The Window Covering Manufacturers Association (WCMA) Product Awards are the benchmark of excellence in the industry, and Hunter Douglas has captured more awards than any other manufacturer every year for the past 15 years. The 2010 award results were just announced and Hunter Douglas, North America’s leading manufacturer and marketer of custom window coverings, has once again topped the esteemed competition as an impressive 30 out of the 51 awards conferred went to Hunter Douglas companies. Hunter Douglas also swept the Shadings and Sheers, Verticals/Panel Tracks and Merchandising Categories, where a total of 10 awards were granted. “We’re very pleased that the Window Covering Manufacturers Association panel of independent judges has given such a strong endorsement to our innovative product offerings and to the marketing and sales support we provide,” said Marv Hopkins, Hunter Douglas President and CEO. “As a company, Hunter Douglas is dedicated to market leadership in design, quality and customer service; these results are a testament to that. We’re grateful for these honors and for our many loyal customers throughout the U.S. and Canada.”

As expected, Hunter Douglas captured four awards in the “Green” Products Category.
The latest addition to highly energy efficient Duette® Architella® honeycomb shades, the first and only window shades to qualify for the Federal Energy Tax Credit without add-on insulation systems – the nonwoven, durable Classic fabric in the 3/8-inch pleat size – was named Best New Style Enhancement in the “Green” Products: Energy Efficiency Category. As of May 4, 2010, Duette Architella will have 192 SKUs, comprising more than 40 percent of the Duette line. Vignette® Tiered™ Modern Roman Shades with UltraGlide® won Best New Style Concept in the “Green” Products: Health and Environmental Safety Category. The retractable single cord UltraGlide design offers enhanced child safety, as does the fact that all Vignette shades have no exposed cords on the back side. The UltraGlide system also allows for easy onehand operation and a “click and walk away” feature lowers the shade automatically.

In the “Green” Products: Sustainability Category, Vintage™, one of the new fabrics for
Applause® honeycomb shades collection, which provides legendary Hunter Douglas quality and
a streamlined selection process with exceptional value, captured Best Utilization of Recyclable
Materials. Made using 40 percent recycled polyester fibers from post-consumer textiles, such as
water bottles, Vintage is as beautiful as it is sustainable. It comes in 10 neutral colors and in ¾-
inch and 3/8-inch pleats in semi-opaque and blackout.

Hunter Douglas Roman-style shades with the New Cord Ladder garnered Best Technical Innovation in the “Green” Products: Health and Environmental Safety Category.
This new safety feature, along with modifications to the current lifting system, is designed to
make the rear cords less accessible and thereby reduce the chance of accidental strangulation.

It’s no wonder that in the Shadings and Sheers Category, Luminette® Modern
Draperies Dual Panel was awarded Best New Style Concept. A first in the marketplace,
Luminette® Modern Draperies Dual Panel combines a drapery with a sheer on one operating
headrail. The drapery portion consists of fixed side panels made with woven fabric. The sheer
portion – Luminette® Privacy Sheers – is a knit sheer with fabric vanes that rotate for light and
privacy control. The sheer also traverses open and closed, with either a center opening or side
stack design.

A new fabric for streamlined Nantucket™ window shadings, Sunscreen privacy shadings walked away with Honorable Mention for Best New Style Concept in the Shadings and Sheers Category. Sunscreen privacy shadings are unique to the market because they offer the aesthetics of a screen shade with the light control benefits of window shadings with their rotating fabric vanes. While screen shades offer a singular opacity and openness rating, Sunscreen privacy shadings offer a dual-openness rating of up to 28 percent openness when the vanes are open and 1 percent openness when the vanes are closed. This allows for complete nighttime privacy and daylight control.

Enhancements to Pirouette® window shadings – featuring soft adjustable horizontal fabric vanes attached to a sheer backing – were honored with Best Technical Enhancement in the category. Pirouette shadings will now be available with the PowerRise® 2.0 with Platinum™ Technology system, the most advanced battery-powered wireless motor control system on the market. PowerRise quietly raises and lowers shades while precisely controlling vane tilt. Pirouette shadings will now also be available in specialty shapes. Designed for unique and hard-to-cover arch and angle windows, including trapezoids, ovals, hexagons, octagons and circles, Pirouette specialty shape window shadings was also named Best New Style Enhancement in the Specialty Applications Category. Easy to install, most specialty shapes require no templates for ordering.

