Shopping cart
You have no items in your shopping cart.
The Best Way to Clean Your Roman Shades
Roman shades are a favorite because they look tailored, work with many styles, and control light well. Like any fabric window treatment, they collect dust and the occasional spill. A simple cleaning routine keeps roman shades looking crisp, prevents odors and stains, and helps them last longer.
This guide shows you how to clean them the right way: check fabric and care labels, follow step-by-step dusting, vacuuming, spot and deep cleaning, handle motorized parts safely, tackle mildew and wrinkles, prevent buildup, and know when to call a pro.
What To Know Before You Clean Your Roman Shades
Check The Fabric Type
Different fabrics call for different care.
Cotton or linen: Usually safe for light hand-washing and spot cleaning. Watch for shrinkage; use cool water only.
Polyester or blends: More forgiving and generally colorfast. Avoid high heat when drying or ironing.
Silk, viscose, or other delicate fibers: Treat as dry-clean only. Do surface cleaning and leave stains to a pro.
Blackout, bonded, or interlined shades: Adhesives can bubble with heat or soaking. Stick to surface cleaning.
Woven wood or bamboo: Dry methods only. Vacuum and dust; never soak.
Inspect The Care Label
Look for washing symbols and special notes from the manufacturer. If the label is missing, spot-test any cleaner on a hidden corner. When in doubt, choose the gentlest method or use a professional service.
How To Clean Roman Shades – Step-By-Step Guide
Before you start, gather a microfiber cloth, a vacuum with a soft brush attachment, a white lint-free cloth, a small bowl, cool water, and a mild pH-neutral detergent.
Light Cleaning: Dusting And Vacuuming
Keep shades fresh without taking them down.
Lower the shade fully. This exposes the whole surface.
Dust from top to bottom. Use a dry microfiber cloth to lift dust from the headrail and each fold.
Vacuum gently. Fit the soft brush attachment, set low suction, and move with the fabric grain. Support the fabric with your free hand so it doesn’t pull.
Detail the folds. Open the shade a few inches at a time and vacuum the newly exposed pleats and edges.
Lift pet hair or lint. A lint roller or slightly damp microfiber cloth works well.
Tips: Avoid metal brush heads. Do not press hard along cords, rings, or battens.
Spot Cleaning For Stains
Handle small marks quickly and carefully.
Mix a mild solution. In a bowl, combine cool water with a drop of pH-neutral detergent.
Spot-test. Dab the solution on a hidden area and check for color transfer.
Blot the stain. Place a dry paper towel behind the fabric. Dip a white cloth in the solution and blot from the outside of the stain toward the center. Do not rub.
Rinse blot. Use a second cloth dampened with plain cool water to remove soap residue.
Dry. Pat with a towel, then leave the shade lowered until fully dry. Reshape folds with your hands.
Targeted tips:
Grease or oil: Dust with cornstarch or talc, let sit 15–30 minutes, brush off, then follow the steps above.
Protein stains (milk, egg): Use only cool water; heat sets the stain.
Ink or makeup: Dab gently with isopropyl alcohol on a cotton swab, keeping the area behind the stain dry. Stop at the first sign of dye transfer.
Water rings: Lightly dampen the entire affected area for even drying, then blot dry.
For Delicate Fabrics And Deep Cleaning
Delicate Fabrics
Delicate roman shades need a light touch. Start with dry methods first.
Silk, viscose, and specialty weaves: Avoid soaking and strong spot removers. Dust with a microfiber cloth and vacuum with a soft brush on low suction. For stains, blot with barely damp distilled water on a white cloth after a spot test. Do not rub.
Blackout, bonded, or interlined shades: Adhesives can bubble with heat or moisture. Stick to surface cleaning only and reshape folds by hand.
Woven wood or bamboo: Use dry brushing and careful vacuuming. Never use water.
If you see color transfer, puckering, or lifting of the lining, stop and move to professional care.
Steam Cleaning
Use steam only on washable, non-bonded fabrics such as many polyester blends or sturdy cotton. Avoid steam on silk, viscose, blackout, bonded, or interlined shades.
Lower the shade and dust it first.
Spot-test on a hidden edge.
Hold the steamer several inches away and work in short, downward passes. Keep the head moving to prevent water spots.
Steam from the back when possible to protect face fabrics.
Gently form pleats with your hands while the fabric is warm.
