Window Shades

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The unassuming roller shade can range widely in price depending on the materials used. Paper, vinyl and sized or laminated fabric are just a few of the choices. Some shades have perforated surfaces which allow in some light but block out harmful ultraviolet sun rays. Others have a laminated “black-out” backing, great for curbing the early morning sunrise for people who need to sleep in the daytime. If you plan to use any shade as the single window treatment then consider one with a matching valance that covers the top roll. Or selet a reverse-roll model where the roll faces back.
Measuring and Installing Window ShadesRoller shades are easy to measure and install yourself just like blinds. However if these jobs come with the purchase price of the shades, have the professional do it to secure your warranty. The Roman shade is measured the same way as other shades but installed quite differently. The top fabric edge is stapled onto a 1×2-inch board cut 1/2 inch narrower than the shade’s width. Elbow brackets screw into the bottom of the board and to the window jamb or to the top face of the window frame for an outside amount.

Cleaning Window ShadesConsult the recommendations of the manufacturer for cleaning roller and fabricated shades.

• Sewn fabric shades – When the face and lining fabrics are both washable you can unmount the shade from the mounting board, wash and iron it according to the fabric’s requirements and re-install the shade.
• Laminated shades – Most laminated fabric roller shades are not washable. Clean them by vacuuming with the dusting attachment.
• Non-washable shades – Try removing small spots with an art-gum eraser or kneadable wallpaper cleaner.
• Vinyl shades -Vinyl roller shades are easy to wash. After removing a shade from the brackets, unroll it on a flat surface covered with a plastic drop cloth. Weight the ends to keep it flat if necessary. Using a sponge with a mild detergent solution, start at the top and wash in rows down to the bottom. Turn over the shade and wash the reverse side. Then rinse each side with a sponge dampened in clean water. Towel off the drop cloth between each step to keep the work surface clean.

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