Hello World! Welcome Friends! Blinds are a very common and stylish window covering option, adding some creative flair to a room while still shielding the occupants from the hot sun and providing a level of privacy to the occupants. If window coverings such as blinds are removed, people may find their homes become more at risk of the outside conditions, such as extreme heat, cold or wind. If you have blinds installed in your home, proper cleaning and maintenance tips can help you prolong their life, and ensure that your window treatments look classy for many years to come.
You should be cleaning your blinds at least once every few weeks. Cleaning blinds is simple; all you need to know is the proper technique. There are two main types of blind cleaning you should know about:
Basic Cleaning
For most household goods, basic cleaning such as dusting are sufficient for mostly weekly cleaning routines. Simply using a clean, soft cloth or rag and wiping down your blinds can make them look fresh. The correct way to wipe vinyl, plastic, and other materials, is to run a microfiber cloth over each blind to eliminate static cling and reduce the amount of dust in the air.
Deep Cleaning
Blinds which have a little more stubborn grime on them may need some elbow grease. Follow the instructions that came with the blinds to understand best practices in maintaining them. Blinds must be treated very carefully, as they can be expensive to replace if you damage them while using incorrect methods to deep clean them. Most blinds, if receiving a basic clean frequently, can avoid needing a more thorough deep clean, regular maintenance is recommended.
If you need more precise instructions for your blinds, here’s a collection of tips on how to clean the different types of blinds in your home:
1. Vinyl or Aluminum Blinds
As one of the more durable types of blinds, there are many options available to you when cleaning vinyl or aluminum blinds, it’s all a matter of personal preference. You can remove and soak each blind one at a time if you like, or a softer brush, sponge, or mop can be used to wash both sides of the blind while it’s hanging up. However you clean your blinds, use a towel to soak up any excess water before letting them hang to dry. When your blinds are dry, use a dusting spray to help prevent dust and dirt from accumulating. Resources such as this perfect fit blinds cleaning guide can help you choose and care for the perfect blinds for your home.
2. Wood Blinds
Most wood blinds are coated to help prevent dust and grime. A soft cloth will do for most wooden blinds; wipe each of the blind slats with a clean cloth as if they were a chalkboard, making sure that you don’t hit the strings and cause accidental damage. For a more thorough washing, use plain water and use a paper towel or another absorbent material to gently wipe the blinds. Remove excess water or any discoloration right away so that the blinds do not darken or distort. Wiping down your blinds once a week is a good idea to make sure dirt and grime don’t accumulate.
Additionally, you can clean and treat your wooden blinds at least twice a year with high quality furniture polish, if they’re looking a bit dull. Any stains can make old and warped wooden blinds unsightly, so you should avoid having these in messy areas such as kitchens. If you have wooden blinds in your kitchen, you can try using different window treatments to avoid this problem.
3. Faux-Wood Blinds
Blinds made of faux wood are a very common window treatment, however they are susceptible to gathering dust. When faux-wood blinds inevitably get dusty, they’re rather easy to clean with a vacuum, just ensure you use the duster attachment. Clean the blinds by closing them completely, holding them securely by the bottom section, then run a powerful vacuum up and down one side, then the other. Ensure that the vacuum has the lightest suction to prevent damaging the slats. In addition to handheld vacuums, handheld dusters can also be helpful in getting rid of dust quickly.
If your faux-wood blinds are located in your kitchen, they have probably picked up grease and dirt as well, this requires a more thorough washing, but it can be done with vinegar. Fill a bowl or jug with vinegar and place in a clean, microfiber cloth or rag in it. Use this to run over the slats and remove any stubborn grime on both sides. The vinegar will remove any accumulated grime and dirt, and you’ll have spotless blinds when you’re finished.
4. Vertical Blinds
Vertical blinds can be cleaned in the same ways as wooden or vinyl blinds, depending on their material. Vertical blinds are difficult to remove, but they can be cleaned without removing them if you take a little care. The first thing to do is place a towel under each of your vertical blinds to catch the runoff, then fill one clean bucket with soapy water. Use two sponges to clean both sides of the blinds. Give your sponges a good wash as they get dirty, to make sure your blinds get the best clean. To avoid water spots, brush away any excess water as you go.
5. Fabric Drapes
You can use a regular vacuum on fabric window shades by using a dust attachment, just ensure you’re using a low setting to avoid damaging the fabric. A hairdryer or thermal tool can also help prevent and get rid of dust that has settled on shades. A hairdryer can effectively blast any dirt which may have accumulated in the blinds, and can also be used to help remove any bugs which may have gotten trapped in the fabric folds, as sometimes happens.
To remove stains or grime from fabric blinds, use a damp (not wet) soft microfiber cloth or rag, which has been dipped into warm water with a little soapy detergent. Spot clean the area, taking care not to get the fabric too wet in order to avoid water stains. Once done, allow the shades to dry entirely. Blinds with an intense build-up of dirt may require professional cleaning.
Final Thoughts
Blinds are excellent ways to decorate your home and protect your furniture from the harsh sunlight, while adding some style to your décor.
To ensure that your blinds last a long time, don’t forget to clean them regularly and remove all the dirt build-up. Your blinds can stay in excellent condition with proper care.
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