Made in the Shade Shade Care & Use Guide – Made in the Shade Home Office

Custom shades are designed to provide beauty, privacy, light control, insulation, and comfort. Proper care helps protect the fabric, operating system, and long-term performance of your window treatments.

This guide applies to most interior shades, including roller shades, solar shades, honeycomb/cellular shades, Roman shades, natural woven shades, woven wood shades, banded shades, sheer shades, layered shades, dual shades, panel track shades, and motorized shades.

Always follow the specific care instructions provided by your local Made in the Shade location or the applicable manufacturer.

New Shade Settling Period

It is normal for new shades to need a short settling period after installation. Shades are often packaged, shipped, and stored in a box before installation, so the fabric and operating system may need time to relax and take their proper form.

This is especially common with cordless shades, fabric shades, honeycomb shades, Roman shades, woven shades, and roller shades.

During the first several days after installation, you may notice:

Cordless shades feel slightly stiff.
A shade may raise or lower with uneven tension.
Fabric may show slight waves, creases, or packaging marks.
Roman shade folds may need time to dress and settle.
Honeycomb cells may need time to relax after being compressed.
Roller shade fabric may need time to hang naturally.

Made in the Shade recommends leaving the shade in the fully lowered position for a period of time to allow the fabric to rest, relax, and settle. Do not force the shade, overcorrect it, pull aggressively, or attempt to reshape the fabric by hand.

If a shade continues to operate unevenly, rub, bind, wrinkle severely, or look misaligned after a reasonable settling period, contact your local Made in the Shade location for guidance.

Basic Shade Care

Routine Cleaning

Regular light cleaning is the safest and most effective way to care for most shades.

Dust shades regularly with a soft, clean cloth, feather duster, microfiber duster, or approved dusting tool.
- Norwex has a great line of microfiber cloths: https://www.norwex.com/
Use a vacuum with a soft brush attachment for deeper dust removal.
Vacuum gently and avoid pulling, stretching, or creasing the fabric.
A hair dryer on the cool setting or compressed air may be used on some products to remove dust from pockets, cells, folds, or textured materials.
Clean both sides of the shade when accessible.
Keep window sills, tracks, and surrounding trim clean to prevent dirt transfer.
Clean more often in homes with pets, heavy pollen, construction dust, high humidity, fireplaces, cooking residue, or high traffic.

Do Not Use

Harsh chemical cleaners
Bleach
Ammonia-based cleaners
Abrasive cleaners
Solvents
Scouring pads
Magic erasers unless specifically approved
Steam cleaners
Pressure washers
Excessive water
Laundry machines or dryers
Ironing or high heat
Strong rubbing, scrubbing, twisting, or wringing
Adhesive lint rollers on delicate fabrics
Magnetic cleaners on light-dimming or blackout-backed fabrics unless approved

Sun Exposure, UV, and Fabric Fading

Many shades are selected specifically to help manage sunlight, glare, heat, and UV exposure. While quality shades are designed for daily use, sunlight can still affect fabric color, texture, and appearance over time.

Gradual fading, softening, or color change may occur over years, especially in windows with strong direct sun, high heat, western exposure, coastal exposure, or intense UV conditions. The shade can only perform is good as the window behind it!

This is especially important for:

Solar shades
Sheer shades
Natural woven shades
Roman shades
Roller shades
Dark-colored fabrics
Printed or textured fabrics
Rooms with strong afternoon sun

To help reduce uneven fading:

Raise, lower, and rotate shade positions when practical.
Avoid leaving shades in the exact same position every day for long periods.
Keep windows clean to reduce heat buildup and residue transfer.
Use caution with high-heat areas, reflective glass, skylights, and windows with film.
Contact Made in the Shade if fading appears sudden, uneven, unusual, or concentrated in one specific area.

Some fading, color variation, and texture change is considered normal with long-term sun exposure and may not be considered a product defect.

Humidity, Moisture, and Environmental Conditions

Shades are designed for interior use unless specifically sold as an exterior product. Indoor environmental conditions can affect fabric, natural fibers, adhesive-backed materials, lift systems, and shade performance.

