How to Properly Clean Your Blinds: A Complete Guide
Almost everyone has blinds in their home or office. Nevertheless, not many people realize how important it is to regularly clean them. Why? Blinds get filled with dust and other small particles easily. If you do not clean them, the dust will continue to gather there, and cause problems like allergies and asthma! If you have kids and sensitive people in your household, you should take care of your blinds even more thoroughly! But don’t get overwhelmed! Cleaning and washing your blinds is not as hard as you might imagine. And, we are here to help! In this guide, we will share valuable cleaning tips and tricks that will help you keep your home spotless! So, without further ado, let’s take a look at how to properly clean your blinds at home:
Let’s see how you can clean all types of blinds like a professional
How Do You Look After Blinds?
It is probably annoying to hear, but it really depends on the type of blinds. Fact. There are different types of blinds and shutters on the market, made of different materials, and there is no one-size-fits-all way to clean them. However, there is one simple tip that will help us keep your home clean. The most important thing is to clean your blinds and shutters regularly. Over time, blinds inevitably get dirty, but if you clean the dust regularly, it will be far easier.
The most important thing is to clean your blinds and shutters regularly
How to Clean Blinds: General Tips
- Clean the dust from the blinds and shutters regularly so that it does not build up over time.
- Always clean the dust before wet cleaning to avoid stains.
- You cannot clean textile polyester blinds in a washing machine, and you cannot use an iron on them!
- You need to clean your blinds and shutters more often in the summer.
- It is good to choose a sunny day to clean your blinds and shutters.
These are the general tips on how to clean your blinds properly
How to Properly Clean All Types of Blinds
#Horizontal Aluminum Blinds
Caring for horizontal aluminum blinds is quite simple. It is enough to periodically wipe the dust off the slats using a soft cloth. Do this regularly so that they are not too dirty and the dust layer does not become “cemented”. So, once a month, wipe the blinds with a damp cloth or special sponge. Close the blinds so that the slats are facing downwards and gently wipe, moving the cloth in one direction so as not to bend them. Then turn the slats in the opposite direction and repeat the procedure. Heavily soiled blinds or those that have been in the kitchen, dusty or smoky rooms should be washed more thoroughly. To do that, pour warm water into a tub and add a cleaner. Then soak the blinds for 25-35 minutes in the solution. After that, gently sponge them, rinse them with running water and wipe them with a dry cloth. Horizontal blinds made of natural materials such as bamboo or palm wood blinds cannot be washed. If you want to keep them clean, you have to take proper care of them.
Caring for horizontal aluminum blinds is quite simple
Once a month, wipe the blinds with a damp cloth or a special sponge
#Wooden Horizontal Blinds
Regular dusting is not only important here too, it is an absolute must! It is better not to wash the blinds with cleaning agents, as this can damage them or change their color. Use a wood cleaner instead. Washing wooden blinds with running water as well as soaking them in water are absolutely forbidden.
It is better not to wash wooden blinds with cleaning agents, as this can damage them
#Vertical Blinds
Vertical blinds are common in homes because they look beautiful in any room. They do not reflect light and are practical, but over time their fabric absorbs dust, bacteria, grease, etc. So, you need to clean them regularly. For that, use a vacuum cleaner (with a special nozzle), a soft brush, or a textile cleaning roller. This way, the dirt will not stick to the fabric as much. If a more thorough cleaning is necessary, it is best to use warm water, a soft brush, and a non-aggressive detergent. The procedure for washing the fabric is as follows: carefully remove the singe and weights from the bottom end of the fabric strips and remove the fabric strips from the rail. Pour warm water (30-40 °C) and add detergent (gel or washing powder) to the bath of water. Leave the fabric strips in the water for about half an hour, rinse them, drain the water and return them to their place. Vertical blinds are not appropriate for machine washing, and you should not iron them!
Vertical blinds are practical, but over time they accumulate dust and bacteria
#Roller Blinds
Roller blinds are elegant window coverings that fit into almost any decor. Cleaning methods largely depend on how dirty the blinds are. Systematic removal of dust prevents it from penetrating the fabric and is enough to keep our blinds looking spotless for a long time. All you have to do is regularly wipe the mechanism or cassette of the blind with a dry or slightly damp cloth, and clean the fabric itself with a vacuum cleaner set to the lowest suction power. If the blinds are dirtier, you will have to resort to a sponge or cloth and a solution of lukewarm water, and a non-aggressive detergent. Wipe the blinds with a movement in one direction. Then remove the remaining cleaning solution using a clean sponge or cloth and leave the blinds open, so they can dry. Roller blinds are not machine washable, and you should not put them in a dryer or iron them!
Regularly wipe the mechanism or cassette of the blind with a dry or slightly damp cloth
#Blinds Day and Night
Day and night blinds are an absolute hit. Comfortable, elegant, and functional – they are perfect for homes as well as restaurants and hotels. The most important thing to remember is that day and night blinds are cleaned without removing them from the window. It is enough to unfold the blinds to the maximum possible length and clean their surface. First, remove the dust with a vacuum cleaner on low suction. For a gentle refresh, use a cloth or a soft sponge and a solution of lukewarm water and detergent. If there is a stain, try to remove it with a solution of 1 tablespoon of baking soda and 2 tablespoons of water, rubbing in gently. Day and night blinds are usually made of polyester and should not be machine washed or ironed.
Day and night blinds are cleaned without removing them from the window
It is enough to unfold the blinds to the maximum possible length and clean their surface
#Pleated Blinds
Pleated blinds are made of high-quality fabrics and are extremely well-treated against the retention of dust and dirt during their normal use. Despite their delicate appearance, they are durable and easy to maintain and clean. It is enough to regularly clean the dust with a soft brush or a vacuum cleaner on low power with a suitable nozzle. The pleats are made of a thermally pleated fabric that retains its shape after wet cleaning. For spot cleaning or refreshing, you should start by dusting and continue with a soft sponge or cloth soaked in a solution of non-aggressive detergent and lukewarm water. Clean the blinds by moving the cloth in one direction. Then repeat with a cloth dipped in clean water. Pull the blinds tight and let them dry in this position to limit creases. If you want to wash your pleated blinds, soak them for 15 minutes in a bucket of lukewarm water with detergent for white or colored textiles. After that, rinse the blinds in the shower, fold them tightly, and leave them in this position to dry for about 12 hours. Then install the clean blinds on your windows.
Despite their delicate appearance, pleated blinds are durable and easy to maintain, and clean
Now you know how to properly clean all your blinds
Sources
- Architectural Digest’s Clever ©
- Southern Living ©
- Reader’s Digest ©
- The Spruce ©
- Real Simple ©
- Demag ©
