Made in the Shade Outdoor Shade Care & Use Guide

Motorized Shade Care

• Keep remotes and wall switches dry.
• Do not repeatedly press buttons if the shade does not respond.
• Make sure nothing is blocking the shade path.
• Check power/GFCI outlet if applicable.
  • If a breaker trips, check GFCI outlets to reset, which are often found on patios, garages, or bathrooms
• Replace remote batteries when response becomes inconsistent or shade is not responsive
• Do not pull on a motorized shade by hand unless the product is specifically designed for manual override.
• If the motor stops after repeated use, allow time for it to cool before trying again.
• Contact Made in the Shade if the shade is moving unevenly, stopping unexpectedly, grinding, or making unusual noises.

Wind, Rain, and Weather Use

When to Use Your Outdoor Shades

• Best used for sun control, glare reduction, privacy, heat reduction, and light wind protection.
• Lower shades only when the area is clear and conditions are safe.
• Raise shades when not in use for extended periods.

When Not to Use Them

• Leaving the shades down unattended for extended periods of time
• High winds and thunderstorms
• Hail
• Freezing conditions or when ice is present
• When the shade, track, cable, or hem bar is obstructed
• When the shade is wet and you are leaving it rolled up for a long period

When Wet or Rained On

• If shades get wet, lower them again when weather allows so they can fully dry.
• Do not leave wet fabric rolled up for long periods.
• Allow air circulation around the shade.
• Keep sprinklers from spraying directly on the shades when possible.
• Trim plants or vines away from tracks, cables, and fabric.

Basic Cleaning Tips

• Gently hose off dust, pollen, dirt, and debris with clean water.
• Use a soft brush, microfiber cloth, or vacuum brush attachment for loose debris.
• For deeper cleaning, use mild soap and warm water.
• Rinse thoroughly.
• Let the shade dry completely before rolling it up.
• Clean more often in dusty, coastal, high-pollen, or heavily treed areas.

Do Not Use

• Pressure washers
• Bleach
• Abrasive pads
• Acidic cleaners
• Solvents
• Oil-based cleaners
• Harsh degreasers
• Scrapers or sharp tools
• Excessive force on fabric, tracks, cables, or hem bars

Track Care: Zipper Tracks

• Keep the side tracks clean and free of dirt, leaves, insects, pollen, and debris.
• Inspect the tracks monthly during heavy-use seasons.
• Vacuum, brush, or gently rinse the tracks as needed.
• Do not force the shade if it feels stuck, crooked, or unusually tight.
• If the shade does not travel smoothly, stop using it and check the tracks before continuing.

Lubrication

• After the tracks are clean and dry, a small amount of dry silicone spray / dry lube may be applied to the fabric guide slots if recommended for your product.
  • MITS recommends every 3-6 months, depending on how quickly the tracks get dirty
• Apply sparingly.
• Wipe away excess.
• Avoid spraying lubricant directly on shade fabric, clear vinyl, motors, wiring, furniture, flooring, or painted/stained surfaces.
• Do not use oil-based lubricants, grease, or heavy lubricants that attract dirt.

Cable Guide Shades

• Cable guide shades help guide the shade but do not fully seal the sides.
• Some movement in wind is normal.
• Do not pull on the cables.
• Keep furniture, grills, toys, plants, and décor away from the shade path.
• Check that the hem bar is moving freely and not catching on anything.
• Keep cables clean and visually inspect for fraying, corrosion, looseness, or damage.
• Do not operate if a cable appears loose, bent, frayed, or disconnected.

Clear Vinyl Window Panels

• Clean clear vinyl gently with approved vinyl-safe products only.
• Do not use glass cleaner unless approved for that material.
• Do not use ammonia, alcohol, abrasives, or harsh chemicals.
• Vinyl may appear cloudy if retracted while wet or in high humidity.
• Let vinyl dry fully before rolling up when possible.
• In warmer weather, clear vinyl may expand or show waviness.

