How to Clean Fabric Shades & Curtains: A Penticton Homeowner’s Guide

Fabric shades and curtains add warmth and style to Okanagan homes—but dust, pet hair, and summer pollen can take a toll. At London Shades, we know proper care extends the life of your window treatments. Here’s how to keep yours looking fresh without damaging delicate fabrics.

Step-by-Step Cleaning Guide

1. Regular Dusting & Maintenance

• For light dust: Use a microfiber duster or vacuum with a soft brush attachment (weekly).

• Local Tip: Penticton’s dry climate means more dust—dust shades top to bottom every 2 weeks.

• For pleated/fabric shades: Gently wipe folds with a damp cloth (test hidden area first).

2. Spot-Cleaning Stains

• Blot (don’t rub!) spills with a mild soap + water mix (1 tsp dish soap per cup of water).

• Avoid harsh chemicals (bleach or ammonia can fade Okanagan sun-exposed fabrics).

• For wine stains (common in vineyards/wineries): Dab with club soda + baking soda paste.

3. Deep Cleaning Fabric Shades

• Check manufacturer tags for “dry clean only” warnings (common for lined drapes).

• Machine-washable? Use cold water, gentle cycle, and air-dry (avoid shrinking!).

• Steam cleaning: Safe for most fabrics—great for allergy sufferers in Kelowna/Penticton.

4. Curtain Cleaning by Fabric Type

Fabric	Best Cleaning Method
Linen	Hand-wash in cold water, lay flat to dry
Polyester	Machine-wash (gentle), tumble dry low
Silk/Velvet	Professional dry clean only
Blackout Curtains	Wipe with damp cloth (avoid soaking lining)

When to Call a Professional

• Stubborn stains (ink, grease, or mold).

• Delicate fabrics (silk, embroidered drapes).

• High ceilings or oversized drapes (safety first!).