How to Clean Honeycomb Shades Without Damaging Them – The Ultimate Guide

TLDR;

To clean honeycomb shades without damaging them, use a vacuum with a soft brush attachment for regular dusting, a mild soap solution for spot cleaning, and avoid excessive moisture or harsh chemicals. For deep cleaning, a professional ultrasonic cleaning service is recommended.

Honeycomb shades, also known as cellular shades, are popular energy-efficient shades thanks to their insulating properties, stylish design, and ability to provide excellent light control. However, due to their unique pleated structure and fabric material, they require careful cleaning to avoid damage. Incorrect cleaning methods can lead to fabric discoloration, loss of pleat shape, or even complete destruction of the shade. This guide will walk you through the safest and most effective methods to keep your honeycomb shades clean and well-maintained.

Why Do Honeycomb Shades Need Proper Cleaning?

Honeycomb shades are made from soft yet durable fabric, often polyester or synthetic blends, designed to trap air within their cells for insulation. However, these very same air pockets also collect dust, debris, and allergens over time. If left uncleaned, they can:

• Lose their insulating properties due to dust accumulation
• Develop stains from moisture or accidental spills
• Harbor allergens, affecting indoor air quality
• Become misshapen if cleaned improperly

Understanding the right way to clean honeycomb shades will help maintain their longevity and effectiveness.

Routine Maintenance & Preventative Care

How to Clean Cellular Shades Properly

Regular maintenance helps prevent excessive dirt buildup, making deep cleaning less frequent and easier. Here’s how you can keep your honeycomb shades looking their best:

Dusting Your Honeycomb Shades

• Use a feather duster to remove surface dust weekly.
• A microfiber cloth lightly dampened with distilled water can help pick up fine dust.

Vacuuming Honeycomb Shades

• Attach a soft brush nozzle to your vacuum cleaner and use a low-suction setting.
• Gently run the nozzle along the fabric, moving in a downward motion to avoid disturbing the pleats.

Using Compressed Air for Internal Dust

• For hard-to-reach dust inside the honeycomb cells, use a can of compressed air to gently blow out trapped particles.

Best Way to Clean Honeycomb Blinds

Spot Cleaning for Stains & Dirt Build-Up

If you notice a stain or dirt buildup on your shades, spot cleaning is the best method to prevent further damage.

1. Prepare a mild cleaning solution – Mix a few drops of dish soap or baby shampoo with lukewarm water.
2. Use a soft cloth or sponge – Dip it in the solution and gently blot (do not rub) the stain.
3. Rinse and Dry – Wipe the area with a clean, damp cloth and let the shade air dry completely.

Important: Avoid excessive moisture, as it can weaken adhesives and cause the fabric to warp.

Deep Cleaning Honeycomb Window Treatments

When honeycomb shades become heavily soiled, deeper cleaning is necessary.

Bathtub Soaking Method (Only for Non-Motorized Shades)

1. Fill a bathtub with lukewarm water and a mild detergent.
2. Submerge the shades and let them soak for 10-15 minutes.
3. Gently move the shades around to loosen dirt.
4. Rinse with clean water to remove detergent residue.
5. Air Dry – Hang the shades up and let them dry completely before reinstalling.

Ultrasonic Cleaning for Window Treatments

For delicate or expensive honeycomb shades, ultrasonic cleaning is the safest deep-cleaning method. This professional service uses high-frequency sound waves to remove dirt and grime without damaging the fabric.

Avoid Machine Washing – Machine washing can distort the pleats and ruin the structure of honeycomb shades.

Drying & Post-Cleaning Maintenance

How to Prevent Mold and Mildew After Cleaning

• Ensure complete air drying before reinstalling the shades.
• Use a towel to blot excess moisture.
• Avoid direct sunlight, as prolonged exposure can cause fading.
• Use a cool air setting on a hairdryer to help speed up drying if necessary.

How to Maintain Shape and Structure

• Never wring or twist the fabric.
• Allow shades to hang freely while drying.
• Avoid using heat or steam directly on the fabric.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Using Harsh Chemicals – Bleach, ammonia, or strong detergents can cause discoloration and damage fabric fibers.
2. Over-Wetting the Fabric – Excess moisture can break down adhesives and cause the shades to lose their shape.
3. Scrubbing the Fabric – This can distort pleats and weaken the honeycomb cells.
4. Soaking Too Long – Overexposure to water can lead to weakened fabric and color fading.

Additional Pro Tips & FAQs

How to Clean Different Types of Honeycomb Shades

• Light Filtering Shades – Follow regular dusting and vacuuming routines, and spot clean when necessary.
• Blackout Honeycomb Shades – Require gentler cleaning methods since they are often coated with a blackout lining that can be damaged by excessive moisture.

Can You Wash Honeycomb Blinds?

Yes, but only by hand with gentle methods like spot cleaning or bathtub soaking. Never put them in a washing machine.

What Should You Do If Mold Develops?

• Use a vinegar-water solution (50/50 mix) to gently blot the affected area.
• If mold persists, consider professional ultrasonic cleaning.
• Replace shades if mold damage is severe

Best Cleaning Tools for Delicate Window Coverings

• Microfiber cloths
• Soft-bristled brushes
• Vacuum with a soft brush attachment
• Cans of compressed air

Conclusion

Proper cleaning is essential to maintaining the longevity and performance of honeycomb shades. Regular dusting, gentle vacuuming, and careful spot cleaning will keep them looking great and functioning properly. For deep cleaning, professional ultrasonic cleaning is the safest option. Love Is Blinds NC recommends routine maintenance to ensure your honeycomb shades remain in top condition for years to come.