In the Motorization Category, PowerRise® 2.0 with Platinum™ Technology, the most
advanced battery-powered wireless motor control system on the market, won Best Technical
Enhancement. Built on the patented Platinum™ Technology platform and operated using the
Platinum remote or wireless wall switch, PowerRise 2.0 quietly raises and lowers shades while
precisely controlling vane tilt for many Hunter Douglas window fashions. Additionally, PowerRise 2.0 systems will easily integrate with most home automation systems, offering the ultimate in control possibilities.

Duette® and Applause® PowerRise® 2.0 with Platinum™ Technology was awarded Best Technical Innovation, Honorable Mention in the Cellular Shades Category. This new PowerRise 2.0 lifting system is now part of the honeycomb family of common headrail premium lifting systems with a fabric-covered valance that comes in more than 120 colors. In addition, the enhanced system can accommodate larger shade sizes – about 10 percent more window area than the previous design – and features better shade aesthetics with the receiver eye now located in the end cap. The fabric stack is also tighter.

The EPIC™ Operating System, which will now set the standard for 2” horizontal blind operation on all Hunter Douglas wood, alternative wood and aluminum offerings, won Best Technical Innovation in the Horizontal Blinds Category. New material selections and component designs on this system offer the most robust construction with improved performance, such as a cord tilter with smooth, silicone-infused gears and a cordlock that provides three times longer cord life as well as easier-to-install brackets.

Best New Style Enhancement in the Roman, Roller and Pleated Shades Category was
awarded to Provenance® Woven Wood Shades Enhancements. Effective May 4, Provenance
woven woods will feature five new opening price point fabrics, including bamboo, reed and
grass designs. Also available among other additions are four new decorative valances – Angled,
Stacked, Double- and Triple-hobbled – that are the perfect complement to any shade.

Reinvigorated /Refreshed Palm Beach™ polysatin shutters walked away with Best Technical Enhancement in the Shutters Category. This excellent, durable product, particularly
suited for areas to moisture, humidity or heavy use, offers increased coordination and cross selling opportunities across the Hunter Douglas Custom Shutter Collection. Louver sizes are now 2 ½-, 3 ½- and 4 ½-inches, consistent with Heritance® shutters and NewStyle® shutters. Refreshed colors coordinate across the collection with four hues. Frames accommodate any application – many coordinating across the line – and are new and improved. Pricing has been simplified. The specialty shapes program includes framed and unframed specialty shapes and no templates are required.

The only prize awarded in the Verticals/Panel Tracks Category, Best New Style
Enhancement went to Skyline® Gilding Window Panels Enhancements. These include the
Boutique collection of fabrics designed to offer a luxury look, at a competitive price with over 40
fabric options organized by style category. Also offered, the Harmony Program™, which
allows the same fabric to be used on multiple product styles, including Skyline window panels,
Designer Roller Shades and Designer Screen Shades. The fabric-wrapped large cassette top
treatment option, now available in the Skyline program, allows even further coordination
possibilities between Skyline and Designer Roller and Screen Shades. Providing solutions for common window covering design challenges, the Harmony Program™ was also named Best Overall Design in the Specialty Applications Category.

HUNTER DOUGLAS WINS ALL AWARDS IN MERCHANDISING CATEGORY
Once again, Hunter Douglas won all awards in the Merchandising Category. The Duette® Architella® Federal Tax Credit Opportunity Integrated Marketing Program was named Best Integrated Marketing Campaign. While the beauty and energy-saving benefits of Duette® Architella® honeycomb shades have fueled its sales success, the addition of a $1,500 Federal Tax Credit opportunity has created a hard-to-resist value proposition for today’s consumers. To generate widespread awareness of the opportunity and entice consumers to take advantage of the potential tax credit, a comprehensive marketing program was launched that includes consumer advertising – centerpiece of which is an eye-catching new TV commercial – direct mail, website support, public relations, point-of-sale materials, and much more. Many Hunter Douglas dealers are reporting significant sales growth for the product and identifying the powerful marketing support as a critical component driving this success.

