You frequently clean your windows, but what of the blinds or shades covering them? They need proper care and maintenance too. Whether you've chosen plastic, fabric, or wooden blinds, vertical or horizontal slats, or roman shades, window blinds and shades are great at blocking out light, keeping a room cool, and providing privacy.
However, they are also great at collecting dirt, pet hair, and other grime. If left uncleaned for long periods, dust, dirt, grime, and allergen build-up may accumulate, creating an unsightly appearance and could even trigger allergies. This post will guide you on proper cleaning and maintaining blinds and shades.
Remember: regardless of your shades or blinds type, it's important to check the manufacturer's instructions before you begin cleaning. Always clean from top to bottom to avoid spreading dust to the areas you have already cleaned. Also, suppose you're using a new cleaning solution; spot-test it in an inconspicuous area before using it across the entire blind.
Wooden blinds have become popular with many homeowners over the years, and for a good reason. Besides being elegant, they are durable, lightweight, and can effectively shield windows from glaring light and prying eyes.
Wooden blinds can be cleaned the same way regardless of the wood used to make them: dusting with a chemically treated dust cloth or just a soft, clean cloth. Remember to avoid getting your wooden blinds wet as much as possible since water may cause discoloration or warping. Similarly, you shouldn't use harsh chemicals such as ammonia and bleach because they can damage the stain or seal of the wood.
The equipment you'll need to clean wooden blinds includes microfiber cloth, wood polish, a vacuum cleaner (with a brush attachment), paper towels, and fresh water.
Here are the steps for quickly cleaning wooden window blinds:
Pro Tip: To minimize dust accumulation on your wooden blinds, apply wood polish after the cleaning. You simply need to dampen a soft, clean cloth with a small amount of wood polish and then rub it over the slats.
Suppose your wooden blinds are still dirty even after you've wiped them; you'll need to get them wet. To avoid damaging them with water, use a damp cloth.
To deep clean your wooden blinds, you'll need to follow the steps above to get them as dust free as possible. Afterward, you'll need to dampen a clean microfiber cloth and use it to wipe off any stains and dust gently. Finally, wipe off any excess moisture with paper towels to ensure everything is blotted up.
These blinds are classic window shading solutions, offering temperature control, privacy, and easy maintenance. Plastic window blinds are often made of PVC or vinyl. They are affordable and the go-to choice for most people. These blinds should be cleaned frequently, or they'll end up accumulating dust and losing their elegant appearance. You will need a microfiber cloth, warm water, and dish soap.
Here are the steps to follow to quickly clean plastic blinds:
But what if your blinds are greasy? Suppose it has been a long time since you last cleaned your plastic blinds; they might need a more thorough cleaning. This is especially the case for blinds in bathrooms or kitchens, where high humidity or grease can accumulate, leaving the blinds discolored. So how do you clean dirty or greasy plastic blinds? Follow these steps:
Pro Tip: Strive to clean your blinds at least once or twice a month. When cleaning the blinds, put a towel under them to prevent them from scratching furniture or getting scratched.
Most mini blinds are metallic and are usually made from aluminum. They are hard-wearing, strong, and more durable compared to wooden and plastic blinds when exposed to various elements. If maintained well, they can last long. While most metal blinds are treated using an anti-static to repel dust, they still need to be cleaned properly to maintain their pristine condition.
The equipment needed to clean mini metal blinds includes microfiber cloth, paper towels, dish soap, cold water, and a car washing brush.
Suppose your mini or metal brands are in humid or greasy places such as a garage; they will need a more thorough cleaning. Here's how to go about the cleaning:
Pro tip: When cleaning metallic blinds, use a garden hose to clean off residual soap. You should, however, ensure that it's in a low-pressure setting.
Shades are another excellent window shading solution. Since they lack slats, they are less likely to accumulate dust and much easier to care for. But that doesn't mean that they should never be cleaned. Preferably, you should clean window shades at least twice a month to keep them pristine. Here's how to clean different types of window shades.
Cellular shades are often thicker than most window blinds, making them excellent insulators and light controllers. The open cell shape of these shades traps air, thereby preventing heat from getting lost through the window.
The equipment used to clean cellular shades includes a microfiber cloth, a hairdryer, and a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment.
Here are the steps for cleaning these shades:
Pro Tip: You can use a rubber sponge to remove dirt and dust from fabrics.
Roman shades are among the most classic and popular window shading solutions. They usually fold into pleats and folds at the top of the window when it's raised. The equipment used to clean roman shades includes a lint roller, a vacuum cleaner with brush attachment, fresh water, and microfiber cloth.
Here are steps for cleaning these shades:
Whether your blinds move left to right or up and down determines how you clean them. Most people opt for horizontal Venetian or Persian blinds because they are easy to install and maintain. Even so, these blinds usually have a lot of slats, which accumulate dirt and dust. Cleaning horizontal blinds entail putting an old sock over your hand and rubbing it across the slats while the blind is open.
Unlike horizontal blinds, vertical blinds tend to attract less dust, given their less flat surface. As such, they need less cleaning than horizontal blinds. Cleaning vertical blinds entail using the brush attachment of a vacuum or a duster to rub the slats in a downward motion.
When cleaning your blinds and shades, don't forget about the strings, especially since they can attract just as much dust. You can clean the strings by dipping a microfiber cloth in warm water containing fabric cleaner, then using the cloth to grab the strings, and then moving the cloth from top to bottom along the strings.
Want to learn more about custom window treatment? Contact SpokaneBlinds today. You could also inquire about our blinds and shades offerings.