Troubleshooting Guide

If the Shade Will Not Move

• Check remote battery and light on remote is active.
• Check power source is live.
• Check wall switch or app connection, when applicable.
• Make sure the shade is not locked, scheduled, or disabled in the app.
• Check for tripped GFCI outlet or breaker.
• Make sure nothing is blocking the shade path.
• Do not force the shade. Call MITS for guidance.

If the Shade Moves Crooked

• Stop operation.
• Check for debris in tracks or around the hem bar.
• Make sure furniture or décor is not touching the fabric.
• For cable guide shades, check whether the hem bar is catching.
• Contact MITS if the problem continues.

If a Zipper Track Shade Binds

• Stop operation.
• Inspect both side tracks.
• Remove dirt, leaves, insects, or debris.
• Clean the tracks.
• Once dry, apply a small amount of approved dry lube if recommended for your system.
• Do not force the shade through resistance.

If the Shade Makes Noise

• Clean the tracks, guides, or cables.
• Look for debris.
• Check for rubbing or obstruction.
• If recommended, apply dry lube sparingly to the correct track area.
• Contact MITS if grinding, popping, or repeated clicking continues.

If the Remote Does Not Work

• Replace the battery.
• Confirm the correct channel is selected.
• Stand closer to the shade.
• Check whether other shades on the same remote respond.
• Contact MITS before attempting to reprogram the motor.

Seasonal Maintenance Checklist

Monthly During Heavy Use

• Hose or brush off fabric.
• Check tracks/cables for debris.
• Make sure shade path is clear.
• Look for unusual wear, fraying, rubbing, or sagging.
• Test operation.

Every 3–6 Months

• Clean tracks more thoroughly.
• Clean metal components with mild soap and water.
• Apply approved dry lube to zipper track guide slots if needed and allowed by the manufacturer.
• Inspect cables, brackets, screws, and hem bars.
• Confirm motorized shades are operating evenly.

Before Storm Season / Winter

• Inspect all shades.
• Retract shades before severe weather.
• Clean and fully dry shades before extended non-use.
• Check remotes, batteries, apps, and power sources.
• Schedule service if anything is binding, crooked, loose, or noisy.

Do’s and Don’ts

Do

• Keep tracks and cables clean.
• Let wet shades dry before rolling up for extended periods.
• Retract shades during high winds or severe weather.
• Use mild soap and water for routine cleaning.
• Keep furniture, grills, plants, and décor away from the shade path.
• Call MITS if something feels wrong.

Don’t

• Do not pressure wash.
• Do not use bleach, solvents, or abrasive cleaners.
• Do not force a shade that is stuck.
• Do not operate during high winds or storms.
• Do not pull on motorized shades.
• Do not let children hang on shades, cables, chains, or crank handles.
• Do not spray lubricant on fabric.
• Do not use oil-based lubricant unless specifically approved by the manufacturer.
• Do not use shades as storm protection, security barriers, or pet/child containment.

Safety Notes

• Outdoor shades are not designed to hold people, pets, or objects.
• Keep children away from cords, chains, cables, remotes, and moving shades.
• Do not allow pets to scratch, push, chew, or lean into the shade.
• Keep grills, fire pits, heaters, and open flames away from shade fabric.
• Make sure the shade path is clear before operating.
• Stop operation immediately if something is caught in the shade.

Warranty / Service Reminder

• Motors: 5 years
• Controls: 5 years
• Screens: 10 years
• Metals: 10 years
• Labor: 1 year

Proper use and routine maintenance help protect your investment and may be required to keep your product warranty in good standing. Damage caused by misuse, excessive moisture, improper cleaning products, pets, pests, forced operation, unauthorized repairs, or lack of maintenance may not be covered by warranty.

Please contact your local Made in the Shade location for details regarding product and labor warranty coverage. Each Made in the Shade location is independently owned and operated, and labor or service warranties may vary by location. Manufacturer warranties are provided by the applicable vendor and may differ by product, brand, or manufacturer.

If your shutters are not operating correctly, stop using them and contact Made in the Shade before the issue becomes worse.