How to Clean Cellular Shades - A Canadian Homeowner's Guide

If you’ve just got some new cellular (honeycomb) shades installed, or you're refreshing a set that’s seen better days, knowing how to clean cellular shades the right way is essential to keeping them looking stylish, continuing to save energy, and prolonging their lifespan. Cellular blinds, a popular Canadian window treatment, trap air in their honeycomb‑shaped cells to improve insulation and lower heating and cooling costs, making them a handy window coverings option. But like all window treatments, they can gather dust, allergens, stains, and even mold without proper care, especially in our diverse Canadian climate.
You’ll learn everything you need to keep your cellular blinds looking and performing like new in this guide. This includes the basics dusting and spot cleaning right through to more thorough methods like submerging in the bathtub, blasting away dirt with compressed air, and professional ultrasonic cleaning. Along the way, we’ll cover the tools and supplies you need, safety tips, common mistakes to avoid, and some pro hacks you won’t find anywhere else. By the end of this guide, you’ll have a clear, step‑by‑step plan to keep your shades looking their best without the risk of damage.

Dust, pollen, and pet dander can build up on your cellular shades over time. And when they do, they can make allergy symptoms and respiratory problems a whole lot worse. For families where allergies are a major concern, like homes with young kids, seniors and anyone who struggles with allergies, regular cleaning can really improve indoor air quality.
Cleaning cellular blinds regularly will also keep them looking their best. And it is not just about aesthetics. Cellular shades have fabric layers that trap airs for insulation. When you take good care of those layers, your shade can insulate your home more effectively. That means you can save on heating costs.
Let’s be honest - cellular shades can be quite an investment. Keeping them clean can significantly prolong their lifespan.

The frequency of cleaning your cellular blinds depends on where you live and your home’s unique conditions. In general, aim to dust them every 2-4 weeks to keep dust from piling up. Give them a more thorough clean once after winter or twice a year when the season starts in Spring or Fall to keep them in great shape.
If you’re in urban areas like Toronto or Alberta, you might need to clean more often because of the extra dust and pollution. In humid regions like Vancouver, check regularly to prevent mold.

If you have pets or smoke indoors, consider cleaning them monthly since allergens and smoke residue can build up quickly.

In the kitchen, it’s best to clean your cellular shades monthly to tackle cooking oils and food stains, while those in the bedroom can usually get by with a quarterly clean.
During the post winter period after the heating season, a deep clean helps get rid of dust that settles due to less ventilation. During the allergy seasons in Spring and Fall, ramp up your cleaning to keep those pesky allergens at bay.

For busy Canadians, it might be a good idea to create a cleaning checklist and add it to your seasonal home maintenance routine.

This handy guide is tailored for Canadian homeowners, showing you how to clean your cellular shades safely and effectively using products that are easy to find right here in Canada. Before diving in, don’t forget to check your manufacturer’s instructions, especially if you have specialty or motorized shades.

Before you get started, make sure you have everything you need:

• Microfibre cloth

• Soft-bristle vacuum attachment

• Compressed air (optional)

• Bucket of lukewarm water

• Mild dish soap or white vinegar

• Soft sponge or clean towel

• Clean, dry towel for blotting

• Optional: rubber gloves, step stool

Tip for Canadian readers: You can find these cleaning supplies at Canadian Tire, Home Hardware, or on Amazon.ca.

Make sure your shades are fully extended and closed. This position makes it easier to remove dust and reduces stress on the fabric.

Pro tip : If you have top-down bottom-up shades, remember to clean from both directions for a thorough dust removal.

Start by dusting your shades from top to bottom with a microfibre cloth or feather duster. For a deeper clean use a soft-bristle vacuum attachment on a low setting to get into the pleats. Compressed air can get into the cells to remove dust.

Note : Make sure to support the fabric to prevent distortion or damage.

Mix lukewarm water and dish soap or equal parts white vinegar and water to create a mild cleaning solution. Use a soft cloth or sponge to blot the stain, don’t rub. Rinse with a clean damp cloth and then blot dry.

Don’t oversaturate, too much water can damage the cellular structure.

Look at your shades for any remaining stains or structural issues.
Test the pull cords, rails, and hardware to make sure everything is working smoothly.
Add these checks and cleanings to your seasonal home maintenance checklist to keep your shades in top shape!

Cleaning your cellular shades is easy but common mistakes can be damaging.

Don’t over-soak. Too much water can damage the cellular structure and make it lose its shape.

Don’t use hot water. Always use lukewarm water. Hot water can distort and weaken the fabric.

Don’t twist or pull the fabric. Handle shades gently to maintain their shape and prevent tears.

Always follow manufacturer guidelines, especially from brands that have specific care instructions. Also, do a spot test on a hidden part of your shade to make sure the cleaning solution won’t harm the material.

For deep cleaning suitable for non-motorized, water-safe shades:

1. Fill your bathtub with lukewarm water and add a mild detergent or white vinegar solution.
2. Submerge your cellular shades gently and let them soak for 5-10 minutes.
3. Use your hands or a soft sponge to gently remove dirt or stains.
4. Drain and refill the tub with clean water to rinse thoroughly.
5. Gently remove excess water by pressing the shades between clean towels.
   Lay the shades flat or hang them fully extended to air dry, make sure to ventilate properly.
   
   Precautions: Don’t deep clean motorized or blackout shades unless recommended by the manufacturer. Blackout coatings are sensitive to water. Spot clean with minimal moisture and avoid soaking. Improper cleaning can cause fabric to detach and mould to grow if moisture is trapped.

Some situations require professional cleaning services to protect your investment, like when you have heavy stains or deep dirt or motorized, delicate, or blackout shades.

Professional cleaning services available in major Canadian cities like Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal offer safe and effective methods for deep cleaning. Costs typically range from CAD $30 to $75 per shade depending on size, complexity, and cleaning method used.

To extend the life and beauty of your cellular shades:

• Dust every 2-4 weeks.

• Do not place shades near cooking areas, smoking zones, or direct sunlight to prevent stains and discoloration.

• Opt for cordless or motorized options to minimize wear from handling.

• Households with pets and children should clean more often and consider protective coatings or treatments for easier maintenance.

By following these guidelines and tips, you will keep your cellular shades looking good, functioning well and durable for years to come.