Ultimate Blackout Shade Care & Maintenance Guide

Your shades are an investment piece: buy them once, have them for life.

With proper care and maintenance, they'll continue to provide superior light control and privacy while looking their best for years to come. 

Jump to:

• Quick cleaning guide: essential info at a glance
• How to clean the frame: safe methods for maintaining your frame’s luxury finish
• How to clean the fabric: step-by-step fabric care instructions
• Cleaning schedule: how often to clean based on your environment
• Fabric replacement: options for updating your room's look
• Troubleshooting: solutions for common cleaning challenges
• Pro tips: expert advice 

Quick cleaning guide

Your cleaning needs, at a glance!

When should I clean my shades?

• Low-humidity environments: Every 1-2 months
  • Bedroom,  office, living areas, nursery
• High moisture environments: Every 2-4 weeks
  • Bathroom, kitchen (especially near the sink or oven), laundry, mud room, basement

What will I need?

• For the frame - a clean and dry soft cloth
• For the fabric - a soft cloth, mild soap (dishsoap works well!) and warm water

The absolute non-negotiables: 

• Don’t scrub, push or use unnecessary force
• Be gentle and take your time
• Don’t use any corrosive or harsh cleaning chemicals: these could irreversibly damage the finish of your shade
• Allow your shade fabric to dry completely before rolling up again

How to clean the frame

Dust be gone!

You will need:

• Clean, dry soft cloth
• No water or chemicals necessary

Method

• Gently wipe the frame with the cloth, using a clean side for each part of the frame to not spread the dust
• Work from top to bottom in light, smooth motions
• Pay attention to corners and crevices where dust accumulates

⚠️ Important 

To avoid permanently damaging the frame finish or your motorized mechanism:

• Never use abrasive materials (steel wool, rough cloths, scouring pads)
• Never use corrosive cleaners (bleach, ammonia, degreasers or harsh chemicals)
• Never clean or spray with water or other liquids (this can damage the motor)

How to clean the fabric

Materials

• Soft cloth (car-washing quality recommended)
• Mild soap (colorless liquid dish soap is great)
• Warm, clean water

Method

• Mix a few drops of mild soap with warm water until slightly foamy
• Dampen the soft cloth with the soapy solution
• Firmly wring out excess water - your cloth should be damp, no drips
• Gently wipe the fabric surface in small circular motions where needed
• Work in sections from top to bottom
• Allow to air dry completely before rolling your shade back into the housing
• ⚠️ Important

To avoid permanently damaging the fabric or your motorized mechanism:

• Never spray water or cleaners directly onto the fabric or shade - this can cause damage if water gets into the inside frame or motor
• Avoid alcohol-based, corrosive or harsh cleaning solutions - these can damage the fabric coating
• Don't oversaturate the fabric with water - damp shades create the perfect environment for mold and mildew

Cleaning schedule

Standard-humidity environments

• Frequency: Every 1-2 months
• Best for: Bedrooms, living rooms, offices, home theaters

High Moisture Environments

• Frequency: Every 2-4 weeks
• Best for: Bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms, basements

Troubleshooting

Stubborn stains

• Use the same gentle method but work in circular motions
• May require multiple gentle treatments rather than one-off treatments or aggressive scrubbing
• Allow complete drying between attempts
• Do not use any fabric stain removers - this could damage the fabric coating

Mold and mildew prevention

• Ensure proper ventilation in high-moisture areas
• Clean more frequently in humid conditions
• Address any moisture issues in the room
• Ensure your fabric is completely dry before rolling the fabric back into the housing

When to seek more advice:

• Persistent stains that don't respond to gentle cleaning
• Visible mold growth
• Damage to frame or fabric
• Mechanism issues (not cleaning-related)

Our team are more than happy to provide you with additional information or advice on caring for your shades. Just give us a call or send us an email - photo references are great.

Fabric replacement

Need a refresh?

With proper care and maintenance, your UBlockout shades should last you years to come. However, we all love a little change or update to our home every now and again.

The fabric roll in your shade is completely replaceable - another reason your UBlockout shade is for life. Transform your space without starting over:

• Change colors to match new décor
• Switch finishes or textures for a completely different look
• Update your room's style without replacing the entire shade system
• Refresh worn fabric while keeping your quality frame and mechanism

Ready for a change?

Contact us via email for fabric replacement options and installation guidance - it's as simple as swapping out your bedlinen for a new season!

Tips for success with cleaning

Regular maintenance will extend the life of your UBlockout shades and keep them performing at their best. When in doubt, gentle cleaning methods are always preferred.

✅ Do:

• Clean during dry weather when possible
• Keep windows and doors open for ventilation while cleaning
• Use gentle, light, smooth strokes or swipes
• Let your shade dry completely before and after cleaning the fabric 
• Only use the cleaning products and equipment listed above

❌ Don't:

• Use any cleaning products other than mild soap for the fabric
• Use any cleaning solutions on the frame - a dry, clean cloth is enough
• Rush the cleaning process
• Scrub, use excessive force or pressure
• Roll up the fabric while it’s damp
• Spray the shade or housing with any liquid: this could permanently damage the motor or mechanism

Have questions about your product?

We’re here to help!

Call us on (888) 488 4302 or email us support@ublockout.com