Honeycomb blinds, also known as cellular shades, are unique window treatments that are not only modern and popular, but energy-saving as well.
These unique window blinds are produced from materials pleated into honeycomb shapes. Cellular shades (or accordion blinds) have compartments, not unlike the honeycombs in a colony of bees.
These cellular compartments come in layers of single, double, and triple-layered cells and trap air, causing them to act as insulation that keeps the room temperature cool in the summer and warm in winter.
The more layered cells they possess, the more energy-efficient the blinds are.
Their popularity is due to their versatility. You can use honeycomb window blinds in any interior space – kitchens, bathrooms, bedrooms and even living rooms. They can also be combined with soft window treatments for a dramatic effect.
But how do you maintain and clean honeycomb window blinds?
Cellular (Honeycomb) Shades Explained
How to Clean Honeycomb Blinds
If you have a busy lifestyle and therefore prefer a window treatment that’s a breeze to maintain, cellular shades are your best choice. They are easy to maintain. They don’t get dirty easily, and they don't stain as fast as soft window treatments.
What they require mainly is the occasional cleaning, and monthly dusting, depending on your region. And if you often keep your windows open, they’ll need a bi-weekly light-dusting routine.
Cleaning Requirements for Cellular Blinds
Maintenance requires the following tools, depending on whether you are dusting or cleaning:
- Folding step stool (to reach the top of the blinds).
- Lukewarm water.
- Very soft brush.
- Hand-held vacuum brush (or hairdryer. Yes!).
- Feather brush.
- A very mild detergent.
Begin from the top. Clean across the layered cells while moving down gradually. Dust with this motion from top to bottom with the feather brush. If a lot of dust has accumulated on the blinds, gently use a vacuum brush. Apply this process on both sides.
Dusting Within the Cells
For dust within the cells, use a blow-dryer (on a no-heat setting) to blow out dust accumulation. Blow out from one end only because you don’t want to ruin or warp your blinds. Keep the blow dryer about a couple of inches from the edge to ensure the air blast doesn’t bend its shape.
Cleaning
If you have spots of dirt or stain, spot-clean the area. Dab-clean the spots with a soft sponge dipped in very mild soapy water using fabric washing liquid. After removing the stain, dab the area with clear water and a clean sponge.
To remove excess water (if any), mop lightly by dabbing with a lint-free cloth.
When Accordion Blinds Become REALLY Dirty
If your cellular blinds have become very dirty, bring them down and wash them very gently in a bathtub quarter-filled with lukewarm water. Add a little fabric-washing liquid and make extremely light suds, for obvious reasons.
- Place the blinds gently in the water and allow the water to cover them.
- With a soft brush, clean the cellular shades on one side. Gently turn it over and do the second side.
- Without removing the window shades from the tub, drain the water. Add some clean water and gently rinse the blinds.
- Air dry. When they are thoroughly dry, hang them back up.
It’s quite easy to clean cellular shades once you get the hang of it. You’ll find it’s an easy DIY task. There is no need to call in expensive “professional cleaners” to do the simple task of maintaining and cleaning your honeycomb blinds.
Just 'roll up your sleeves' and get cleaning!
