How to Clean Honeycomb Shades

While honeycomb shades usually manage to stay clear of stains, every once in a while a set of them can get dirty. No matter how careful you are, there is still a chance that an accident of some kind will result in stained honeycomb shades. Even if there are no accidents, dirt and dust can build up over time on honeycomb shades and slowly discolor them.

However, even though honeycomb shades cannot be disassembled or washed normally, it is still possible to remove stains from them and keep them looking as good as new. The instructions that follow will help you keep your honeycomb shades in the best condition possible.

Step 1 - Setting Up

First, mix a small amount of dish soap with a lot of water. You will want a very weak mixture to avoid causing any damage to your honeycomb shades.

Next, remove as much dirt and dust as possible from your honeycomb shades—in particular, the affected areas, as this is where you want to avoid rubbing dirt and dust into the problem and making it worse. The best way to do this is by using a vacuum cleaner attachment. Go over your honeycomb shades, making sure to hit the problem areas.

Step 2 - Testing

Next, it is time to remove any stains. It is always best to catch stains early, before they can get deep inside your honeycomb shades and dry there.

Before attempting to clean your honeycomb shades with the mixture you made in the previous step, test a small amount of it in an inconspicuous spot. Remove it as quickly as possible using your towel (as you are going to do when you actually clean) and see if it leaves a mark. If it does, you are going to have to make a decision between the stain you are removing, and the mark left by dish soap and water. If you decide that the stain is worse, or if the dish soap and water do not leave a mark, continue.

Step 3 - Cleaning

Use a sponge to apply a small amount of soap and water to your honeycomb shades. Immediately remove it with the towel. Repeat the process if it is necessary. Eventually, you will remove all of the dirt that is going to come out. Figure out when this happens and stop immediately, as using more soap than you have to is asking for trouble.

Step 4 - Maintaining

You can help keep your honeycomb shades looking like new with regular maintenance. Again, using your vacuum cleaner attachment is a great idea and will do an excellent job of removing loose dirt and dust particles. Using your vacuum cleaner attachment on your honeycomb shades every time you use your vacuum cleaner at all is a great way to remind yourself to keep your honeycomb shades maintained.

Alternatively, if you do not want to do this, a microfiber cloth will also do a great job of removing loose particles.