How to Clean Shades

Cellular shades
Use the dusting tool on your vacuum. After dusting, most stains can be lightly blotted away with a sponge but don’t rub the fabric.

Roman shades
Use your vacuum’s soft dusting brush attachment on low suction, or gently go over the shades with a handheld vac fitted with the brush attachment. If necessary, spot-clean any stains with a cloth dipped in water and mild dishwashing detergent, but do not saturate the material. Rinse and blot dry.

Sheer shades
Vacuum with the brush attachment on the lowest suction setting.

Roller shades
To clean classic vinyl roller shades, use a well-wrung cloth or sponge dipped in a solution of mild dishwashing detergent and lukewarm water, and wipe the shade in sections. Start at the bottom, and continue working (washing and rinsing) upward until the entire shade is clean. Leave the shade fully extended to dry. You can also give dingy vinyl shades a bath. Cover them in warm water in the bathtub and add several squirts of mild dishwashing soap. Using a soft brush, clean the shades on both sides. Rinse, allow to air-dry, and re-hang.

Panel track shades
Durable panels for large doors or windows are low-maintenance. Glide your vacuum dust-brush tool over the panels to keep them fresh.