Use extra care in areas with:

High humidity
Condensation
Bathrooms
Laundry rooms
Kitchens
Coastal environments
Rooms with poor ventilation
Fireplaces or wood-burning stoves
HVAC vents blowing directly on the shade
Windows with heat buildup or direct afternoon sun

Natural woven shades, Roman shades, sheer shades, and specialty fabrics may be more sensitive to humidity, odor absorption, and environmental changes.

To help protect your shades:

Avoid allowing condensation to sit on fabric.
Do not let wet windows, sills, or trim touch the shade.
Keep shades away from open flames, candles, stovetops, and fireplaces.
Avoid placing humidifiers directly under or near shades.
Allow wet or humid rooms to ventilate properly.
Let shades dry fully before raising, stacking, or rolling them.
Contact Made in the Shade if you notice mildew, staining, rippling, odor retention, warping, or fabric distortion.

Pets, Hair, and Everyday Messes

Pets can create everyday cleaning issues for shades, especially pet hair, nose prints, paw prints, chewing, scratching, and fabric damage.

Pet Hair

Use a vacuum with a soft brush attachment on low suction.
Use gentle downward strokes.
Avoid sticky lint rollers on delicate fabrics, sheer fabrics, natural woven materials, or blackout-backed fabrics unless approved.
Use compressed air or a cool hair dryer to help remove hair from honeycomb cells or textured materials when appropriate.

Paw Prints and Nose Marks

Use a soft cloth lightly dampened with water.
Blot gently.
Do not scrub aggressively.
Use mild soap only if approved for the shade material.
Dry the area before raising or rolling the shade.

Chewing, Scratching, or Pulling

Do not continue operating a damaged shade.
Keep pets from sitting on, chewing, clawing, or pushing against the shade.
Contact Made in the Shade if cords, fabric, bottom rails, chains, guides, or lift systems are damaged.

Pet damage is generally considered misuse and may not be covered by manufacturer warranty.

Odors, Smoke, Cooking, and Fireplaces

Fabric shades can absorb odors more readily than hard window coverings. Cooking, smoke, fireplaces, candles, pets, and poor ventilation may cause odor buildup over time.

To reduce odor absorption:

Keep rooms properly ventilated.
Use kitchen exhaust fans when cooking.
Avoid placing fabric shades directly above active cooking areas when possible.
Keep shades away from smoke, fireplaces, candles, incense, and strong air fresheners.
Dust and vacuum shades regularly.
Do not spray fragrance, fabric refresher, disinfectant, or odor remover directly onto the shade unless specifically approved for the material.

For persistent odors, professional cleaning may be needed. Always confirm whether your specific fabric can be professionally cleaned before proceeding.

Cleaning by Shade Type

Roller Shades and Solar Shades

Roller and solar shades are usually low maintenance, but the fabric should still be handled carefully.

Dust regularly with a microfiber cloth, feather duster, or vacuum brush attachment.
For light smudges, use a soft cloth lightly dampened with water.
Use mild soap only when needed and only if approved for the fabric.
Blot gently instead of rubbing.
Allow the shade to dry completely before rolling it up.
Do not soak the fabric.
Do not scrub the fabric.
Do not use harsh cleaners, solvents, or abrasive pads.
Do not pull the shade from the edges, as this may affect tracking or alignment.

Honeycomb / Cellular Shades

Honeycomb shades have fabric cells that can collect dust, pet hair, and insects over time. The goal is to clean gently without crushing or deforming the cells.

Dust with a soft cloth, feather duster, or microfiber duster.
- The backside of the fabric may be dusted by gently pulling out the shade from the window to expose the neutral backing.
Use a vacuum with a soft brush attachment on low suction.
Use compressed air or a hair dryer on the cool setting to blow dust out of the cells when appropriate.
Spot clean gently with a lightly damp cloth only when allowed by the manufacturer.
Blot; do not rub.
Do not crush, squeeze, or bend the cells.
Do not saturate the fabric.
Do not use heat, steam, or strong suction.
Allow the shade to dry fully before raising it.

Roman Shades

Roman shades are fabric products and should be cared for based on the fabric, lining, and construction.

