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