Cellular shades, also called honeycomb shades, are relatively easy to maintain because their fabric does not usually require heavy cleaning. Regular dusting, gentle vacuuming and occasional spot cleaning can keep most cellular shades looking good for years.
The key is to clean them gently. Cellular shade fabric is pleated and formed into hollow pockets, so aggressive rubbing, high heat, harsh cleaners or improper deep cleaning can crease, discolor or damage the material.
Cleaning recommendations can also vary by fabric, especially with blackout or specialty materials. Before using water, detergent or any professional cleaning method, check the care instructions for the exact cellular shade you own.
This guide explains the safest ways to remove dust, clean stains, remove insects or debris from inside the cells and determine when professional cleaning may be appropriate.
Looking for a new shade? Browse our custom cellular shades.
What Is the Best Way to Clean Cellular Shades?
For routine cleaning, start with the least aggressive method possible. Light dusting, a low-suction vacuum with a soft brush attachment or cool forced air are usually the best first choices.
| Cleaning Method | Best For | Important Caution |
|---|---|---|
| Light Dusting | Regular maintenance | Use a soft duster and avoid crushing the pleats |
| Low-Suction Vacuum | Dust on the fabric surface | Use a soft brush attachment and light pressure |
| Cool Forced Air | Dust or debris inside the cells | Use cool air only and keep the nozzle a safe distance away |
| Spot Cleaning | Small stains on compatible fabrics | Blot rather than rub and verify the fabric can be spot cleaned |
| Professional Cleaning | Heavy soil or difficult stains | Not every fabric is compatible with every professional method |
How to Dust Cellular Shades
Regular light dusting is often all a cellular shade needs.
Fully lower the shade so the pleats are spread evenly. Use a clean feather duster, microfiber duster or other soft dusting tool and gently move across the fabric.
Avoid pressing hard enough to flatten or crease the cells.
How Often Should You Dust Cellular Shades?
There is no fixed schedule. Dust them when you notice buildup, with more frequent cleaning in rooms with pets, open windows, cooking residue or heavier household dust.
Keeping up with light cleaning can reduce the need for more aggressive stain removal later.
Can You Vacuum Cellular Shades?
Most cellular shades can be gently vacuumed using a soft brush attachment and low suction, but always verify the care instructions for your specific fabric first.
Lower the shade completely and lightly move the brush attachment across the fabric. Do not press the vacuum head into the pleats.
Use Low Suction
High suction can pull or distort lightweight shade fabric. If your vacuum has adjustable suction, use the lowest practical setting.
Do Not Use a Bare Vacuum Nozzle
A hard plastic nozzle can snag, crease or mark the fabric. A soft brush attachment provides better protection.
How to Clean Dust From Inside Cellular Shade Pockets
Because cellular shades are made from hollow honeycomb-shaped pockets, dust, small insects or other debris can occasionally get inside the cells.
Do not insert a stick, ruler, brush handle or other object into the cell. The internal fabric can be delicate and may be punctured, stretched or creased.
Instead, use gentle forced air.
Using Compressed Air
Hold a can of clean compressed air several inches away from the opening of the cell and use short, gentle bursts to push the debris toward the opposite side.
Avoid placing the nozzle directly against the fabric.
Using a Hair Dryer
A hair dryer can also be used on a cool, no-heat setting. Keep it several inches away and direct the airflow through the cell.
Do not use warm or hot air. Heat can affect or distort some cellular shade materials.
How Do You Remove Bugs From Inside Cellular Shades?
Small insects sometimes enter the open ends of cellular shades and become trapped inside the honeycomb pockets.
The safest approach is usually to blow the insect out rather than trying to push or pull it through the cell.
- Fully lower the shade.
- Locate the cell containing the insect.
- Use clean compressed air or a hair dryer on a cool setting.
- Direct gentle airflow through the cell toward the nearest opening.
- Repeat gradually until the insect or debris comes out.
Avoid inserting tools into the cell because they can damage the internal fabric. Manufacturer guidance also commonly recommends cool forced air for debris trapped inside honeycomb shades.
How to Spot Clean Cellular Shades
Some cellular shade fabrics can be spot cleaned, but not all of them should be.
Before applying water or detergent, check the care instructions for your exact product and fabric. Certain specialty and room-darkening fabrics may have additional restrictions.
If the fabric is approved for spot cleaning:
- Use a clean white cloth or soft sponge.
- Dampen it with lukewarm water.
- If needed, use a very small amount of mild detergent.
- Gently blot the stain.
- Do not scrub or rub the fabric.
- Allow the shade to dry completely while fully lowered.
