellular shades? The short answer is yes, but it’s important to know how to do it to avoid damaging them.
In this article, we’ll explore whether cellular shades are washable, how to wash dirty cellular shades correctly, whether they can be professionally cleaned, and how often you should wash them.
We’ll also provide key takeaways to summarize the article’s main points. So, whether you’re a new cellular shades owner or you’ve had them for a while, please keep reading to learn more about how to keep them clean and looking their best.
Key Takeaways
- Yes, you can wash cellular shades, but following the right steps is important to avoid damaging them.
- To wash dirty cellular shades, use a gentle cleaning solution and a soft cloth or sponge, and avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive materials.
- While cellular shades can be professionally cleaned, it’s often more cost-effective to clean them yourself, and you should aim to wash them at least once a year to keep them looking their best.
Table of Contents
Can You Wash Cellular Shades? Are Cellular Blinds Washable?
Over time, cellular shades can accumulate dust, pollen, pet hair, and stains, making them look dirty and reducing their functionality. Signs indicating cellular shades need cleaning include discoloration, odor, or reduced insulation.
So, can you wash cellular shades? The answer is yes, but not all cellular shades are washable. The washability of cellular shades depends on factors such as the fabric type, construction, and manufacturer’s instructions.
Washable cellular shades are usually made of synthetic materials such as polyester, nylon, or PVC, which are water-resistant and can withstand washing.
On the other hand, non-washable cellular shades are usually made of natural materials such as cotton or silk, which can shrink, fade, or lose shape when exposed to water.
Some examples of washable cellular shades from different brands and sources include:
- Levolor Accordia Cellular Shades
- Bali DiamondCell Cellular Shades
- Hunter Douglas Duette Honeycomb Shades
Some examples of non-washable cellular shades include:
Before attempting to wash your cellular shades, it is important to check the label or contact the manufacturer to ensure they are washable and to get specific instructions on how to wash them.
Some cellular shades can be spot-cleaned with a mild detergent and a damp cloth, while others can be submerged in water and washed in a washing machine.
Related: Can you wash cotton pillows?
How to Wash Dirty Cellular Shades the Right Way
If your cellular shades are looking dusty or dirty, it’s time to give them a good wash. Here’s how to do it the right way:
Dusting and Vacuuming
Before washing your cellular shades, remove any loose dust or debris. You can use a feather duster, lint roller, or vacuum cleaner with a soft brush attachment. If you have a can of compressed air, you can also use it to blow out any dirt or debris that may be stuck inside the cells.
Spot Cleaning
If your cellular shades have any stains or spots, you can spot-clean them with a damp cloth or sponge. Use lukewarm water, mild detergent, or dish soap to scrub the affected area gently.
Be sure to test a small, inconspicuous area first to ensure the cleaning solution doesn’t cause discoloration or damage to the fabric.
Deep Cleaning
For a more thorough cleaning, you can remove your cellular shades from the window and give them a deep clean. Fill a bathtub or sink with lukewarm water and a mild detergent or cleaning solution.
Gently agitate the shades in the water to remove any dirt or debris. Rinse them thoroughly with clean water and hang them up to dry.
Be sure to avoid using harsh chemicals or bleach, and never wring or twisting your cellular shades, as this can deform them. If you’re in a hurry, you can use a fan or hair dryer in a cool setting to speed up the drying process.
Overall, washing your cellular shades is a simple process that can help keep them looking clean and fresh for years.
Related: Can you wash bed bug mattress covers?
Can Cellular Shades Be Professionally Cleaned?
Professional cleaning is a great option if you’re looking for a way to get your cellular shades cleaned without doing the work yourself. There are many reasons someone might choose to have their shades professionally cleaned, such as convenience, time-saving, or expertise.
One of the main advantages of professional cleaning is that it can save you time and effort. You won’t have to worry about taking down your shades, cleaning them, and putting them back up again. Instead, a professional cleaner will come to your home and take care of everything for you.
Another advantage of professional cleaning is that it can be more thorough than cleaning your shades. Professionals have the expertise and equipment to get deep into the cells of your shades and remove all the dirt and grime accumulated over time.
However, there are also some disadvantages to professional cleaning. One of the main ones is cost. Professional cleaning can be more expensive than cleaning your shades yourself. Not all professional cleaners offer the same quality, warranty, or availability level.
If you’re considering hiring a professional cleaner for your cellular shades, there are some questions you should ask before making a decision. Here are a few to get you started:
- What experience do you have cleaning cellular shades?
- What methods do you use to clean cellular shades?
- What are your fees for cleaning cellular shades?
- What guarantees do you offer for your cleaning services?
- Can you provide references from other customers who have had their cellular shades cleaned by your company?
By asking these questions, you can ensure that you’re hiring a professional cleaner who will do a thorough job and provide you with the best value for your money.
How Often Should You Wash Cellular Shades?
Maintaining your cellular shades’ appearance, performance, and lifespan is crucial, and washing them regularly is essential. But how often should you wash them? Well, it depends on a few factors.
One of the most significant factors is location. If your cellular shades are in a high-traffic area, such as the kitchen or a child’s room, they will accumulate dirt and stains more quickly than shades in a less-used area. Similarly, if you live in a dusty or humid environment, you may need to wash your shades more frequently.
Another factor to consider is usage. If you use your cellular shades daily, they must be washed more often than ones used only occasionally. Additionally, if you or someone in your household has allergies, wash your shades more frequently to prevent allergens from building up.
So, how often should you wash your cellular shades? Here are some general guidelines:
- Once a month for heavily used or stained shades
- Once every six months for moderately used or dusty shades
- Once a year for lightly used or clean shades
Of course, these are just guidelines; you should adjust them based on your situation.
In addition to washing your cellular shades, there are some things you can do to keep them clean between washings. Dusting with a feather duster or wiping with a microfiber cloth can help remove surface dirt and dust. You can also use an anti-static spray to repel dust and keep your shades looking clean longer.
Wrap Up
In summary, washing your cellular shades regularly is essential for maintaining their appearance, performance, and lifespan. Factors such as location, usage, environment, and personal preference will affect how often you need to wash them.
Use the guidelines above as a starting point and adjust as necessary to keep your shades looking their best.
Frequently Asked Question
Can cellular shades get wet?
Cellular shades can be washed if they are washable and proper cleaning instructions are followed. Always check the label or contact the manufacturer before washing. Spot cleaning, vacuuming, or steaming can clean non-washable cellular shades.
Can you wash cellular shades in the bathtub?
If your cellular shades are washable, you can wash them in the bathtub using lukewarm water and a mild detergent. Remove the shades from the window, lay them flat, submerge them in water, gently agitate, soak for 15 minutes, drain, rinse with clean water, squeeze out excess water, and hang to dry.
How long do cellular shades last?
Cellular shades generally last 5 to 7 years, but this can vary based on material quality, frequency of use, exposure to sunlight, and maintenance.
Can I ultrasonic clean cellular shades?
Ultrasonic cleaning can clean washable cellular shades quickly and efficiently without harsh chemicals.
How do you get dead bugs out of cellular shades?
To remove dead bugs from cellular shades, use a can of compressed air to blow them out of the cells. Alternatively, use a blow dryer in a cool setting. Protect the area by laying down a drop cloth or newspaper. Avoid using hot air as it can damage the fabric.
