Caring for Your Window Treatments

Someone cleaning the blinds in their home with a soft cloth

We’re often asked how to properly care for window treatments once they’re installed. The good news is that most products are easy to maintain when cleaned the right way. A little routine care goes a long way in keeping everything looking beautiful and working as it should.

Because every material is different, we’ve grouped products with similar care needs together below. Following these guidelines helps protect your investment and ensures your window treatments last for years to come.

Why Proper Care Matters

Window treatments are designed to be durable, but incorrect cleaning—such as using too much water, harsh chemicals, or abrasive tools—can cause permanent damage and may void warranties. Gentle, regular upkeep is always best. If you’re ever unsure, we’re happy to guide you.

Fabric Products – Dry Clean Only

Includes:

  • Drapery
  • Roman Shades (Soft Romans)
  • Fabric Top Treatments (Valances & Cornices)
  • These products are made from soft fabrics and should never be wet cleaned.

How we recommend caring for them

  • Vacuum periodically using a drapery or upholstery attachment
  • Steam after installation to release any wrinkles from the packaging
  • Use a professional dry cleaner when deeper cleaning is needed

Please avoid

  • Water or wet cleaning
  • Home washing or spot cleaning

If you don’t have access to a steamer, a standard iron with steam can be used carefully. Extra caution should be used with silk fabrics.

Delicate & Textured Shades – Vacuum & Dry Dust Only

Includes:

  • Woven / Natural Shades
  • Sheer Shades
  • Honeycomb (Cellular) Shades
  • These products are designed to stay dry and should be handled gently.

How we recommend caring for them

  • Vacuum lightly using a soft brush attachment
  • Use dry dusting or compressed air if needed

Please avoid

  • Water or wet cleaning
  • Crushing, bending, or aggressive handling

Natural shades are best suited for indoor use to help preserve their structure and appearance.

Easy-Care Products – Light Spot Cleaning Only

Includes:

  • Blinds (Wood, Faux Wood & Aluminum)
  • Interior Plantation Shutters
  • Roller Shades (including solar-style fabrics)
  • These products can tolerate limited moisture when cleaned properly.

How we recommend caring for them

  • Dust or vacuum regularly with a soft brush
  • Spot clean using a lightly damp cloth when needed
  • Dry immediately before operating or retracting

Please avoid

  • Excess moisture
  • Submerging in water
  • Abrasive cleaners or tools

Exterior / Outdoor Shades

Outdoor shades are exposed to pollen, wind, and everyday debris, so routine care is especially important.

How we recommend caring for them

  • Gently remove loose debris with a soft brush
  • Clean using mild dish soap and water
  • Use a soft cloth or sponge
  • Rinse with a garden hose
  • Allow shades to fully air dry before retracting

Please avoid

  • Pressure washers
  • Harsh chemicals

Hurricane & Exterior Shutters

Applies to:

  • Rolling Shutters · Bahama Shutters · Colonial Shutters · Accordion Shutters
  • Regular maintenance helps ensure your shutters operate smoothly and are ready when you need them.

General Cleaning

  • Clean regularly using a low-pH soap (automobile soap works well)
  • Use a soft cloth or fine-haired brush
  • Rinse thoroughly and dry

Please avoid

  • Abrasive cleaners
  • Vinegar, citrus, baking soda, or high-pH products
  • Mineral spirits or WD-40
  • Razors or paint scrapers

Ongoing Maintenance

  • Open and close shutters at least once a month to keep tracks and components moving
  • Apply graphite spray or wax spray 2–4 times per year to tracks or moving parts

Additional notes by shutter type

  • Rolling Shutters: Clean both sides of the curtain and rinse thoroughly
  • Bahama Shutters: Lubricate arm and collar screws twice per year
  • Colonial Shutters: Always lock shutters when open or closed
  • Accordion Shutters: Lubricate upper tracks and wheels and operate after applying lubricant

Important Painting Notice

If your home is painted after hurricane shutter installation, please contact us for an inspection before operating your shutters. Shutters that have been moved or painted over without adjustment can be damaged when operated.

We’re Always Here to Help

Caring for your window treatments doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. With gentle, routine maintenance, your products will continue to look great and function properly for years to come.

If you have any questions or if your specific product isn’t listed here, please feel free to reach out to us—we’re always happy to help.

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