Cleaning and Stain Removal - help - can I get stains off my fabric shades ?

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NHTerrys
01-30-07, 03:21 PM
I have several - pleated style shades. These roll up - or down (Roman style ?) They may be a cellulose material - not a fabric really. Anyway - they have what I think are rust stains - from running a humidifier too long one very dry winter. They are reddish brown stains. Is there any way to clean these ? - can they be dipped etc? - the stains are too extensive to spot clean..... but they work fine and I would like to keep them. ?

Scott in NH

twelvepole
01-30-07, 03:47 PM
Cellulose shades are usually made of a paper fiber blended with cotton that has the look and feel of heavy silk. Plant fibers and paper do not lend themselves to washing. At best, they can be vacuumed or spot cleaned with solvent cleaner, neither of which will remove rust stains. If the stains are located near the top or bottom, it may be possible to shorten the shades to remove the affected area. If fibers have been dyed, dye is likely unstable and would likely be removed by rust removers. Bleach products tend to set rust stains.