Best Online Consumer Technology went to the iMagine™ Design Center Upload Your Own photo feature debuting soon on www.hunterdouglas.com. The exciting feature will allow consumers to personalize room settings using their own photos and view all Hunter Douglas products within these rooms. It provides more than 4,500 Hunter Douglas window fashion colors, fabrics and materials.

My Hunter Douglas (My.HunterDouglas.com), the new online door to everything Hunter Douglas has to offer its dealers, fabricators and business partners in a completely personalized online experience, won Best Online Trade Technology. Every Hunter Douglas tool they have access to is there when they log on; they no longer have to remember separate web addresses or passwords. A Hunter Douglas Catalog also offers one-stop shopping for all technical, sales, marketing and training information.

The 2010 Nantucket Sample Book captured Best Point-of-Sale Merchandising. A complete departure from previous positioning of the brand, this new book contains more fabrics, more informative photography and a window display cling that is new to the market. Utilized with large working samples, this cling provides an excellent view of Nantucket window shadings.

Second Place in the category was awarded to the Design Studio™ Roman Shades Merchandising Kit, which is designed to express the simplicity of this new collection. The Sample Book features inspirational photography in the Design Guide, which clearly describes the product and outlines the simple, step-by-step ordering process. Six uniquely designed fabric books signify a clean, fresh approach to fabric sampling. A sophisticated In-Store Sampling Display makes a dramatic retail presence, while the Tote Bag distinctly merchandises the collection in the home.

Designed for storefront and shop-at-home dealers, the Architella® Energy Efficiency Demonstration Kit won Best Point-of-Sale Display. This kit effectively shows consumers how Duette® Architella® shades save energy (and money) in both summer and winter and contains a fabric sample, infrared laser thermometer, lamp (heat source), consumer brochures and “Science Behind the Beauty” DVD.

The 2009 Hunter Douglas Promotional Programs garnered a Second Place for Best
Point-of-Sale Display. These integrated promotions are designed to be easy-to-execute, drive traffic to Hunter Douglas dealers to purchase, motivate consumers who are in-store to purchase and build awareness of the Hunter Douglas brand and sub-brands.

The 2009 programs included the largest Hunter Douglas consumer rebate program ever, Stop the Great Energy Giveaway. This promotion resulted in the highest level of dealer participation and dealer advertising of any Hunter Douglas promotion. Other promotions included the Summer Window Fashions Sale and The Season Of Giving Promotion, designed to capture sales during the important fall selling period.

Best Educational Programs for both consumer and trade were awarded to three
Hunter Douglas initiatives: the Custom Shutter Collection Environmental Brochure, WebEx seminars and E-learning Product Courses. A multi-functional piece, the environmental
brochure gives both consumers and window fashion dealers an inside view on how Hunter Douglas shutter products reduce the impact on the environment through support of energy conservation, waste management and environmental outreach programs. It summarizes four key areas of interest: reduce, reuse, recycle and renew efforts.

Hunter Douglas WebEx seminars are a new way for the company to reach dealers and installers in a timely and interactive manner. Hunter Douglas has installed a webcam that allows participants to see the speakers and also to see the products discussed. They have been able to stream the “under the camera” feature through the WebEx so that they can demonstrate adjustments, repairs and specifics of operations. In addition, they have been able to use the interactive options that WebEx provides such as voting, chat, Q&A, “breakout rooms” and discussion options including dialogue with speakers.

The Hunter Douglas E-learning product courses have taken on a new look. Now, learners follow a customer through the buying process, making choices along the way based on needs. Customer “scenarios” present problems to the learner – privacy, light control, energy efficiency and design preferences – that he/she addresses while gathering information on how the product they are studying can be applied.

Hunter Douglas, Inc, headquartered in Upper Saddle River, N.J., is the leading manufacturer of custom window coverings in North America and a national sponsor of Habitat for Humanity, covering windows in every Habitat home built in the U.S. and Canada.