Always Test First
If you are using anything beyond plain water, test it first on a small, less visible area.
Cleaning can sometimes change the appearance of a fabric even when it does not physically damage it, so start conservatively.
Why You Should Not Rub Cellular Shade Fabric
Rubbing can distort the pleats, create shiny areas, spread a stain or permanently alter the fabric texture.
Blotting applies much less mechanical force and is generally safer for delicate shade fabrics.
If gentle blotting does not remove the stain, repeatedly scrubbing harder is usually not the best next step. Check the manufacturer's care instructions or consider a professional cleaner.
How to Clean Blackout Cellular Shades
Blackout cellular shades deserve extra care because the room-darkening material or internal lining can be more sensitive to creasing, moisture or certain cleaning methods.
For routine maintenance, start with light dusting, low-suction vacuuming or cool forced air if those methods are approved for the product.
Do not assume that because a light-filtering version of a shade can be washed or professionally cleaned, the blackout version can be cleaned the same way. LEVOLOR, for example, lists special cautions for blackout cellular fabrics and excludes some from immersion or ultrasonic cleaning.
Always check the care instructions for the exact blackout fabric before introducing water or sending it out for professional cleaning.
Can You Wash Cellular Shades With Water?
Some cellular shade fabrics can tolerate limited water-based cleaning, while others cannot.
That is why we do not recommend placing every cellular shade in a bathtub or soaking it as a general cleaning method.
Some manufacturers allow immersion cleaning on selected cellular fabrics but specifically exclude blackout materials or require the headrail to stay out of the water. Other products may not permit immersion at all.
Unless the care instructions for your specific shade explicitly allow immersion, use dusting, vacuuming, forced air or approved spot cleaning instead.
How to Clean the Cellular Shade Headrail and Bottom Rail
Dust the headrail and bottom rail with a soft cloth or duster.
If the finish allows damp cleaning, use a clean cloth lightly dampened with water and then wipe the surface dry.
Do not spray cleaner directly onto the shade or headrail. Overspray can reach the fabric, operating components or cords.
Avoid abrasive pads, harsh chemicals and excessive moisture.
Keep Glass Cleaner Away From Cellular Shades
One of the easiest ways to accidentally stain a shade is while cleaning the window behind it.
Do not spray window cleaner directly toward the glass while the shade is nearby. Mist can land on the shade fabric and cause spots or discoloration.
Instead, spray the cleaner onto your cloth away from the shade and then wipe the glass.
We do not suggest using window cleaning products on cellular shades.
How to Handle Stubborn Stains
If a stain does not respond to an approved gentle spot-cleaning method, stop before making the problem worse.
Repeated scrubbing, stronger detergent, stain removers, bleach or household upholstery cleaners can alter the color, finish or structure of cellular shade fabric.
Your next step should be to check the exact manufacturer's cleaning instructions or contact a professional window-treatment cleaner who understands cellular shades.
Can Cellular Shades Be Professionally Cleaned?
Yes, some cellular shades can be professionally cleaned using methods such as ultrasonic cleaning or injection/extraction cleaning.
However, professional cleaning is also product dependent.
Certain fabrics, blackout materials, fabric-covered rails and other components may be excluded from particular methods. Some manufacturers publish product-specific restrictions for professional cleaning methods.
Before hiring a cleaner, identify the shade manufacturer and fabric if possible and confirm that the proposed cleaning process is approved for that product.
What Is Ultrasonic Cleaning for Cellular Shades?
Ultrasonic cleaning uses a specialized tank and cleaning solution to loosen dirt from compatible window treatments.
It can be effective for certain cellular shades, but it should be performed by an experienced professional and only when the manufacturer permits the process.
Room-darkening fabrics and certain specialty materials may not be suitable, and headrails may need to remain out of the cleaning solution.
What Is Injection/Extraction Cleaning?
Injection/extraction cleaning is a professional method that applies cleaning solution to the fabric and then removes it with suction.
One advantage is that the shade may be cleaned while still installed.
This method can be appropriate for certain cellular shade fabrics, but the cleaning solution and procedure must be compatible with the specific shade. Professional cleaning may be considered for some cellular products.
What Should You Avoid When Cleaning Cellular Shades?
- Do not scrub the fabric. Rubbing can crease or alter the material.
- Do not use hot air. Use only cool air when removing dust or debris.
- Do not insert objects into the cells. Use air to remove insects or debris.
- Do not spray household cleaners directly onto the shade.
- Do not assume every cellular fabric can be spot cleaned.
- Do not soak the entire shade unless the manufacturer specifically allows it.
- Do not immerse the headrail unless the product instructions specifically permit it.
- Do not use bleach or harsh chemical cleaners.
