Cellular blinds, also known as honeycomb shades, are a swish window covering that offer insulation, light control, and privacy. They are made of fabric cells that trap air and create a barrier between the window and the room. However, like any other fabric, cellular blinds can get dirty over time. Dust, dirt, stains, and odors can accumulate on the surface and inside the cells of your blinds, making them look dull and unhygienic.
So how do you clean cellular blinds without ruining them? You may be tempted to toss them in the washing machine or soak them in water, but that’s a big no-no. Water can damage the fabric and the glue that holds the cells together, causing them to lose their shape and functionality. Instead, you should follow these simple steps to clean your cellular blinds safely and effectively.
Can you clean cellular blinds? Yes, you can clean cellular blinds using a vacuum cleaner, a microfiber cloth, a mild detergent, and a can of compressed air. However, you need to be gentle and careful when cleaning your blinds to avoid damaging them.
How to Clean Cellular Blinds
Here are the steps to follow when cleaning your cellular blinds:
- Clear dead insects and dust from inside cells with compressed air. Bugs may have crawled into the cells of your shade and died, accumulating there along with dust. Position the spray applicator of a can of compressed air at the mouth of a cell. Press the applicator and spray air through each cell to clear out bugs and dust. You may want to lay down a drop cloth or newspaper to catch ejected matter and contain a potential mess.
- Vacuum your shades with a brush attachment. Apply your brush attachment to the shades in a side to side motion following the pleats. Clean the shade from top to bottom to prevent yourself from accidentally knocking dust onto lower parts of the shade. Ideally, you should only vacuum your cellular shades on the medium or low setting of your vacuum. Vacuums that are too powerful should not be used, as the suction of these can deform your shade.
- Wipe shades side to side with a microfiber cloth. Use a microfiber cloth to gently wipe away any surface dust and dirt from your shades. Use short and gentle strokes following the direction of the pleats. Do not scrub or rub the fabric too hard, as this can cause pilling or damage.
- Spot clean stains with warm water and mild detergent. If your shades have any stains or spots that need more attention, you can use a mild detergent and warm water to blot them out. Mix a few drops of detergent with some warm water in a small bowl or spray bottle. Dampen a lint-free cloth or sponge with the solution and blot the stain gently until it lifts. Do not rub or scrub the stain, as this can spread it or damage the fabric. Do not use bleach or any harsh chemicals on your shades, as they can discolor or weaken the fabric.
- Let your shades dry completely before closing them. After cleaning your shades, make sure they are completely dry before closing them or raising them up. You can use a hair dryer on low heat or cool setting to speed up the drying process if needed. Do not use hot air, as this can melt the glue or shrink the fabric. Closing wet shades can cause mold or mildew growth, which can ruin your shades.
![TRIPPEVALS Black-out cellular blind, white, 80x195 cm (31 ½x76 ¾") - IKEA](https://www.ikea.com/ph/en/images/products/trippevals-black-out-cellular-blind-white__0996388_pe822273_s5.jpg?f=s)
FAQs
Here are some common questions that people have about cleaning cellular blinds:
- How often should I clean my cellular blinds? The frequency of cleaning your cellular blinds depends on how dirty they get and how often you use them. Generally, it’s recommended to clean your cellular blinds at least once every six months to keep them fresh and hygienic. However, you may need to clean them more often if you live in a dusty or humid area, have pets or children, or suffer from allergies or asthma.
- What kind of cellular blinds can I clean? You can clean most types of cellular blinds, such as single cell, double cell, cordless, top down bottom up, or blackout. However, you need to check the manufacturer’s instructions before cleaning your blinds, as some fabrics or colors may have special care requirements. For example, some fabrics may be more delicate or prone to fading than others, and some colors may bleed or transfer when wet.
- What if my cellular blinds are too dirty or damaged to clean? If your cellular blinds are beyond repair or cleaning, you may need to replace them with new ones. You can find a wide range of cellular blinds at Factory Direct Blinds, where you can customize your blinds according to your preferences and budget. You can also get free samples and free shipping on your order.
Final Thoughts
Cellular blinds are a great window covering that offer many benefits for your home. However, they also need regular cleaning and maintenance to keep them in good shape and performance. By following the steps above, you can clean your cellular blinds without ruining them and enjoy their beauty and functionality for years to come.
Dale is the colorful mind behind HuetifulHomes.com, where he shows you how to create a home that is as fun and fabulous as you are. He has a passion for color and a knack for DIY, with years of interior design experience he shares his tips and tricks on how to create a home that reflects your personality and style. He believes that color is the key to happiness, and he wants to help you make your home more Huetiful.