Honeycomb blinds (or cellular shades) are among the most popular window treatments for a reason. They offer superior insulation, a sleek look, and provide excellent privacy. The unique hexagonal design creates pockets to trap air and keep your home energy efficient, and it’s also excellent at trapping dust, pet hair, and the occasional insect.
Many homeowners hesitate to clean them because they dread the process of unhooking the headrail and wrestling the shade off the window. The good news? You don’t have to. You can perform effective honeycomb blind maintenance right where they are. Here is how to refresh your shades without even picking up a screwdriver.
Why Cleaning Honeycomb Blinds Is Different
Unlike wood blinds or shutters which can be wiped down with a damp cloth, honeycomb shades are made of fabric. This means you cannot scrub them, or you risk pilling the material. Furthermore, the “cells” (the open pockets) act like mini vacuum cleaners, sucking in airborne debris.
If you aren’t sure if you have standard honeycomb shades or a different fabric style, check our guide on Shades vs. Blinds: What’s the Difference? to ensure you are using the right method for your specific window treatment.
Essential Tools for Honeycomb Blind Maintenance
Before you start cleaning honeycomb blinds, gather the right tools. Using the wrong brush can crush the delicate pleats.
- Vacuum with a Brush Attachment: Essential for gentle suction.
- Microfiber Cloth: For surface dusting.
- Hair Dryer: For blowing out debris (must have a “Cool” setting).
- Mild Detergent: Dye-free and bleach-free.
- White Cloth/Sponge: For spot blotting.
Step-by-Step: How to Clean Cellular Shades (Routine)
For 90% of the dirt on your shades, this routine process is all you need.
- Lower the Shade: Fully extend the shade so every pleat is exposed.
- Dust the Surface: Using your microfiber cloth, gently wipe across the fabric horizontally, following the direction of the pleats.
- Vacuum Pass: Attach your brush tool and set the vacuum to the lowest suction. Gently sweep across the fabric. Do not press the vacuum against the shade; let the air do the work.
Pro Tip: If you are cleaning high windows or skylights, safety is key. If the reach is too difficult, you might consider if it is time to upgrade to automated options that move for you, or review how to take down blinds safely if you absolutely must remove them for a deep clean.
Spot Cleaning: Cellular Shade Cleaning for Stains
Did a splash of coffee hit the shade? Cellular shade cleaning requires a gentle touch.
- Mix: Create a solution of warm water and a drop of mild dish soap.
- Blot: Dip a clean white cloth into the bubbles (not the water). Gently blot the stain. Do not rub. Rubbing will damage the fabric texture.
- Rinse: Blot again with a cloth dampened with fresh water to remove soap residue.
Note: If you have wood blinds nearby, be careful not to get them wet. Read how to clean wood blinds for the specific care those slats require.
The Hair Dryer Hack for Cellular Shade Cleaning
The most annoying part of honeycomb shades is seeing a dead bug or a dust bunny trapped inside a cell, backlit by the sun.
- The Hack: Do not poke it with a stick (you might puncture the fabric). Instead, put your hair dryer on the COOL setting. Hold it at one end of the cell and blow the air through to the other side.
- Compressed Air: A can of compressed air (like you use for keyboards) also works wonders here.
Special Considerations: Blackout and Motorized Shades
While standard shades are somewhat forgiving, specialized ones are not.
- Blackout Shades: These contain a metallic lining. If you use too much water or try to submerge them, the lining can separate (delaminate). Stick to vacuuming.
- Motorized Shades: Never get the headrail wet. Water can ruin the motor.
If you are struggling with a difficult installation like a sliding door, check how to install blinds on a sliding glass door to understand how the vertical honeycomb mechanism works before cleaning it.
FAQs
No. Bleach will ruin the fibers. Yellowing is often from sun exposure. A gentle dusting can brighten them, but significant sun damage is permanent. If they are beyond saving, check out The Ultimate Guide to Window Treatments to find a modern replacement.
Roman shades are often made of different fabrics. While vacuuming works for both, you should check the specific cleaning codes for the fabric. Learn more about the differences in our Roman Blinds vs. Roman Shades guide.
Regular vacuuming is key. If your cat is constantly pawing at the shades, consider durability. Read our guide on cat-proof blinds for options that withstand claws better than standard fabric.
If spot cleaning fails, professional ultrasonic cleaning is your best bet. Do not risk ruining the shade with harsh chemicals. For general maintenance tips, refer to our list of easy cleaning hacks for window blinds.