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Austrian shades are a stylish window treatment but they can be a challenge to keep clean. Regular dusting and vacuuming will keep your shades in good condition, but sometimes a deeper clean is required. Before you start, always check the manufacturer's instructions for care and cleaning advice. For heavy stains, you may need to use a mild detergent and water solution, but always be cautious to avoid damaging the fabric. For opaque or blackout fabrics, extra care should be taken to avoid permanent creasing. If you're unsure, there are specialist cleaning services available that can help.
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What You'll Learn
Cleaning tools and products
Austrian shades are made from soft, pliable fabrics, and their unique design allows them to remain gathered and scalloped at the lower edge even when lowered. Due to their fabric construction and style, Austrian shades can attract dirt, dust, and other allergens or airborne particles.
- Feather duster: A feather duster is an effective tool for removing accumulated dirt and dust from your Austrian shades. Use it regularly to keep your shades clean.
- Vacuum cleaner: A vacuum cleaner with a soft brush attachment can be used to remove any residual dust or dirt left behind by the feather duster. Adjust the suction power to a lower setting to avoid pulling or tugging on the fabric.
- Mild soap or detergent and water: If the cleaning instructions for your Austrian shades allow the use of water, create a mild solution with soap or detergent. Dip a clean sponge or cloth into the mixture and wring it out thoroughly before gently wiping down the shades to avoid getting the fabric too wet.
- Clean cloth: A lint-free, soft cloth can be used to wipe down the shades, especially when removing light stains or heavy accumulations of dirt and dust. Ensure the cloth is only slightly damp to avoid getting the fabric too wet.
- Fabric cleaner: For fingerprints or soiled spots, use an aerosol spray foam upholstery or fabric cleaner. Apply the foam cleaner and immediately rub the area with a clean, damp sponge, gently working parallel to the pleats until the stains are removed.
- Hairdryer: After cleaning your Austrian shades with soap and water, use a hairdryer on a cool setting to quickly dry the fabric. This will help prevent warping, fading, or staining.
- Ultrasonic cleaning: This process uses ultrasound and an appropriate cleaning solvent to gently clean items. While this service may be offered by professional cleaning companies, it is not recommended for pleated shades as it may remove the fullness and body of the fabric.
Before cleaning your Austrian shades, always check the manufacturer's instructions for specific cleaning directions to avoid damaging the fabric.
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Removing dust and dirt
To remove dust and dirt from Austrian shades, you can use a feather duster or a soft dust cloth. Start at the top of the shades and work your way across each slat, turning the slats downward so they are as flat as possible. Then, turn the slats up and repeat the process. You can also place a sock on your hand, slightly open the slats, and run your hand back and forth, over and under each slat.
If your Austrian shades are very dirty, you may need to use a vacuum cleaner with a soft brush attachment. First, lay the shades on a clean, flat surface. Then, gently vacuum one side and then the other, following the pleat. If there are any stains, you can use an aerosol spray foam upholstery or fabric cleaner. Spray the foam cleaner and immediately rub the area with a clean, damp sponge, gently rubbing it back and forth parallel to the pleats until the stains are removed. Be careful not to crush, wrinkle, or stretch the fabric.
For light stains or heavy accumulations of dirt and dust, you can use a mild soap and water solution. Dip a clean sponge or cloth into the solution and wring it out thoroughly before wiping down the shades, being careful not to get the headrail wet. Afterward, quickly dry the fabric with a hairdryer on the cool setting to avoid warping, fading, or staining.
If your Austrian shades are made of Acrilan-based fabric, you can vacuum them regularly to remove dust and dirt. You can also spot-clean them with a mild soap and water solution. However, avoid dry-cleaning Acrilan-based fabrics, as the chemicals can damage the fibers.
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Removing heavy stains
If your Austrian shades are heavily soiled or stained, you will need to adopt a more intensive approach to cleaning them. Firstly, check the manufacturer's cleaning instructions. All shades have specific cleaning instructions and warnings that should be followed to avoid accidentally damaging the fabric. If you cannot find the instructions, check the manufacturer's website.