What’s the difference between a solar screen and a bug screen?

Bug screens, typically made of aluminum or polyester have a very wide-open weave, designed to stop most bugs. Most solar screen fabrics have a similar basket weave style but that’s where the similarities end.

Solar screen fabrics are specially designed to block a varying percentage of both the sun’s light and heat.

These fabrics also have a different finish to increase both the effectiveness of the fabric performance and its life expectancy.

Can you still see through them?

Yes, you can still see through the screen weave. The openness factor of these fabrics typically ranges from 10% to 3% – the higher the number, the more light passes through. The darker the color fabric, the easier it is to see through.

What is the main purpose of a solar screen?

Most consumers purchase solar screens for a combination on two main functions; to reduce solar heat gain and interior fading, and to cut down or eliminate sun glare.

Solar screens can also add privacy.

Solar screens can do all of these functions without the consumer losing their view of the outdoors.

Where do they mount? Inside or outside of the home?

Based on budget and primary function, solar screens can be mounted to both the inside or outside of the home or business.

The largest benefit of outdoor or exterior mounted units is that they stop solar heat gain BEFORE it can enter the home or office.

Indoor mounted units are usually less expensive, still block a considerable amount of the sun’s heat but are also mounted in a controlled environment and not exposed to the outdoor elements.

How do they operate?

Most solar screens are retractable and can operate in a verity of manners.

Typically, interior mounted screens (mounted in the inside of the home) are either pull chain operated or motorized.

Exterior mounted screens can operate, depending on size, with a manual pull tape, a manual hand crank or can also be motorized for easy operation

Are solar screens actually sold throughout the country?

The answer is yes.

Of course solar screens make logical sense in the non-stop sunshine states, but they are also widely sold from the northwest to the northeast of this great country too. Many people continue to use their solar screens even during the winter months to reduce sun and snow glare.

What do solar screen costs?

Due to the custom-made nature of solar screens, most providers need measurements and typically perform a site inspection before prices are quoted.

Custom-made, exterior mounted, and professionally installed solar screens will typically range between $1,500 and $4,000 each.

Interior solar screens typically range from $300 to $2,000.

Both systems depend on unit size and manor of operation. Again, the wide range of available sizes and the large variety of product options effect prices dramatically – so very rarely is one system exactly the same as the next.

Major Blinds offers numerous indoor & outdoor solar shades solutions for your Seattle area home. If you have any questions regarding solar shades or retractable awnings give us a call at (888) 662-5672.

As always, we offer free in home window coverings consultations.

Major Blinds proudly serves all of Western Washington including Seattle, Tacoma, Bellevue, Olympia, Bellingham & beyond!

The decision of this blind recall has been made by the US Consumer Product Safety Commission, in consultation with US window blind industry.

It has been publicized that every roller and Roman shade must be recalled from the market to avoid any possible hazards by the control panel of the window blind. It has been reported that around 49 Million window blind sets have been recalled.

The actual culprit is the window blind cord, that has caused severe injuries & deaths by hanging down & entrapping kids. Research suggested that the cords were hanging down & caused injuries to 16 children, and the 8 who died.

US consumer Product Safety Commission has announced that there are repair kits for consumers to fix the issues. CPSC also stopped retailers from further sales, and also asked them to recall from the market as well. The authorities also noted that after the blind recall announcement, numerous retailers were working on their own recollect the blinds from the market.

Major Blinds offers numerous child safe options to replace your recalled blinds. If you have any questions regarding your existing window blinds; their safety, or how to fix your recalled blinds give us a call at (888) 662-5672.

As always, we offer free in home window coverings consultations.

Major Blinds proudly serves all of Western Washington including Seattle, Tacoma, Bellevue, Olympia, Bellingham & beyond!

Testimonials & Reviews

Recognizing the personal nature of our services, we want to give you, our prospective client, every opportunity to research our service level to ensure you are comfortable & confident before inviting us into your home.

To the right, you will find a sample of testimonials & reviews from customers.

They will give you an idea of our dedication towards making sure that each & every Major Blinds customer is well taken care of; before, during & after the installation.

We encourage you to look at our customer feedback, & get to know us better.

