Your approach to cleaning your shades depends on how dirty they are. In most cases, shades don't attract much other than a light coating of dust, dirt, pet hair, and a small amount of pollen. However, shades that are mounted in areas with open air movement, such as on or near windows and doors that are left open for long periods of time, may require more intensive cleaning due to exposure to heavier accumulations of dirt, dust, and other debris.

While bamboo shades generally hold up well to most cleaning attempts, it's important that you first consult the manufacturer's cleaning and care instructions before you use water, cleaning liquids, or other chemicals that could potentially crack, stain, or damage the wood. You can find the instructions in your shade's original packaging. If you can't locate the instructions, consult the manufacturer's website or contact Blindster to receive a replacement copy.

Cleaning bamboo shades is an easy process that requires only simple cleaning items. To get started, gather the primary items you'll need to get the job done and keep them handy while you work. These items include:

• Feather duster to loosen and remove light dust accumulations
• Vacuum cleaner with soft brush attachment to remove heavier dust accumulations
• Clean sponge to wipe down the shade, gently lift away stains, and clean the headrail
• Clean bucket filled with warm water and a mild oil soap safe to use on wood
• Towel and a hair dryer to dry the shades

With these items nearby, you're ready to begin cleaning your bamboo shades.

To begin the cleaning process, use a feather duster to remove dust from every inch of exposed surface from the headrail and the shade itself. After you've removed the top layer of accumulated dirt and dust, use your vacuum cleaner with soft brush attachment to remove any left behind debris.

Next, wet the sponge and thoroughly wring it out to release any excess water and cleaning solution. Then use the sponge to wipe down the headrail but be careful and avoid getting liquid inside the shade, as it could damage the internal components of the shade. Working your way down the bamboo, use the sponge to gently wipe away any stains, discolorations, or caked-on grime.

After you've thoroughly cleaned the shade, use a clean towel and wipe away any moisture from the wood. For even faster drying, use a hair dryer on the cool setting (no heat) on areas of the shade where towel drying isn't sufficient. Drying your shade is important to prevent the wood from warping, staining, or becoming discolored after exposure to water.

If your shades are heavily stained or soiled due to prolonged exposure to dirt, dust, and other debris, you may need to remove them from the window and use a more intensive cleaning process. To thoroughly clean your bamboo shades when traditional cleaning methods don't work, fill up your bathtub with warm water and a mild soap or detergent that's safe to use on wood.

Once the bathtub is filled up, place the shades inside the water while keeping the headrail dry. After soaking the shades in the mixture of water and cleaning liquid for several minutes, use a washcloth or sponge to scrub and lift away any stains, dirt, and grime from the wood. Make sure to clean every exposed surface as thoroughly as you can and change the water if necessary as you go.

After you've cleaned your shades, drain the tub and then rinse away the water and soap mixture before placing your shades on a towel to dry. After using the towels to soak up the majority of the water from the shades, hang them to dry in a well-ventilated area. Use a hair dryer (on the cool setting) to hasten the drying process and prevent warping. Hanging the shades in sunlight or outdoors can also make the drying process go faster.

The easiest way to cut down on the amount of time and effort it takes to clean your bamboo shades is to simply clean them more often. Like all items in your home, your bamboo shades will accumulate dirt and dust over time, but a quick and regular cleaning with a feather duster and vacuum with light brush attachment—combined with monthly wipe downs of the wood and headrail—is generally all that's needed to keep your shades clean and reduce the need for intensive and deep cleaning sessions in the future.