How To Clean And Maintain Solar Window Shades
If you're looking to give your home's windows an upgrade, consider installing solar window shades. As attractive as they are convenient and useful, these types of shades are also easy to clean and maintain with a bit of regular effort.
Solar window shades effectively filter sunlight while providing plenty of privacy as well. These types of shades are designed to absorb sunlight and heat as well, which may end up saving you money on your electric bill. When they are used properly, solar window shades may keep your house cooler during the warm spring and summer months.
The shades come in a wide variety of colors, ranging from neutral grey and white, to more vibrant hues of green and blue, depending on your home's aesthetics. They're also available in manual and motorized versions, depending on how much money you want to spend on the window coverings.
Not only are they easy to use, solar window shades are also simple to clean and maintain. Following are some tips for keeping the shades looking and performing their best:
1. Dust Regularly
Depending on how busy your home is and whether you have pets or not, you'll need to dust your shades on either a weekly or bi-monthly basis to remove dander, dirt and other debris. If the shades are on a window that faces a busy street, they may be exposed to more dirt and car exhaust residue.
As one option, you can use a feather duster to remove the dirt and debris. A long-handled feather duster is an especially good option for higher windows. Working your way from the top to the bottom of the windows, slide the duster over the shades in a back-and-forth motion. Make sure you clean both sides of the shades.
Another option is to use a soft, microfiber cloth. Starting from the top and working your way to the bottom, slide the cloth across the shade in a back-and-forth motion. If the shades are especially dirty, you may have to use a new cloth for each shade.
For heavier duty cleaning, remove dust from the shades using a vacuum hose equipped with a brush attachment. This option is best if you have pets and kids, and live in a busy household.
2. Wipe the Shades Periodically
At least a few times a year, such as during spring and fall cleaning, wipe the dusted shades down with a sponge and a cleaning solution. You can either use a formula specially designed for use on cloth shades, or make your own cleaner by adding a few drops of dishwashing liquid to warm water.
Dip a sponge into the cleaner, squeeze excess liquid, and wipe the shades in the same manner as you dusted them. Keep the shades lowered until they are completely dry.
Learn more about solar window shades.