Latest Reviews

- Very professional. They were on time. They did not pressure sell. I would say the salesman used the soft sell.  He was not in a hurry. He listened. The blind we choose came exactly on the day he said it would. It took 11 days, He said it would have been 8 except we ordered on a Friday. I’d use them again.

- Major Blinds service was excellent, & yes, I would refer them to others.

It took a little longer than expected but overall happy with the choice selection of blind what major blind offered which certainly made fit to our budget. Thank you.

- The rep was very informative and knowledgeable.

- Outstanding outfit!!! When they came out for the estimate they brought an interior designer who made suggestions about color scheme, textures, etc. When the installer came out, he not only took down my old mini-blinds but also carted them away at no extra charge. The installation was supposed to take 1.5 hours, but only took 40 minutes. I will most definitely use these folks again for future window coverings. Note: they were a little more expensive than the other two contractors who came out, but worth every bit of it.

Major Blinds is a totally different experience.   Major Blinds brings their mobile showroom to you.   That way you can see how they look and feel in your home…..and their trained window fashion consultants measure perfectly the first time….and before you know it they return to do a PROFESSIONAL  INSTALLATION and give 1^st CLASS SERVICE EVERY STEP OF THE WAY.

They offer a fantastic selection of the most well known brands like Hunter Douglas and Graber… as well as TOP QUALITY lesser known brands for around half the price.

Major Blinds has something for every budget.

They accept major credit cards for those of you seeking miles and offer No Payments for 12 full months OAC.

For a free in home consultation  Call Major Blinds at triple eight – Six-MAJOR-B, triple eight – Six- Major-B, That’s 888-662-5672 or at majorblinds.com.

Major Blinds….Why Pay More?

• All Hunter Douglas products are made for a lifetime of wear-resistant trouble-free performance.

• Many shade fabrics are specially treated to repel dust and dirt.

• Aluminum horizontal blinds are treated with Dust Shield™, an anti-static paint additive that inhibits dust build-up.

• Detailed cleaning instructions are included with every Hunter Douglas window fashion.

• See the Care and Cleaning Chart on the last two pages for additional care and maintenance recommendations for most Hunter Douglas window fashions.

Recommended Cleaning Methods

Dusting

Regular light dusting maintains a like-new appearance of most blinds, shades, shadings, sheers, shutters and window panels.

Vacuuming

For deeper cleaning, vacuum gently with a brush attachment of any vacuum cleaner. Most products may be vacuumed using a vertical stroke; however, Do not use a brush attachment with Luminette® or Park Lane®

Privacy Sheers

Compressed air or hair dryer (non-heat setting). Use to blow dust off selected window coverings.

Spot-cleaning

Spot-clean shades and blinds with soft cloth or sponge moistened with lukewarm water. Add mild detergent if needed.

Blot gently to avoid creasing or damaging the fabric. Rubbing can damage fabrics. Spotcleaning may result in cleaner areas.

Notes:

• Certain honeycomb fabrics should not be spot-cleaned. Please consult the Applause® and Duette® sections in the Care and Cleaning chart for more specific information.

• Use cool, distilled water when spot-cleaning fabric-covered headrails on Alustra® Silhouette®, and Silhouette and Nantucket™ window shadings.

Aluminum blinds

Use an over-the-counter blind cleaner with a soft cloth.

Vinyl and aluminum vertical blinds

Reduce build-up of static electricity by applying a very thin film of detergent on all vanes.

Bathtub cleaning/water immersion

This method is used for EverWood® Collection alternative wood blinds, Modern Precious Metals® aluminum blinds and most, but not all, honeycomb fabrics.

1. Immerse entire shade assembly in lukewarm water with mild detergent. Wash for five minutes by gently moving liquid around with your fingers.

Not recommended for blinds with cotton or decorative tapes.

Important! Do not immerse headrails on TruRise®, EasyRise™, LiteRise®, UltraGlide®, PowerRise® or Vertiglide™ systems, EverWood Collection or Modern Precious Metals blinds. Do not immerse specialty shapes mounting hardware for Alustra Silhouette and Silhouette window shadings, and Alustra Vignette® and Vignette Modern Roman Shades.