- Do not use high vacuum suction.
- Do not assume blackout and light-filtering fabrics have identical cleaning instructions.
How to Keep Cellular Shades Cleaner Longer
Routine light maintenance is easier and safer than waiting until dirt becomes embedded in the fabric.
- Dust lightly before heavy buildup develops.
- Keep windows and screens reasonably clean.
- Use your kitchen exhaust fan when cooking to reduce airborne grease.
- Avoid handling the fabric with dirty or oily hands.
- Clean window glass carefully so cleaner does not spray onto the shade.
- Remove insects or debris from the cells promptly using cool forced air.
- Address small stains before they become heavily soiled, but only with an approved cleaning method.
Do You Need to Remove Cellular Shades to Clean Them?
Usually not for routine care.
Dusting, vacuuming, forced-air cleaning and most approved spot cleaning can be done while the shade remains installed.
Removing the shade is generally only necessary for certain manufacturer-approved deep-cleaning or professional procedures.
If you do remove the shade, follow the product's installation instructions carefully so you do not damage the mounting brackets, headrail or operating system.
When Cleaning May Not Be Enough
Cleaning can remove dust and some stains, but it cannot correct every type of damage.
Permanent discoloration from sunlight, severe staining, torn fabric, crushed cells or deteriorated material may not be repairable through cleaning.
If the shade is otherwise in good condition, check whether the issue can be repaired before replacing it. See our Repair vs. Replace Window Treatments guide.
If the shade has multiple problems or the fabric itself is permanently damaged, see When Should You Replace Blinds and Shades?.
Expert Cellular Shade Care from Blinds Chalet
Blinds Chalet has helped homeowners select, maintain and troubleshoot custom cellular shades since 2006. The safest approach to cellular shade cleaning is to begin with the gentlest method that will accomplish the job.
Regular dusting, gentle low-suction vacuuming and cool forced air are appropriate starting points for many cellular shades. Water, detergents, immersion and professional cleaning methods require more caution because compatibility varies by fabric and manufacturer.
When there is any uncertainty, check the care instructions for the exact shade before attempting a stronger cleaning method. This is particularly important for blackout and specialty fabrics.
Related Guides
- Shop Cellular Shades
- When to Repair vs. Replace Your Window Treatments
- When Should You Replace Blinds and Shades?
Cellular Shade Cleaning FAQs
What is the best way to clean cellular shades?
For routine maintenance, use light dusting, a low-suction vacuum with a soft brush attachment or cool forced air. Use water or detergent only if the care instructions for the specific cellular shade fabric permit spot cleaning.
Can you vacuum cellular shades?
Most cellular shades can be gently vacuumed using low suction and a soft brush attachment, but product-specific exceptions can exist. Use light pressure and avoid pressing or creasing the pleated fabric.
How do you get bugs out of cellular shades?
Use gentle compressed air or a hair dryer on a cool setting to blow the insect or debris through the cell. Do not insert sticks, brushes or other objects into the honeycomb pockets because they can damage the internal fabric.
Can cellular shades be spot cleaned?
Some cellular shade fabrics can be spot cleaned using lukewarm water and a mild detergent, while others should not be spot cleaned. Always check the care instructions for the exact product and fabric before using water or cleaning solution.
Can you wash cellular shades in a bathtub?
Only if the manufacturer specifically approves immersion cleaning for that shade and fabric. Some cellular fabrics may permit immersion, while blackout and specialty fabrics may not. Never assume that all cellular shades can be submerged.
Can you use a hair dryer to clean cellular shades?
A hair dryer can be useful for removing dust or debris when used on a cool, no-heat setting. Keep it several inches from the fabric. Do not use hot air because heat can distort some shade materials.
How do you clean blackout cellular shades?
Start with gentle dusting, low-suction vacuuming or cool forced air if approved for the product. Blackout cellular fabrics may have restrictions on spot cleaning, immersion or professional ultrasonic cleaning, so always follow the exact manufacturer's care instructions.
Can cellular shades be professionally cleaned?
Some cellular shades can be professionally cleaned using ultrasonic or injection/extraction methods. Compatibility depends on the fabric and product, so confirm the approved cleaning method before hiring a professional cleaner.
Can I use household cleaner on cellular shades?
Avoid general household cleaners, bleach and harsh chemicals unless specifically approved by the shade manufacturer. Even window-cleaning spray can stain or discolor some cellular shade fabrics.
How often should cellular shades be cleaned?
There is no fixed schedule. Lightly dust or vacuum the shades when buildup becomes visible. Homes with pets, open windows, cooking residue or more airborne dust may require more frequent cleaning.