Let the shade dry fully with good airflow before raising it.
Keep steam away from motors, batteries, and wiring on motorized shades.
Professional Cleaning
Some jobs are safer in expert hands.
When to call a pro: Dry-clean-only labels, bonded or blackout linings with soil, silk or viscose fabrics, set-in stains or odors, mildew, very wide or tall shades, or any contamination near motorized components.
What pros do: Drapery specialists use fabric-safe solvents, controlled moisture, and pressing equipment to clean and re-form pleats. Many offer take-down and rehang service.
How to prepare: Share photos, fabric type if known, and measurements. Note any stains and prior attempts. Ask about insurance, turnaround time, and care after cleaning.
This approach protects delicate materials, smooths out creases safely, and ensures you get a deep clean without risking damage.
How To Handle Motorized Roman Shades
Cleaning Without Damaging The Mechanism
Power off. Turn off and, if possible, remove the battery or motor before cleaning.
Dry dust first. Use a microfiber cloth around the headrail, brackets.
Vacuum the fabric only. Use a soft brush attachment on low suction. Keep liquids away from the motor, wiring, and battery ports.
Spot clean with care. If fabric needs spot treatment, keep the motor area protected and use minimal moisture.
Tip: If you notice uneven movement or noise after cleaning, let the shade dry completely and test again. Contact the manufacturer if issues persist.
Dealing With Special Cleaning Challenges
Removing Mildew And Mold
Improve airflow in the room and lower the humidity.
For washable fabrics, lightly wipe the spot with a cloth dampened in a 70% diluted isopropyl solution.
Follow with a mild detergent blot and a plain-water rinse blot.
Dry the shade fully while lowered. Sunlight helps, if the fabric is not light-sensitive.
For widespread growth or delicate fibers, use a professional cleaner.
Preventing Wrinkles After Cleaning
Hang the shade while slightly damp and hand-form the pleats.
If the fabric allows, press on the back with a pressing cloth and low heat.
Use short bursts of steam from a distance on washable, non-bonded fabrics. Avoid steam near adhesives or motors.
Preventing Future Build-Up
Regular Maintenance Tips
Dust weekly or biweekly with a microfiber cloth.
Vacuum folds monthly with a soft brush attachment.
After steamy showers or cooking, open the shade to let moisture escape.
Protecting Against Common Problems
Use sheer liners or UV film to reduce fading.
Keep shades away from splatter zones near stoves or sinks, or use washable fabrics there.
In humid rooms, run an exhaust fan or dehumidifier.
Avoid aerosol sprays near the fabric.
When To Seek Professional Cleaning Services
Knowing When To Call A Professional
Silk, viscose, blackout, bonded, or interlined shades with visible soil.
Large stains, dye bleed, or lingering odors after home care.
Extra-wide or tall installations that are hard to remove and rehang.
Motorized shades with fabric contamination near electronic components.
FAQs
How often should I clean Roman shades?
Light dust weekly or biweekly. Do a fold-by-fold vacuum monthly and spot clean as needed.
Do I need to take Roman shades down to clean them?
Not for routine care. Dust and vacuum in place. Remove only if the label says they’re washable and a deep clean is needed.
How do I remove grease or oil stains?
Dust with cornstarch or talc for 15–30 minutes, brush off, then blot with the mild detergent solution. Rinse blot with plain water and dry.
Can I use a steamer?
Only on washable, non-bonded fabrics and from a distance. Never steam blackout, bonded, or interlined shades, and keep steam away from motors.
How do I prevent wrinkles after cleaning?
Hang slightly damp, hand-formed pleats, then press the back with a pressing cloth on low heat if the fabric allows.
SmartWings Roman Shades: Easy Care, Clean Look
If you’re cleaning today but also thinking about an upgrade, consider choosing roman shades that match your maintenance routine. SmartWings offers roman shades in easy-care fabrics and motorized options that dust and vacuum well. For low-fuss upkeep, pick durable polyester blends; for bedrooms, choose blackout series and stick to surface cleaning as outlined above. Explore styles and fabric options here: SmartWings Roman Shades.
Conclusion
A simple routine keeps roman shades clean and beautiful. Start with regular dusting and gentle vacuuming, handle small stains right away, and reserve deep cleaning for washable fabrics. When materials are delicate or heavily soiled, call a pro. With the right steps, your roman shades will stay crisp, functional, and ready for the light you want in your space.