2. Rinse with clear water.

3. Close shade before removing from rinse water.

4. Hold rails and tilt the shade to allow excess water to drain off.

5. Re-install damp shade into window opening.

6. Lower shade all the way to allow it to dry completely.

Note: Honeycomb shades should be dried in the fully lowered position. Refer to the charts on the following pages for products not recommended for bathtub cleaning. Certain honeycomb fabrics should not be immersed

in water. Please consult the Duette and Applause sections in the Care and Cleaning chart for more specific information.

Ultrasonic cleaning

Professional ultrasonic cleaning is recommended for several products.

Do not use this method for: Chalet Woods® and Country Woods® wood blinds, Country Woods® Exposé™ wood blinds and wood cornices, Cadence® Motif™ soft vertical blinds, Crosswinds® wood vertical blinds, Skyline™ Gliding Window Panels, UltraGlide, PowerRise with Platinum™ Technology, Skyrise®, Simplicity™, Vertiglide, TruRise and LiteRise systems, EverWood and WoodMates® alternative wood blinds, Modern Precious Metals, Silhouette Bon Soir™, motorized systems, Nantucket Misty Harbor™ or metallized-backed shades.

Injection/extraction cleaning system

This type of cleaning injects a cleaning solution into the fabric and extracts the dirty solution in the same motion. It is a very effective way to deep clean your window treatments.

The service is typically performed in the home so there is no need to remove the window treatments.

Products that can use this method include any soft, fabric-based Hunter Douglas product including Luminette and Park Lane Privacy Sheers, Silhouette window shadings, Vignette Modern Roman Shades and Duette honeycomb shades.*

Dry method is recommended for certain fabrics.

Important! Do not clean fabric covered headrails or fabric-covered valances.

To locate businesses that utilize this method, check the yellow pages or call Hunter Douglas at 1-888-501-8364 for referrals. Hunter Douglas acknowledges these cleaning methods as being safe and effective. We cannot attest to the quality of equipment or services provided by any independent cleaning facility.

Steaming

Steaming can be done to remove wrinkles from some fabrics. A hand-held travel size steamer that provides continuous steam is best. Heavy-duty steamers are not recommended.

Please contact the Hunter Douglas Customer Information Center for product specifics.

* There are some specific fabric exceptions. Please refer to the Care and Cleaning chart.

The following “helpful hints” have been outlined by product category

Faux Wood or Vinyl Products

• To reduce static cling and help repel dust, wipe the product with dryer sheets.

• Do not use abrasive cleaners or chemical solvents, as they will scratch or damage the surface.

• Allow blinds in the EverWood® Collection to air dry to preserve the dust repellent properties of the slats.

• Clean Palm Beach™ polysatin shutters with mild soap and water. Do not use ammonia-based products.

Wood or Hybrid Products

• Clean using a dry and soft feather duster, clean cloth, dust cloth or dusting mitt. A vacuum with the soft brush attachment can also be used.

• Ultrasonic cleaning or use of chemical solvents and scrubbing cleansers are not recommended. They will damage the product.

• Protect all fine wood products from exposure to steam or high moisture areas, rain or outside irrigation systems to ensure their long life.

• When cleaning any window, spray glass cleaner on a cloth rather than spraying directly on the window. This will prevent damage to the wood finish by splattering cleaner.

Cloth Tapes

• Spot-cleaning with fabric cleaning wipes found at your grocery store is recommended for all tapes. These will typically not leave a stain or discolor the tapes. We suggest a cleaning test on the underneath side of the blind where the tape wraps around the bottom rail where any stain would be the least visible.

• 100% polyester tapes can be spot-cleaned with cool distilled water using a clean white cloth. Support the tape from behind using another clean cloth that is dry. Use a gentle blotting action to clean the spot or soiled area. Rinse by blotting with clean distilled water. Let air dry. A gentle detergent can also be used on the 100% polyester trims. Spot-cleaning may result in cleaner areas.

• If the tape is shiny or has a luster, DO NOT USE WATER. It is most likely rayon or acetate. The result will be a water stain. Wipes are the best for all fiber contents.

