Keeping your home comfortable, stylish and smart is our passion at Beasen Home. Cellular shades - also known as honeycomb shades - are one of the most energy‑efficient window coverings available. They insulate by trapping air inside their honeycomb‑shaped pockets and create a clean, modern look that pairs beautifully with our smart motors.
But their unique structure also collects dust, pollen and the occasional bug. Without periodic care, your shades can appear dingy, trap allergens and lose performance over time. This guide demystifies cleaning cellular shades in a friendly, practical way, drawing on lessons from cleaning experts across the industry and our own experience designing smart, easy‑to‑maintain shades.
Why Do Cellular Shades Need Cleaning?
Cellular shades look clean and minimal, but they’re still fabric, and fabric naturally collects things over time. Dust, pet hair, pollen, and even tiny insects can settle into the pleats and sometimes get caught inside the cells. If that buildup sits for too long, your shades can start looking dull, light can feel less even when it filters through, and allergies can feel worse indoors.
If you’re new to honeycomb shades and wondering how they actually work, you can read our simple breakdown on what cellular shades are and why they’re so popular.
Regular care keeps your shades looking fresh and helps them last longer. It also reduces the chance of stains setting in or dust becoming harder to remove later. Some cleaning pros even point out that things like soot from fireplaces and small bugs are common issues for fabric shades - so a little maintenance now can save you from a bigger cleaning headache later.
At Beasen Home, we design smart motorized cellular shades that integrate with Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit and Samsung SmartThings for effortless control. One bonus of going motorized? You touch the fabric less often, which means fewer fingerprints, less smudging, and a cleaner look for longer.
How Often Should You Clean Cellular Shades?
Dust and pollen accumulate quickly, so regular maintenance is key. Shade & blind cleaning experts recommend light dusting every week or two and vacuuming at least monthly to minimize buildup.
Remember that cleaning frequency depends on your environment; homes with pets, fireplaces or open windows may need more frequent attention.
What Supplies and Tools Do You Need?
Most cellular shade cleaning can be done with common household supplies. Several sources agree on the essentials:
- Feather duster or microfiber cloth. Feather dusters attract dust and are gentle on the fabric. A dry microfiber cloth is ideal for wiping away loose dirt.
- Vacuum with a soft‑brush attachment. A vacuum set to low suction removes dust and soot without pulling on the material. Blindeco recommends a soft brush or upholstery tool to avoid damaging the delicate cells.
- Compressed air or hair dryer (cool setting). These tools blow debris and bugs out of the cells.
- Lint roller or painter’s tape. For pet hair or stubborn particles, a lint roller picks up debris that dusting misses.
- Mild detergent and lukewarm water. When spot cleaning, use a few drops of mild dish soap in lukewarm water. Hot water or harsh chemicals can damage fabric and adhesive.
- White vinegar. Dilute vinegar with water to treat mold or mildew without bleaching the fabric.
- Soft sponge or cloth for spot cleaning. Always choose non‑abrasive materials to avoid pilling.
Gather these supplies before you begin. Having everything ready makes the process smoother and prevents overhandling of your shades.
How Do You Perform Routine Cleaning?
1. Dust the Surface Gently
Extend the shade fully so every pleat is exposed. Use a feather duster or dry microfiber cloth to remove light dust. Ruffell & Brown cautions against rubbing back and forth, which can cause pilling. For very light dust, a quick swipe with a dry cloth often suffices.
2. Vacuum the Exterior
After dusting, vacuum the fabric using the soft‑brush attachment on low suction. This step picks up heavier dust and soot that the duster missed. Move the vacuum in one direction along the fabric folds.
3. Remove Debris from the Cells
Bugs and debris often lodge inside the honeycomb pockets. Hold a drop cloth underneath to catch falling particles and use a can of compressed air to blow dust through each cell. Ruffell & Brown notes that a hair dryer on cool and low is a good alternative if you don’t have compressed air. Spray or blow air into one end of each cell and work across the shade. This technique clears the interior without touching the fabric.
4. Use a Lint Roller for Pet Hair
For homes with pets, fur can cling to fabric. A lint roller or tape lifts hair without pulling on the shades. Blue Chip’s guide also suggests a small vacuum for pet hair.
5. Wipe in One Direction with a Microfiber Cloth
After vacuuming, use a slightly damp microfiber cloth to wipe the surface if needed. Work gently in the same direction as the pleats. Avoid saturating the fabric; the cloth should be barely damp.
6. Dry Immediately
If you used a damp cloth, dry the area quickly to prevent water marks or wrinkles. Angi suggests using a hair dryer on low heat to speed up drying. Alternatively, allow the shade to air dry fully before raising it to prevent mold.
How Do You Spot‑Clean Stains and Treat Special Messes?
