Your Bali Window Treatments were a choice. You invested in taking a room from tired to inspired, and now the treatments are a part of your home’s story. Keeping them looking pristine is the key to making that beauty last. As a women-and-family-owned business with over 25 years of experience, we’ve learned a thing or two about Bali blinds maintenance, and we want to share that knowledge with you.
Proper care is simple, but not one-size-fits-all. Different materials require different methods. Our guide will walk you through exactly how to clean Bali blinds of every type, ensuring smooth operation and a stunning look for years to come.
You can refer to our installation guide for more information about Bali blinds installation.
What Are the Golden Rules for Bali Blinds Maintenance?
A few core principles are essential before you start cleaning. Getting these right will prevent mishaps and make the whole process a breeze.
Rule #1:
Regular Dusting is Your Best Friend A little bit of light, regular dusting prevents dirt and allergens from building up on your Bali Window Treatments. A quick pass is far more effective than a major deep clean once a year. Use a feather duster or your vacuum’s brush attachment while you’re doing weekly cleaning to keep your blinds looking fresh.
Rule #2:
The Crucial “Don’t”:Never Submerge Your Blinds Here is the most important rule. We would never advise customers to submerge blinds or shades in a tub of water. A rule applies to every single type, from durable faux wood to motorized blackout shades and even light-filtering fabrics. Water can cause fabrics to warp, discolor, or lose shape. Water can also permanently damage internal mechanisms, adhesives, and delicate electronic components of motorized blinds.
Rule #3:
Know Your Material Successful Bali blinds maintenance means knowing what you’re working with. You wouldn’t wash a wool sweater the same way you wash a cotton t-shirt. The same logic applies here. Is your blind made of natural wood, durable vinyl, or a delicate woven fabric? The answer determines your cleaning method. Our guide on shades vs. blinds can help clarify any confusion.
What’s the Right Way to Clean Fabric Bali Blinds?
Fabric shades, with beautiful textures from subtle woven fabrics to striking colors and prints, require a gentle touch. A gentle method works for most cellular, roller, sheer, and Roman shades.
- Light Dusting: A simple feather duster or a microfiber cloth works wonders for a quick clean. For a more thorough dusting, use the soft brush attachment on your vacuum cleaner. Gently glide the brush over the fabric from top to bottom.
- For Cellular Shades: The unique honeycomb pockets that make cellular shades great insulators can also trap dust and tiny insects. A can of compressed air is the perfect tool. Simply blow the debris right out of the cells.
- Spot Cleaning Stains: Accidents happen. When an accident occurs, act quickly.
- Grab a clean, soft cloth or sponge and dampen with lukewarm water. Add a very small amount of a mild, non-bleach detergent if needed.
- Gently blot the stain from the outside in. Never rub or scrub. Rubbing can damage the fabric fibers, fade the color, or spread the stain.
- Once the stain is lifted, use a new cloth dampened with plain water to blot the area and “rinse” away any soap residue.
- Blot the area dry with a clean, dry towel. Allow the fabric to air dry completely before raising the shade. A gentle approach is perfect for keeping stylish treatments like our classy Roman shades looking their best.
How Should I Clean Wood and Faux Wood Bali Blinds?
The classic, structured look of wood and faux wood blinds is timeless. Hard surfaces make cleaning relatively easy, but a critical difference exists between the two.
- Dusting (For Both): Dusting is the primary method for both real wood and faux wood. Close the slats, dust the entire surface with a soft cloth or duster, then flip the slats the other way and repeat. A consistent dusting ensures you clean the top and bottom of every slat.
- Damp Cleaning (Faux Wood ONLY): Faux wood blinds are incredibly durable and can handle a bit of moisture. For grime that dusting won’t remove, you can use a cloth dampened with water and a mild soap. Wipe the slats clean, then use a dry cloth to remove any excess moisture.
- A Warning for Real Wood Blinds: Never use water or all-purpose spray cleaners on your real wood Bali Window Treatments. Moisture is the enemy of wood. Moisture can cause the slats to warp, swell, or discolor, ruining the finish. For a deeper clean, use a high-quality wood polish or cleaner applied to a soft cloth.
What Is the Best Cleaning Method for Vertical Bali Blinds?
Perfect for large windows and sliding glass doors, vertical blinds are simple to maintain.