Fabric Shades, Shadings or Window Panels

• Do not use magnetic cleaners such as a dusting mitt on light-dimming fabrics. This will damage the light-dimming backing.

• When cleaning any window, spray glass cleaner on a cloth rather than spraying directly on the window. This will prevent damage to the fabrics by splattering cleaner.

• While some fabric window covering products may seem perfect for an outdoor setting, all are recommended for indoor use only.

Sheers

When choosing an ultrasonic cleaning technician for Luminette® or Park Lane® sheer fabrics, be sure to ask:

• Have you ultrasonically cleaned Luminette or Park Lane sheers for other customers?

• Do you have the proper equipment and Luminette or Park Lane product knowledge? The ultrasonic cleaning process requires the sheers to be removed from the home and transported back to the cleaning facility. And, sheers should be rolled on a tube during transport to minimize wrinkling and damage.

• Will the temperature of the bath water exceed 90°F? If the water temperature is higher than the recommendation, oxidation may occur in room-darkening vanes.

• Is your tank long enough to accommodate the length of the sheer? (Very important.) The tank used should be at least as long as the height of the sheer to allow for cleaning without folding and wrinkling the vanes.

More Care & Cleaning helpful hints

The following “helpful hints” have been outlined by product category for your use.

Faux Wood or Vinyl Products

• To reduce static cling and help repel dust, wipe the product with dryer sheets.

• Do not use abrasive cleaners or chemical solvents, as they will scratch or damage the surface.

• Allow blinds in the EverWood® Collection to air dry to preserve the dust repellent properties of the slats.

• Clean Palm Beach™ polysatin shutters with mild soap and water. Do not use ammonia-based products.

Wood or Hybrid Products

• Clean using a dry and soft feather duster, clean cloth, dust cloth or dusting mitt. A vacuum with the soft brush attachment can also be used.

• Ultrasonic cleaning or use of chemical solvents and scrubbing cleansers are not recommended. They will damage the product.

• Protect all fine wood products from exposure to steam or high moisture areas, rain or outside irrigation systems to ensure their long life.

• When cleaning any window, spray glass cleaner on a cloth rather than spraying directly on the window. This will prevent damage to the wood finish by splattering cleaner.

Cloth Tapes

• Spot-cleaning with fabric cleaning wipes found at your grocery store is recommended for all tapes. These will typically not leave a stain or discolor the tapes. We suggest a cleaning test on the underneath side of the blind where the tape wraps around the bottom rail where any stain would be the least visible.

• 100% polyester tapes can be spot-cleaned with cool distilled water using a clean white cloth. Support the tape from behind using another clean cloth that is dry. Use a gentle blotting action to clean the spot or soiled area. Rinse by blotting with clean distilled water. Let air dry. A gentle detergent can also be used on the 100% polyester trims. Spot-cleaning may result in cleaner areas.

• If the tape is shiny or has a luster, DO NOT USE WATER. It is most likely rayon or acetate. The result will be a water stain. Wipes are the best for all fiber contents.

Fabric Shades, Shadings or Window Panels

• Do not use magnetic cleaners such as a dusting mitt on light-dimming fabrics. This will damage the light-dimming backing.

• When cleaning any window, spray glass cleaner on a cloth rather than spraying directly on the window. This will prevent damage to the fabrics by splattering cleaner.

• While some fabric window covering products may seem perfect for an outdoor setting, all are recommended for indoor use only.

Sheers

When choosing an ultrasonic cleaning technician for Luminette® or Park Lane® sheer fabrics, be sure to ask:

• Have you ultrasonically cleaned Luminette or Park Lane sheers for other customers?

• Do you have the proper equipment and Luminette or Park Lane product knowledge? The ultrasonic cleaning process requires the sheers to be removed from the home and transported back to the cleaning facility.

And, sheers should be rolled on a tube during transport to minimize wrinkling and damage.

• Will the temperature of the bath water exceed 90°F? If the water temperature is higher than the recommendation, oxidation may occur in room-darkening vanes.

• Is your tank long enough to accommodate the length of the sheer? (Very important.) The tank used should be at least as long as the height of the sheer to allow for cleaning without folding and wrinkling the vanes.