Even with regular dusting, occasional spills or bugs can leave marks. Here’s how to address them:
Mixing a Cleaning Solution
Combine lukewarm water with a few drops of mild dish soap in a bowl. Soak a clean cloth or sponge, then wring it out thoroughly so it’s barely damp.
Blot, Don’t Scrub
Gently blot the stain from the outside toward the center. Avoid rubbing; abrasive scrubbing can cause pilling or distort pleats. After blotting with the soapy cloth, use a second cloth dampened with clean water to remove soap residue. Dry the area quickly with a hair dryer on cool or with a dry cloth.
Handling Specific Problems
- Grease or food stains: These are common when shades are near a kitchen. Blue Chip suggests using a soft cloth with mild soap and water. Don’t scrub hard; repeated dabbing lifts grease without damaging the fabric.
- Pet hair: Remove with a lint roller or vacuum.
- Mold or mildew: In humid areas, mold can appear. Mix equal parts white vinegar and water, dab the affected area, rinse with plain water and allow to dry. Vinegar kills mold spores without bleaching the fabric.
- Ink, blood or other stubborn stains: Lightly blot with a cloth dampened with diluted detergent, then rinse. For serious stains, consult the shade manufacturer or a professional cleaner; some fabrics aren’t suited for heavy spot cleaning.
Always test any cleaning solution on an inconspicuous part of the shade first to ensure it doesn’t affect color or texture.
When Do Cellular Shades Need a Deep Clean?
Most of the time, regular dusting and quick spot-cleaning are enough. But if your shades still look dull, have buildup you can’t lift with a vacuum, or you’re dealing with heavier grime (like smoke, kitchen residue, or long-term dust inside the cells), a deeper clean can help.
Important note: Only deep-clean shades that are fabric-safe for washing and don’t have electronic parts attached. If you have motorized cellular shades, never put the headrail (top section) in water.
Deep Cleaning in a Bathtub
Use this method only when your care label or manufacturer guidance says the fabric can handle water.
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Remove the shade properly
Take the shade down gently. If your shade is motorized, keep the headrail/motor part out of the water. -
Prepare a gentle soak
Fill a clean tub with lukewarm water and add a tiny amount of mild dish soap. Skip bleach, strong cleaners, and anything abrasive. -
Clean without scrubbing
Lay the fabric portion in the water and gently move it around. Let the water loosen dirt - don’t twist, wring, or scrub the material. -
Rinse well
rain the tub and rinse using clean water until there’s no soapy feel left behind. -
Dry the right way
Let it air dry fully (flat on a clean towel or hung open to dry). Avoid direct heat and harsh sunlight while it dries.
What Should You Avoid When Cleaning Cellular Shades?
Avoiding common mistakes protects your shades and prolongs their life:
- Don’t use harsh chemicals or bleach. Strong cleaners can discolor or weaken the fabric and adhesives.
- Don’t scrub vigorously. Excessive friction pills the fabric and distorts pleats.
- Don’t soak motorized shades. Water can damage motors and electronics. Remove the headrail before submersion or stick to surface cleaning.
- Don’t use hot water or steam cleaners. Heat can melt glue and distort cells.
- Don’t put shades in a washing machine or dryer. Agitation and heat cause permanent damage.
- Don’t close shades while they are still wet. Moisture trapped in the cells can lead to mold and staining.
Conclusion: Enjoy Clean, Smart Comfort with Beasen Home
Cleaning cellular shades doesn’t have to feel like a big task. With a simple routine - light dusting, occasional vacuuming, and gentle spot cleaning - you can keep them looking fresh without damaging the fabric or structure.
At Beasen Home, we design our cellular shades to make everyday living easier, not harder. And when you take a little time to care for them, they continue to give you better insulation, cleaner light, and a more polished space.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What’s the safest way to clean inside the honeycomb cells?
The safest method is using compressed air or a cool hair dryer to push debris out of the cells. This avoids touching the internal structure and prevents damage to the fabric or pleats.
2. Can frequent cleaning damage cellular shades over time?
Yes, over-cleaning - especially with water - can weaken the fabric and affect the pleats. It’s better to rely on dry cleaning methods like vacuuming or dusting regularly, and only use moisture when absolutely necessary.
3. Why do cellular shades lose their shape after cleaning?
This usually happens when the fabric is exposed to too much moisture or pressure. Excess water or improper handling can cause the pleats to relax or flatten, making the shade look uneven.
4. How can you restore the pleats after cleaning?
After light cleaning, keeping the shades fully raised for a few hours helps the pleats regain their structure. This allows the fabric to “reset” and return to its original shape.
5. When should you consider professional cleaning instead of DIY?
If your shades have deep-set dirt, internal buildup, or haven’t improved after regular cleaning, professional methods like ultrasonic cleaning are a better option. These techniques clean inside the cells without damaging the fabric.
