Effective Tips on How to Clean Blinds
We have provided a list of things that will answer all your queries on how to clean blinds.
Keeping your blinds clean and maintaining them not only ensures a clean room but also increases the aesthetic value and keeps the home dust-free and healthy.
Preparing to Clean Your Window Blinds
Before jumping right into how to clean blinds, you need to have the correct information about the type of blinds and the things that will help you in your cleaning journey.
Determine the Type of Window Blinds
An essential factor to take into consideration while cleaning is identifying the type of window blinds. Different blinds require different cleaning methods.
If they are not cleaned according to the method that is suitable for them, they can easily get damaged.
Go through the following guides to select the perfect blinds for different rooms.
Follow the Manufacturer’s Instructions
In most cases, there are detailed cleaning instructions provided by the manufacturer. Make sure that you go through the instructions thoroughly before starting your work on the blinds.
For example, wooden blinds have specific requirements to avoid damage from harsh chemicals or prevent scratching.
Collect the Required Cleaning Tools
To clean blinds, gather tools like a microfiber cloth, warm water, a vacuum cleaner, and a cleaning solution suitable for the material of the blind.
If the stains are stubborn, you need to work with additional products like bleach or other specialised cleaning solutions.
Deep Cleaning Blinds
Once you have followed the above steps, it is time to deep dive into cleaning your blinds.
Remove Blinds for Deep Cleaning
For certain blinds like vinyl or plastic blinds, you can easily remove them to ease the cleaning process. Place them on a flat surface like a large table or a bathtub, so that you can easily access each slat. This ensures that each part is thoroughly cleaned and the water along with the cleaning solution does not drip on other surfaces making it a messy affair.
Prepare a Cleaning Solution
For cleaning blinds at home, you can make a simple cleaning solution that does not have harmful chemicals. In a container, mix equal parts white vinegar and warm water. You can also use baking soda instead of vinegar. It effectively removes the grime without damaging the surface of the blinds.
For blinds that can withstand moisture, you can make a simple mixture of liquid soap and water. This creates a soapy water that cleans the blind easily. You can also use a mild liquid cleaner and a fabric softener.
Clean Each Slat
Make sure that you go over each slat by dipping a microfiber cloth in the cleaning solution. While using the microfiber cloths, make sure that you wring them out to prevent over-soaking.
For horizontal blinds, move from left to right or right to left. And for vertical blinds start at the top and work your way down. Ensure to rinse the cloth frequently in clean water to avoid spreading dirt.
Work on Stubborn Grime
Heavy blinds require a deeper cleaning as they have a lot of dirt and grime on them. Let the cleaning solution sit on the blinds for about an hour. Follow this step by gently scrubbing with a brush or a microfiber cloth.
We recommend you use a brush with soft bristles or even an old toothbrush will do the trick for small areas. Make sure you use gentle hands while scrubbing the surface to prevent scratches.
Rinse and Dry
Once the dust, dirt, and grime have been removed, rinse the blinds thoroughly with clean and warm water to remove any residue that might be left on them.
After rinsing them, dry each slat with a clean and dry microfiber cloth. If the blinds are small in size you can also let them air dry before attaching them to the window.
Cleaning Specific Types of Blinds
You can’t clean different types of blinds the same way. There are several things you need to consider for each blind.
Vinyl and Plastic Blinds
These blinds are the easiest to clean out of all types as they do not get damaged by water and can withstand most chemicals.
You can easily clean them with water if they are not very dirty. If they have some dirt and stains, you can use soapy water to remove them effectively.
Wooden Blinds
For regular cleaning, you can dust wooden blinds with a regular feather duster as they are very soft or with a vacuum at a low suction setting. There are wood-specific cleaners available in the market that do not damage them.
You can apply these cleaners on a microfiber cloth and wipe each slat gently. This preserves the finish of the wood and prevents warping caused by moisture.
Faux Wood Blinds
Even though faux wood blinds are resistant to water, we recommend you do not over-soak them. You can clean them with a damp microfibre cloth and a cleaning solution.
After this, you can run a dry microfiber cloth over each slat to avoid over-soaking the blinds.
Fabric Blinds
Fabric blinds need a gentler approach in comparison to other blinds. You can use a vacuum cleaner with a soft brush to remove the accumulated dust and debris.
If there are stains on the fabric, you can use a few drops of cleaner on a microfiber cloth and apply it to the areas. While using the cleaning solution, avoid rubbing as it can damage the fabric.
Maintaining Clean Blinds
It is not possible for you to deep clean blinds every now and then. Hence, we recommend maintaining the blinds once they have been cleaned properly.
- Cleaning Blinds with a VacuumUse a vacuum that comes with a soft brush attachment so that the surface of the blinds does not get scratched or damaged. Regularly incorporating vacuuming into your cleaning routine ensures the blinds are dust-free, extending their lifespan.
- Regular MaintenanceGive your blinds a quick wipe with a microfibre cloth every few days. This keeps dust at bay and also reduces the need for frequent deep cleans.
- Keep Surroundings CleanA dust-free home prevents dirt from accumulating on blinds. Make sure you vacuum your floor and clean surfaces daily. This is very essential if you have pets in your home.
- Avoid Sticky SpraysAir fresheners help to keep the room fresh. However, avoid using sprays that are sticky as dust easily sticks to sticky substances.
- Skip Harsh ChemicalsAvoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners that can scratch or discolour blinds.
Conclusion
By following these detailed tips, you can ensure your blinds, whether they are wooden, fabric, vinyl, or faux wood, remain clean, functional, and visually appealing. Incorporating regular maintenance into your routine will keep your window blinds dust-free and your home looking its best.
Shop for stylish blinds with Roman Blinds Direct and enjoy the convenience of delivery straight to your New Zealand home.