How To Clean Pleated Shades in 6 Steps (Expert Guide)

Key Takeaways

• Below are 6 simple steps for cleaning pleated shades. Each step includes insightful tips to help you clean your shades without scratching them. Hence, scroll down and read carefully.
• In step 3, we also mention some essential materials or tools for cleaning pleated shades. Let’s see why we should use these instead of others.

Step 1: Evaluate the condition of your pleated shades

The method you use to clean your shades depends on how dirty they are. Cleaning pleated shades can be a bit harder due to their crimped design. Most cleaning jobs involve removing built-up dirt, dust, pollen, and other debris. 

However, shades installed on frequently opened doors or windows may need more thorough cleaning to remove heavy stains or embedded airborne particles.

Step 2: Review the manufacturer’s guidelines

Before learning how to clean pleated shades, check the manufacturer’s specific cleaning warnings and instructions to avoid damaging or staining the fabric. These instructions are in the original packaging or on the manufacturer’s website. 

Following these instructions will help ensure that your shades are cleaned properly without causing any damage.

Step 3: Collect some essential cleaning tools

The following items are enough to clean almost all kinds of shades, even if they are pleated shades or cellular ones:

Vacuum With A Soft Brush Attachment

Any dust or dirt that remains after using your feather duster can be removed with a vacuum cleaner and its soft brush attachment. Additional nozzles and attachments can be used to clean small crevices near the headrail. 

If your vacuum has adjustable suction power, lower it until it no longer pulls or tugs on the fabric to prevent possible damage.

Feather Duster

A feather duster is your first line of defense for cleaning shades. It removes accumulated dirt and dust and should be used regularly to clean your shades.

Bucket With Warm water And Detergent or Mild Soap

If the cleaning instructions for your shade allow mild soap and water or detergent, mix the two in a bucket. Use the mixture to gently scrub stains and caked-on dirt, dust, and debris from the fabric.

However, be extremely careful not to soak the fabric or let any liquid enter the headrail, which could damage the moving parts inside.

Towels And Sheets To Catch Falling Dust and Dirt

Cleaning blinds that haven’t been cleaned in a long time can be messy.

Placing towels or sheets underneath the windows and blinds can catch any falling dirt or dust, protecting your floors. You can also use a hairdryer to dry the fabric quickly.

Hairdryer To Quickly Dry The Fabric

If you need soap and water to clean light stains or heavy dirt and dust from your shades, dry the fabric promptly to prevent staining, warping, or fading.

To avoid potential damage, you can dry the fabric before using a hairdryer with a cool setting (no heat).

Step 4: Proceed with cleaning your pleated shades

This is the main part of how to clean pleated shades. You can:

1. Start with the headrail.
2. Use a cloth with mild soap and warm water or a clean sponge to eliminate dirt or dust.
3. Wring it out thoroughly to avoid getting moisture inside the headrail.
4. Clean the fabric using a feather duster, vacuum, and soft brush attachment.
5. Use a clean sponge to remove dirt, dust, and light stains. When dealing with stained areas, apply light pressure, but avoid scrubbing deeply, as it may damage the fabric.

Step 5: Detach your shades from the window or wall if it’s needed

Follow these instructions if your shades are often exposed to dust and dirt, such as in front of an open window or door.

1. Take the shades down for a thorough cleaning.
2. Remove the shades from their brackets, then fill your bathtub with lukewarm water and mild soap.
3. Place the shades in the water, keeping the headrail dry.
4. After a brief soak, wipe away any dirt and debris.
5. Once clean, remove the shades from the water and dry the fabric with towels.
6. Hang them up outside the bathroom to dry and prevent mold growth.

You can also leverage a hairdryer on the cool setting to make drying faster.

Step 6: Maintain a consistent cleaning routine for the future

Now you know how to clean pleated shades. But the maintenance stage is also necessary. However, keeping your shades clean is easy. Just dust them twice a month for shades in low-traffic areas and once weekly for shades in high-traffic areas. 

This simple habit will reduce the time you spend cleaning your shades in the future, and they’ll look great year-round.

However, finding another one is excellent if your pleated shades are too old to clean. Let’s see 6 stylish ideas for your pleated shades to level up your house.