If the shades are only lightly stained, you can leave them attached to the head rail and window. Use a sponge or cloth dipped in warm water and a mild soap to wipe away any dirt or dust. Be sure to wring out the sponge or cloth before use, to keep moisture from getting inside the head rail. Next, work your way down the fabric with a feather duster, vacuum, and soft brush attachment to remove any remaining dirt, dust, and light stains.
If the stain is deeply set or covers a large section of the fabric, you may need to detach the shade from the head rail. Before applying any cleaning solution, use a clean, soft cloth to blot the area gently. Then, sprinkle baking soda or cornstarch on the stain and let it sit for a few hours. The powder will absorb the moisture, making the stain easier to remove. Vacuum the powder away and then blot the area with a damp cloth.
If the stain is still visible, you can try a cleaning solution of one part bleach and four parts warm water. However, check the cleaning and care instructions for any warnings against using bleach on the fabric, as it can cause discolouration and damage. Alternatively, consider a professional dry cleaning service, which will have the expertise and equipment to handle delicate fabrics and stubborn stains.
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Drying the fabric
If you are cleaning opaque or blackout fabrics, extra care should be taken as these fabrics may become permanently creased. After vacuuming and cleaning with a damp sponge, ensure that you remove excess water by blotting with a dry cloth. Only rehang the shades when they are completely dry.
For Acrilan-based fabrics, avoid dry cleaning as the chemicals can damage the fibers. Instead, these fabrics should be vacuumed regularly and can be spot-cleaned with a mild soap and water solution.
Silk, wool, linen, or fiberglass-blend roman shades should be dry-cleaned only when necessary. Be sure to inform the dry cleaner if you have used any chemical spot removers on the shades.
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Cleaning opaque or blackout fabrics
Opaque or blackout fabrics require special care when cleaning to ensure that their light-blocking abilities are maintained. Here are some detailed instructions on how to clean them effectively:
Firstly, it is important to determine how much cleaning is needed. Check your shades to identify any heavy stains or built-up dirt, dust, pollen, or other debris. Shades installed on frequently used doors or windows may require more intensive cleaning to remove embedded particles from the fabric.
Before cleaning, always refer to the manufacturer's instructions to avoid accidentally damaging the fabric. Most shades come with specific cleaning instructions and warnings, which can usually be found in the original packaging or on the manufacturer's website. It is important to follow these instructions, especially when it comes to the use of water and cleaning solutions.
When it comes to tools, a feather duster is a great first line of defence for removing accumulated dirt and dust. Regular dusting will help keep your shades clean and reduce the need for more intensive cleaning. A vacuum cleaner with a soft brush attachment can also be used to remove any remaining dust or dirt. If your vacuum has adjustable suction power, lower it to avoid pulling or tugging on the fabric.
For more intensive cleaning, spot cleaning with lukewarm water and a mild soap or detergent is recommended. Gently blot stains or spots, being careful not to rub too hard to avoid creasing or damaging the fabric. Rinse the area with clean water to remove any detergent residue and allow the shades to air dry completely in the lowered position. Do not immerse the shades in water or apply direct heat from a hairdryer, as this can cause permanent creasing or set stains.
It is important to note that certain cleaning tools and methods should be avoided when cleaning opaque or blackout fabrics. Do not use magnetic or electrostatic cleaners like dust mitts, as these can damage the fabric's light- and UV-blocking abilities. Solvents, abrasive substances, and strong cleaners or disinfectants should also be avoided, as they may damage the fabric coating.
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Frequently asked questions
Austrian shades can be cleaned using a feather duster or a soft dust cloth. You can also use a vacuum cleaner with a soft brush attachment. If there are stains, use a mild detergent or soap with warm water and gently scrub the area.
First, lay the shades on a clean, flat surface. Then, gently vacuum one side and then the other, following the pleat. For stains, use an aerosol spray foam upholstery or fabric cleaner. Spray the foam cleaner and gently rub the area with a clean, damp sponge until the stain is removed.
It depends on how often you open the windows or doors they are installed on. Shades installed on frequently used windows or doors may require more intense cleaning to remove heavy stains or airborne particles.
Always check the manufacturer's cleaning instructions before cleaning your Austrian shades to avoid accidentally damaging the fabric. Do not immerse the shades in water. If you have to use soap and water, make sure to dry the fabric quickly to avoid warping, fading, or staining.