Dust regularly with a microfiber cloth or vacuum brush attachment.
Vacuum gently across the folds using low suction.
Support the fabric while cleaning to avoid pulling on seams, rings, cords, or lift tapes.
Spot clean only when the fabric allows it.
Blot gently with a soft cloth; do not rub.
Avoid wet cleaning unless specifically approved.
Do not machine wash unless the manufacturer or fabric workroom specifically states that the product is washable.
Professional cleaning may be recommended for delicate fabrics, lined Romans, specialty textiles, embroidered fabrics, or designer fabrics.
After installation, folds may need time to relax and dress properly.

Natural Woven Shades / Woven Wood Shades

Natural shades may include bamboo, reeds, grasses, jute, wood, paper, natural fibers, or other organic materials. Variations in color, texture, weave, and pattern are normal characteristics of these products.

Dust regularly with a soft cloth, feather duster, or vacuum brush attachment.
Vacuum gently with the grain or weave.
Use caution around edges, liners, valances, and exposed natural fibers.
Do not use excessive moisture.
Do not soak or scrub the material.
Do not use steam.
Do not use harsh cleaners or solvents.
Spot cleaning may alter the color, texture, or finish of natural materials.
Natural fibers may react to humidity, sunlight, and temperature changes over time.

Natural woven shades may slightly stretch, relax, bow, or change appearance as they settle. This can be normal due to the organic nature of the material.

Banded Shades / Layered Shades / Zebra Shades

Banded shades have alternating sheer and opaque fabric bands. They should be cleaned carefully to avoid stretching, fraying, or misalignment.

Dust regularly with a soft cloth or duster.
Use a vacuum with a soft brush attachment on low suction.
Support the fabric while cleaning.
Spot clean gently with a lightly damp cloth only when approved.
Blot; do not rub.
Do not pull or stretch the sheer sections.
Do not scrub the edges of the fabric.
Do not use excessive moisture.
Make sure the shade is fully dry before rolling it into the headrail or cassette.

Sheer Shades / Window Shadings

Sheer shades and soft window shadings often include delicate sheer fabric, vanes, or fabric layers. These products require extra care.

Dust lightly and regularly.
Use a vacuum brush attachment on low suction only when appropriate.
Use compressed air or a hair dryer on the cool setting when approved.
Do not rub sheer fabric.
Do not use magnetic cleaners on fabrics with light-dimming or blackout backing unless approved.
Do not force vanes open or closed.
Do not use excessive moisture.
Professional cleaning may be recommended for heavier soil or delicate products.

Panel Track Shades

Panel track shades are commonly used for large windows, patio doors, and room dividers.

Dust or vacuum panels gently with a soft brush attachment.
Clean each panel evenly to avoid visible clean spots.
Do not pull panels sideways by the fabric.
Use the wand or approved control system when available.
Keep the track free of dust, pet hair, and debris.
Do not force panels if they are caught or misaligned.
Contact Made in the Shade if panels do not glide smoothly.

Dual Shades

Dual shades may include two fabrics or two operating shade layers in one window treatment.

Clean each shade layer according to its material.
Do not allow one shade layer to rub or catch on the other.
Make sure both shades are fully clear before raising or lowering.
Do not force operation if the shades feel tangled, uneven, or obstructed.
Contact Made in the Shade if one layer is not operating correctly.

Motorized Shade Care

Motorized shades are designed for convenience, safety, and consistent operation. Proper use helps protect the motor, shade fabric, and controls.

Basic Motorized Shade Tips

Keep remotes, chargers, wall switches, hubs, and power supplies dry.
Replace remote batteries when response becomes inconsistent.
Charge rechargeable motors according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Make sure furniture, décor, plants, pets, and window locks are clear of the shade path.
Do not manually pull or force a motorized shade.
Do not repeatedly run the shade up and down without allowing the motor to rest, especially on larger shades. many motors will automatically turn off when overheating.
Contact Made in the Shade if the shade moves unevenly, stops unexpectedly, loses limits, makes unusual noise, or does not respond after basic troubleshooting.

Before Requesting Service for Motorized Shades

Check the following:

Is the remote on the correct channel?
Are the motors charged and charger showing a green light indicator for full charge?
Is the shade plugged in or connected to power, if applicable?
Is the hub, bridge, or app connected?
Is anything blocking the shade?
Has the shade been manually pulled or forced?
Did a recent power outage, router change, or app update affect the system?
Has the shade recently been reprogrammed, paired, reset, or removed from an app?
Is the shade making unusual noise or stopping in a different place than normal?

