Roman shades are a gorgeous choice for your home. You can select from a wide range of patterns, choose complete blackout or slightly transparent fabrics, and also select from a variety of customizable sizes. What’s not to like? The only possible challenge associated with these shades is cleaning them. However, with a solid routine, this doesn’t have to be difficult! Any window treatment requires some necessary cleaning throughout the year in addition to a more robust clean at least once a year. Here’s our advice for best practices in cleaning your Roman shades:

Weekly to Monthly Cleaning Tasks

Depending on how dusty things get, you should perform these tasks on a weekly, biweekly or monthly basis. These chores are relatively quick and easy to execute. Keeping up with them on a regular basis makes your more thorough cleanings even easier.

Vacuum

First, extend your shades. Then, using the upholstery brush attachment, vacuum your shades gently, which will remove dust and dirt. The worst accumulation is usually right along the folds or creases of your shades, so pay particular attention to these areas.

Alternative Dust Removal

For very delicate shades, you can opt for using a cloth or duster instead of your vacuum. Some materials, especially ones that have embellishments or other decor require special care using a very soft tissue such as a microfiber cloth. This will pick up the dust nicely. A lint roller is also a good option for removing dust from smooth shades.

As Needed Cleaning

You’ll know when your Roman shades need extra cleaning. The occasional mishap can result in a stain or a spill that will affect the beauty of your shades. However, when this happens you can use several spot cleaning methods:

Spills and Stains

Club soda can work magic on stains and spills. Apply this quickly to the affected area of the shade.

Use a mix of equal parts water and white vinegar on stains and spills. Merely dab at the shades with a cloth you’ve dipped in this solution. Then, you can use a small amount of detergent mixed with water and finally rinse with plain water.

A small amount of dishwashing detergent in water is also excellent for handling stains and spills. Spot or sponge clean with this solution and then rinse.

Once a Year

Every year you should give your shades a more rigorous cleaning. Your method of choice will depend on the material and how difficult it is to take your shades apart and put them back together. There should be some information on the label of your shades indicating acceptable cleaning methods.

Washing and Laundering

Many favor fabrics such as cotton and polyblends for Roman shades and these can often be washed or laundered right at home in your machine. All you have to do is remove the headrail and any dowels or rods that are a part of the shades. Then, wash them on a delicate cycle in cold water. To dry them, lay them flat and iron as necessary.     

Professional Cleaning

Many dry cleaners will also do shades. Again, you’ll have to prepare them ahead of time by removing dowels, rods and the headrail. Then, you can drop them off for a professional cleaning. Professional home shade and blind cleaning services can also come right to your house to clean your shades – eliminating the trouble of removing any pieces yourself.

With this routine of cleaning, your Roman shades will always appear beautiful and dust-free.

Are you looking for new Roman shades? Call the experts at Aero Shade Custom Window Treatments and learn about our wide selection of beautiful shade offerings.