Roman shades are timeless window treatments that bring elegance and a luxurious feel to any home. But what happens when your Roman shades NYC get dirty? How do you clean them?
Don’t worry, we have the answers to all of your questions right here!
Cleaning your Roman shades NYC will keep dust at bay, which is essential if you have asthma or allergies, as well as keep your shades in top shape, allowing you to enjoy them for many years.
Dusting
Dusting your Roman shades on a weekly basis is the easiest way to keep them clean. Feel free to use a vacuum with a dusting brush attachment, or if your shades are made from a delicate fabric such as silk, use a duster or a microfiber cloth.
How to dust your Roman shades:
- Fully extend the shade and keep it taut by holding it from the bottom.
- Use your duster, microfiber cloth, or vacuum with a dusting brush attachment to dust your shades. Start from the top and continue downwards until you reach the bottom of the shades.
- Pay extra attention to folds and pleats in the fabric, as well as the bottom of the blind—the most dust tends to accumulate in these areas.
Removing Stains
If you notice that your Roman shades NYC have been stained, it’s best to treat the stains right away. Before you spot clean your shades, dust them to avoid spreading any existing dust around. If you can’t remove the stains, you may have to take your window treatments to a dry cleaner. Here are several ways to remove stains from your Roman shades at home.
Soap and Water
For this method, you’re going to create a soapy water solution to treat the stains.
- Grab a bucket, soft sponge or cloth, and mild dish soap.
- Fill up the bucket with warm water and a few drops of dish soap.
- Dip the soft sponge or cloth into the solution and wring out excess water to avoid watermarks.
- Gently rub the affected areas in a circular motion.
Vinegar and Water
A vinegar and water solution can work wonders on stains!
- Make the solution using one-part vinegar to one-part water.
- Make a second solution with water and mild dish soap.
- Dip a cloth in the vinegar solution and dab at the stain.
- Dip a second cloth in the soap solution and dab once again at the stain.
- Rinse the affected area with water.
- Let your Roman shades air dry.
Fabric Stain Remover
If you are unable to remove the stains using the methods described above, you can use a gentle fabric stain remover as long as it is suitable for the type of fabric you have. Before using a fabric stain remover, make sure to check with the Roman shade manufacturer first. When you apply the wrong product, your shades can become discolored or blotchy where you’ve applied it.
- Read and follow the instructions on the fabric stain remover bottle.
- First, test out the stain remover on an unobtrusive area of your shades (like on a small area on the back).
Washing
What if your Roman shades NYC begin to smell? Giving your Roman shades a deep cleaning once or twice a year can help them retain their freshness and clean appearance. To determine whether to hand wash, machine wash, or dry clean your shades, check the care label on your Roman shades.
Hand Wash
If you have sheer Roman shades, you’ll need to wash them by hand.
- Prepare your Roman shades by removing the cords, detaching the shades from the headrail, and then removing the dowels or metal rods.
- Soak your Roman shades in a bathtub filled with cool water and a mild detergent.
- Hang them to dry.
- Use an iron to steam out wrinkles.
- Rehang after attaching the cords and dowels (or rods).
Machine Wash
Fabrics such as cotton and poly-blends can be machine washed.
- Remove the cords, the shades from the headrail, and the dowels or metal rods.
- Wash your Roman shades on a gentle cycle, using cold water.
- Let them air dry.
- Iron if necessary.
- Reassemble and rehang.
Here’s what to avoid doing at all costs:
- Don’t use warm or hot water to wash your shades.
- Never tumble dry your Roman shades since this will cause shrinkage.
Dry Clean
Dry cleaning is the preferred cleaning method for Roman shades that are made out of silk, wool, linen, or fiberglass. Dry cleaning uses a solvent solution that contains little to no water. You’ll need to prepare your shades ahead of time by unthreading the cords, detaching the shades from the headrail, and removing the dowels or metal rods.
Dirty shades can make your home look and feel unkempt. But if you stick to dusting your Roman shades weekly, spot cleaning when necessary, and deep cleaning once or twice a year, your shades will always look and smell clean. If you’ve tried all of the above methods, but have had no luck, it may be time to purchase new Roman shades NYC. Reach out to Urban Window Treatments to start choosing new Roman shades for your home!