How To Clean Blinds

It sounds easy, but unless you know certain tricks, it could take you quite a bit longer than you’d like to clean your blinds. And if you’re anything like most people, it’s easy to forget about cleaning the blinds when you do the rest of your household chores. That is, until one day you look out the window and realize how dirty they’ve gotten, and hope that no one else has noticed them yet. So if you’re wondering how to clean blinds in the most effective way, we’re about to discuss this very topic. Let’s start with general regular cleaning of aluminum, plastic and both faux wood and real wood blinds.

First off, do not try to use soap and water, as doing it like that leaves streaks and residue behind, is messy and can cost you a lot of time as well as unnecessary frustration. Plus, you can’t use water on real wood blinds. Instead, as long as your blinds aren’t too heavily soiled, just use a microfiber cloth or lambs wool duster. Leave the blinds in place and simply open them up to clean them. If you use a duster, also get your vacuum out to pick up the dust and dirt that falls. Clean them from top to bottom, left to right. Be sure if you’re doing more than one set to shake the duster outside between each one. If you use a microfiber cloth it should catch most of the dust, but close the blinds first, then wipe them from top to bottom. Take the cloth outside and shake it vigorously when it gets too dirty, or switch to a clean cloth. This is an easy way to clean your blinds, as long as you do it regularly. Never use water on wood blinds, and we will also talk about how to do a deeper cleaning for these types of blinds in another section, further on in the article.

How To Clean Fabric Or Cellular Blinds

Nowadays, cellular or fabric blinds are more popular than ever. But when it comes to cleaning them, many people are at a loss. You don’t simply wipe or dust the dirt away with fabric materials. However, you still need to maintain them which includes dusting – of a sort. Instead of using a duster, use a vacuum with a brush attachment. Once a month or so, shut each blind or shade completely. Then, use your vacuum cleaner fitted with a brush attachment and put it on the low suction setting. Then, carefully go over the entire surface in an S-pattern, paying extra attention to the folds or pleat lines. Don’t forget to do both sides, front and back. If you need to do spot-cleaning, use a little bit of dish soap in lukewarm water. You’ll want to take care not to use anything stronger to avoid weakening either the colors or the fibers. Use a sponge dampened in this solution to blot any spots completely, and then another clean sponge damp with water only after that. Blot dry with a clean towel, then allow to air dry. Do not use heat. If your fabric or cellular blinds are stained worse than this, take them to a dry cleaner and let the professionals handle it.

Cleaning More Heavily Soiled Aluminum Blinds

Your aluminum or plastic blinds may have become more heavily soiled and need a deeper cleaning than merely dusting them. Also, blinds used in the kitchen or in areas with more traffic can quickly become greasy or grimy. If this is the case, here is a guide to cleaning them. You want to avoid immersing them in water, as this can lead to rusting the mechanism and can void any warranty you may have. Plus, it’s a major hassle. Start by closing the blinds and using a duster or microfiber cloth to dust them as previously explained. Then, mix a solution of 50/50 warm water and white vinegar, then add a small amount of dish soap. Take a sponge and dip it in the solution, then wipe down each slat from left to right and top to bottom. Afterwards, take a clean sponge and clean warm water and go over them again to rinse thoroughly. Air dry or wipe down with a clean cloth. Use the same method for mini-blinds except use an old sock and put it over your hand to clean the slats, and rinse the sock periodically.

How To Further Clean Faux Wood Blinds

Faux wood (composite) blinds are great for areas with higher humidity like the kitchen and bathrooms, because they are made with a durable, moisture-resistant composite that costs less than real wood blinds. In addition, they are very attractive and the easiest to clean. Dust them as explained in the first section, and then you can spot-clean them using a mild dish soap or detergent and warm water on a slightly damp cloth. Blot and then air dry. When fully dried, take a dryer sheet and run it along each slat. This will help keep dust and grime from sticking for months at a time.

How To Clean Real Wood Blinds

Real wood blinds offer a beautiful and rich design for your home that is classic and elegant. They come in many different shades and design types and are a popular choice for Colorado homes. However, you must take care when cleaning them not to get them wet or allow any moisture buildup to develop. You can dust them with a microfiber cloth, lambs wool duster or vacuum brush attachment. Start at the top and work your way down, cleaning each slat, and then reverse them and do the other side. Afterwards, you can use a wood conditioner or protectant to prevent damage from the sun. You can even use a little wood polish if you like, just spray onto a microfiber cloth first and then apply. Allow blinds to thoroughly air dry before attempting to dust or wipe in any further way.

Keeping your blinds of all types regularly dusted makes cleaning them routinely much easier. Hope this helps, and happy cleaning!

If you feel it’s time to replace those old blinds, schedule your complimentary in-home consultation, contact New View Blinds and Shutters today.