It’s that easy! If you have any questions please call Major Blinds at (888)662-5672.  This article was brought to you by HunterDouglas.com.

Major Blinds proudly serves all of Western Washington including Seattle, Tacoma, Bellevue, Olympia, Bellingham & Beyond!

This means no more annoying glare on your television screen, and no more blinding light pouring in as you try to read. Plus, your solar screen greatly reduces damaging UV rays that can destroy your home’s valuable furnishings & artwork.

A DuraShade solar screen will help to prolong the life of your drapes, carpets, wood floors, furniture and more.

Durasol offers specifically-designed, interior-mounted shading systems that can completely block outdoor light or simply darken a room. Add privacy to a bedroom or bathroom, or darken a media room — we can custom design a system to meet your unique needs.

Major Blinds proudly offers Durasol Solar Shades & Awnings in Seattle, and all of Western WA.

Please give us a call at (888) 662-5672 for your free in-home consultation. One of our highly trained window fashion consultants will come to your Seattle area home, at your convenience, with all the options offered by Durasol to help you find the right look, color and filtration for your home.

Major Blinds proudly serves all of Western Washington including Seattle, Tacoma, Bellevue, Olympia, Bellingham & beyond!

2~ We are a locally owned & operated company, right here in the Pacific Northwest. We serve all of Western Washington, and when we say ALL we mean ALL!

3~ In-home consultations are always FREE, and you will NEVER be pressured to buy.

4~ All of our consultants are highly trained, and background checked.

5~ Next-day appointments are generally available, with few exceptions.

6~ At Major Blinds we measure twice & order once…insuring a proper fit & installation.

7~ Our customer service is second to none!  If you ever experience a problem, tell us.  It will be taken care of immediately & usually by the owner himself.

8~ Major Blinds doesn’t have a fancy showroom, or a big box warehouse, therefore lowering our overhead costs… We pass these savings directly on to you!

9~ 12 months same as cash financing, always an option OAC.

10~ Peace of Mind!  When you purchase window treatments of any kind from Major Blinds you can sit back, relax & know that you will be well taken care of.

Major Blinds offers many window coverings options to help you improve the look & feel of your home. Give us a call at (888) 662-5672, and we will send out a trained window fashion consultant to help you with your home’s window treatments improvement needs.

Major Blinds proudly serves all of Western Washington including Seattle, Tacoma, Bellevue, Olympia, Bellingham & beyond!

There are quite a few benefits to installing a home retractable awning.

1) UV Protection

According to The Skin Cancer Foundation, more than 1 million people will be diagnosed with skin cancer this year alone. As most of us know the suns rays are damaging and are strongest between the hours of 10am and 4pm, the time of day when most of us want to enjoy our outdoor spaces. Major Blinds offers retractable awning by Durasol which can provide much needed shade for your health and outdoor enjoyment. Durasol Awnings use Sunbrella fabric which has been proven to block out 98% of the suns harmful UV rays.

2) Creates an Outdoor “Living Room”

Awnings not only offer shade they also offer more livable space. By adding an awning to your exterior space you create an additional “room” for your home. It’s the least expensive and most immediate addition you can make to your home.

3) Add to the aesthetics, elegance and beauty of your home

Adding a custom made awning adds value and individuality to your home. With the turn of a crank or the push of a button you add charm and increase your resale value.

4) Energy Conservation

In our new “green” world, energy conservation is key. Awnings can reduce the temperature of your home and reduce your air conditioning usage. Adding an awning to the west side of your home can decrease the indoor temperature by as much as 15 degrees and help save energy costs.

5) Take it Easy Outdoors, Rain or Shine

How many times have you been chased indoors by blazing sun or a sudden shower? With an awning, that seldom happens, because you have protection from the elements.

6) Protection From Fading

Retractable patio awnings from Major Blinds protect your indoor furniture, carpeting, wallpaper and art from fading. They also protect your outdoor furniture fabric from fading as well.

Major Blinds proudly serves all of Western Washington including Seattle, Tacoma, Bellevue, Olympia, Bellingham and beyond!