If the issue continues, take photos or a short video before contacting your local Made in the Shade location.

Operating Your Shades

Cordless Shades

Raise and lower from the center of the bottom rail whenever possible.
Use two hands on wider shades.
Do not pull from one side or raise unevenly.
Do not force the shade beyond its normal stopping point.
If the shade raises unevenly, lower it fully and raise it again gently.
New cordless shades may feel stiff at first and may need time to settle.
Contact Made in the Shade if uneven operation continues.

Continuous Cord Loop Shades

Pull the chain or cord loop straight and evenly.
Do not yank or pull at an angle.
Keep the cord loop properly secured to the tension device.
Do not remove the tension device.
Contact Made in the Shade if the loop is loose, damaged, or not operating properly.

Wand-Controlled Shades

Use the wand gently and evenly.
Do not twist beyond the normal operating range.
Do not use the wand to pull the shade sideways unless designed for that purpose.
Contact Made in the Shade if the wand feels loose, stuck, or disconnected.

Corded Shades

Pull cords gently and evenly.
Do not yank or snap the cord.
Keep cords away from children and pets.
Use all safety devices provided with the product.
Contact Made in the Shade if a cord is frayed, tangled, loose, or difficult to operate.

Common Issues and Troubleshooting

Shade Is Dusty

Dust with a microfiber cloth or feather duster.
Vacuum gently with a soft brush attachment.
Use cool air to remove dust from cells, folds, or textured areas when appropriate.

Shade Has a Small Spot or Smudge

Test in an inconspicuous area first when possible.
Use a soft cloth lightly dampened with lukewarm water.
Blot gently.
Do not rub.
Do not oversaturate.
Allow the shade to dry fully before raising or rolling.

Shade Has Pet Hair

Vacuum gently with a soft brush attachment on low suction.
Use cool air to loosen hair from honeycomb cells, folds, or textured fabrics.
Avoid sticky lint rollers unless approved for that specific fabric.
Do not scrape or brush aggressively.

Shade Has an Odor

Air out the room.
Lower the shade to allow the fabric to breathe.
Vacuum gently if dust or smoke residue is present.
Do not spray odor removers directly onto the shade.
Contact Made in the Shade if the odor is strong, persistent, or appears related to moisture, mildew, or staining.

Shade Is Raising Unevenly

Stop forcing it.
Lower the shade completely.
Raise it slowly and evenly from the center.
Check for obstructions.
Contact Made in the Shade if uneven operation continues.

Shade Will Not Stay Level

Make sure nothing is caught in the shade.
Check whether the fabric is rolling evenly.
Do not tug on one side to correct it.
Contact Made in the Shade if the issue continues.

Roller Shade Is Telescoping

Telescoping means the fabric is rolling more to one side than the other.

Stop operation if the fabric is rubbing the brackets, cassette, or fascia.
Lower the shade and raise it slowly.
Confirm nothing is pulling on one side of the fabric.
Contact Made in the Shade if the shade continues to track unevenly.

Shade Is Wrinkled, Creased, or Wavy

Slight wrinkles, waves, or packaging creases may be normal when a shade is first installed. Shade fabric has often been packaged for shipping and may need time to relax.

Leave the shade fully lowered so the fabric can rest and settle.
Do not iron the shade.
Do not apply heat.
Do not steam unless specifically approved.
Do not pull, stretch, or reshape the fabric by hand.
Contact Made in the Shade if wrinkles, creases, waves, or folds do not improve after the shade has had time to settle.

Shade Is Hard to Operate

Do not force the shade.
Check for obstructions, furniture, window locks, or debris.
Make sure cords, chains, or wands are not tangled.
Contact Made in the Shade if the shade feels unusually tight, loose, or stuck.

Before Requesting Service for Manual Shades

Before contacting Made in the Shade for service, check the following if it is safe to do so:

Is anything blocking the shade path?
Is furniture, décor, a window crank, a lock, or a handle interfering with operation?
Is the shade being raised or lowered from the center?
Is the fabric rolling evenly?
Is the bottom rail level?
Is the cord, chain, loop, or wand tangled?
Is the tension device still attached and properly secured?
Is the shade rubbing against a bracket, cassette, fascia, window frame, or trim?
Has the shade recently been pulled from one side or forced?
Is the shade newly installed and still within the settling period?