- Vinyl Vanes: Vinyl vanes are the easiest to clean. Most dirt can be wiped away with a damp cloth. For tougher grime, you can unclip each vane and lay a vane on a flat surface to wash with mild soap and water. Just be sure to rinse and dry them completely before hanging them back up. Our guide on how to take down blinds can help.
- Fabric Vanes: Treat fabric vanes just as you would other fabric shades. Regular dusting with a vacuum’s brush attachment and gentle blotting for spot cleaning are the best methods for this type of Bali blinds maintenance.
How Do I Handle Tough Stains and Deep Cleaning for My Blinds?
Sometimes, a simple dusting isn’t enough. You can handle more challenging cleaning jobs for your Bali Window Treatments.
- Grease and Grime: For blinds in a kitchen or garage, you might encounter greasy buildup. For faux wood or vinyl, a mild degreasing soap and water solution works well. For fabric, you may need to use a commercial spot remover designed for upholstery. Always test a spot remover on a hidden part of the shade first to ensure no discoloration occurs.
- Mold and Mildew: Mold is a sign of excess moisture in the room. The first step is to address the humidity. For cleaning non-fabric blinds, a solution of water and white vinegar can help kill mildew spores. For fabric shades, cleaning is much trickier and may require professional help, as harsh chemicals will damage the material. Choosing the right window treatments for moisture-prone areas like sunrooms can prevent a mildew issue from the start.
- Pet-Related Messes: We love our furry friends, but pets can be tough on window treatments. For muddy paw prints or nose smudges, follow the spot-cleaning instructions for your blind’s material. If you find your pets are consistently a little too interested in your blinds, you might want to look at some of our favorite cat-proof blind options.
Does the Mechanism of My Bali Blinds Need Maintenance?
Proper Bali blind maintenance goes beyond the fabric and slats. The parts that make your blinds work need a little attention, too.
- Headrail and Components: The headrail, which houses the operating mechanism, can be wiped clean with a damp cloth. If you have a compliant corded lift, you can wipe the cords down, too. A quick inspection of the headrail can ensure everything is in working order.
- Motorized Blinds Maintenance: Motorization is a fantastic, low-maintenance feature that adds convenience and enhances child safety. The motors themselves are sealed and require no service. The best way to care for motors is to keep them dry and dust-free.
- Wipe the remote or wand control with a dry or slightly damp microfiber cloth.
- When learning how to clean Bali blinds with motorization, be careful not to spray any liquid near the motor or the charging port on a rechargeable model.
- The convenience of motorization is taken a step further with smart hubs like the Connector Smart Hub or Bali Gateway. Hubs allow you to integrate your blinds with Alexa, Google Home, Samsung SmartThings, Siri Shortcuts, IFTTT, Control4, and Savant, making operation effortless.
How Can I Ensure My Bali Window Treatments Last?
A little proactive care will ensure your investment lasts.
- Operate Blinds Regularly: Using your blinds every day or two keeps the internal mechanisms moving freely and prevents them from getting stiff or stuck.
- Protect from UV Rays: While our free 3-year warranty (upgradable to 5 years) doesn’t cover fading from sun exposure, many of our fabrics are UV resistant. A UV resistant fabric not only helps the shade last longer but also protects your furniture, floors, and artwork from fading.
- Address Issues Promptly: If you notice a stain, a frayed cord, or a sticky mechanism, address the issue right away. Small problems are much easier to fix than big ones.
Your home is your sanctuary. With a little care, your Bali Window Treatments can continue to be a source of joy and style for years to come.
FAQs
We advise against using a magic eraser. Magic erasers are abrasive and can easily scratch the finish on wood and faux wood blinds or damage the fibers and color of fabric shades.
Light dusting weekly or bi-weekly is best. Spot clean stains as soon as you see them. A “deep clean” following the methods above is typically only needed once or twice a year, unless your blinds are in a high-grime area like a kitchen.
Gently wipe the strings with a clean cloth dampened with a bit of mild soap and water. Do not pull or scrub them. Avoid getting the internal lift mechanisms wet.
Unfortunately, yellowing from sun exposure or age is usually permanent and cannot be reversed with cleaning. The best strategy is prevention by choosing high-quality, UV-resistant materials from the start.
We do not recommend dry cleaning for any of our shades. The harsh chemicals and high heat can shrink or damage fabrics, delaminate backings, and harm internal components. Always stick with the at-home methods described in our guide.