If the issue continues, take photos or a short video before contacting your local Made in the Shade location. Helpful photos include:

A full picture of the window treatment
A close-up of the issue
The headrail, cassette, fascia, or brackets - especially if a sticker of the manufacturing specs is present.
The bottom rail
The cord, chain, wand, or control system
Any area where fabric is rubbing, wrinkling, catching, or rolling unevenly

This helps your local Made in the Shade team review the issue more quickly and determine the best next step.

Seasonal Maintenance Checklist

Monthly or As Needed

Dust shades.
Vacuum gently with a soft brush attachment.
Check that shades raise and lower smoothly.
Confirm the fabric is rolling or stacking evenly.
Check for smudges, pet hair, insects, or debris.
Keep window sills and surrounding trim clean.
Check for odors in kitchens, fireplace rooms, pet areas, or rooms with poor ventilation.

Every 3–6 Months

Inspect brackets, headrails, cassettes, fascia, valances, cords, chains, and tension devices.
Check for fraying, loose parts, uneven operation, or fabric rubbing.
Charge or replace batteries for motorized products as needed.
Confirm remote channels and app controls are working.
Clean tracks on panel track shades or specialty systems.
Inspect for signs of fading, moisture, mildew, staining, or fabric distortion.
Contact Made in the Shade for service if anything looks loose, damaged, crooked, or unusual.

After Painting, Remodeling, or Heavy Dust

Protect shades before construction, drywall work, painting, sanding, flooring, or window replacement.
Do not allow paint, drywall dust, adhesive, caulk, stain, or construction debris to remain on the fabric.
Do not scrape the shade with sharp tools.
Contact Made in the Shade if shades need to be removed before remodeling, painting, or window replacement.

Do’s and Don’ts

Do

Dust regularly.
Vacuum gently with a soft brush attachment.
Use cool air when appropriate.
Spot clean cautiously when allowed.
Blot instead of rubbing.
Allow shades to dry completely before raising, stacking, or rolling.
Leave new shades lowered for a period of time to help fabric relax and settle.
Operate shades gently.
Use two hands on wide cordless shades.
Keep controls, motors, chargers, and remotes dry.
Keep pets away from shade fabric, cords, chains, and bottom rails.
Take photos or video before requesting service.
Contact Made in the Shade if a shade feels stuck, uneven, loose, or damaged.

Don’t

Do not soak shade fabric.
Do not scrub aggressively.
Do not use bleach, solvents, harsh chemicals, or abrasive cleaners.
Do not steam clean unless specifically approved.
Do not machine wash unless specifically approved.
Do not iron shade fabric.
Do not force a shade up, down, sideways, or past its normal range.
Do not manually pull motorized shades unless designed for manual operation.
Do not remove child safety devices.
Do not allow pets or children to pull, chew, climb, or play with shades.
Do not spray fragrance, disinfectant, odor remover, or household cleaner directly onto shade fabric.
Do not assume all shade fabrics can be cleaned the same way.

Safety Notes

Shades are designed for light control, privacy, insulation, and interior design. They are not designed to hold weight, restrain children or pets, or act as a barrier.

Keep children and pets away from cords, chains, loops, controls, and shade fabric.
Do not allow children to climb, hang, pull, or play with shades.
Keep cribs, beds, furniture, and climbable items away from corded window treatments.
Make sure tension devices and safety devices remain installed and secured.
Stop operation if something is caught in the shade.
For motorized shades, make sure the shade path is clear before operation.

Drapery and Soft Treatments

This shade care guide does not apply to custom drapery, side panels, valances, cornices, or other soft treatments.

Drapery products may include specialty fabrics, linings, interlinings, trims, pleats, and workroom construction that require different care. For those products, please refer to the Made in the Shade Drapery, Side Panel & Soft Treatment Care Guide or contact your local Made in the Shade location before cleaning.

Warranty / Service Reminder

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, construction debris, environmental conditions, 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 shades are not operating correctly, stop using them and contact Made in the Shade before the issue becomes worse.