Residential blinds are easy and inexpensive to maintain.
Cleaning blinds is an easy and no-fuss chore that should be done regularly. Regular cleaning is one way to maintain blinds and ensure their longevity and durability.
There are a few factors to consider when it comes to cleaning blinds, such as their material and how they are installed. But in general, cleaning them is a straightforward task.
It is also good to prepare the essential items should one decide to start cleaning. These items are not difficult to prepare because they can be found in any household:
- Vacuum, preferably with a soft brush attachment
- A wiping cloth – it’s best to use a microfibre cloth for better dust pickup,
- Warm water
- Dishwashing liquid soap
- Baking soda
How to Clean Roller Blinds
This type of blinds is probably one of the most popular and most common type used in houses. Roller blinds are generally easy to clean. Just make sure to check the type of material they’re made from.
Vinyl-coated blinds are usually smooth and waterproof, which makes cleaning a breeze. Simply use a mixture of soap and water and wipe the surface. This works best for mild dirt build and mild stains.
Ensure that the blinds are unrolled and hang straight down for an easier cleaning session. Using a vacuum cleaner with the brush attachment also works well for roller blinds. Go over the blinds with the vacuum, and make sure to clean the back of the blinds as well.
Follow the step-by-step instructions below for a deeper clean:
- Prepare the tub and make a mixture of mild detergent and water.
- Loosen up the dirt and grime by soaking the blinds in the mixture. Let the blinds sit in the cleaning mixture for an hour or more.
- Get a non-abrasive sponge and scrub the blinds. Use a cloth or a toothbrush with soft bristles for a more targeted cleaning, especially for spots with stubborn stains and marks.
- Rinse the blinds with running water or fill the tub again with clean water.
- Spread the blinds on a rack and fully dry them.
Never put back the roller blinds when they are still damp from washing – using the blinds and rolling them up while damp may result in mould and mildew growth.
How to Clean Venetian Blinds
One of the most notable features of Venetian blinds is that they can be made in different materials. But this is also one of the most important things to remember when cleaning them.
The technique for cleaning Venetian blinds varies depending on the material. For example, for aluminium, PVC, and synthetic blinds, the good old warm water plus wet cloth combo will remove dirt and grim build-up. This is because these kinds of materials are waterproof.
On the other hand, blinds that use real wood should be cleaned with as little water as possible. This way, warping and bending on the wooden slats can be prevented. Another option is to use a special Venetian blind cleaner for wooden slats.
A general rule for maintaining Venetian blinds is to do regular light dusting using a feather duster, a dry cloth, or even an old sock. Start from the topmost slats all the way to the bottom, and make sure to clean each slat individually.
It is also important to clean not just the top portion of the slat but the bottom one as well. An easy technique to do this is to fold the cleaning cloth in half and hold the slats on both sides – top and bottom.
Another way of ensuring that both sides of the slats are cleaned is by closing the Venetian blinds completely. Clean the side facing the room first and once done, flip the slat by 180 degrees to clean the opposite side.
Don’t forget to clean hard-to-reach spaces like the headrail or the corded system. Using a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment and at low speed is the best way to do this. Be careful not to scratch the blinds’ slats, and use caution when cleaning around any cords.
How to Clean Vertical Blinds
Before cleaning the vertical blinds, identify their material first. There are different ways of cleaning vertical blinds made of vinyl and vertical blinds made of fabric.
Cleaning vertical blinds made of vinyl will be like how one cleans Venetian blinds. Just close the slats and run a vacuum cleaner to take out dust. If there is grime or stains, take a non-abrasive sponge that has been dipped in soapy water and wipe the area.
If a deep clean is preferred, follow the steps below:
- Take out the vanes from the clip. An easy way to do this is to take a credit card and slide it into the clip to remove the vane gently.
- Lay the vanes out on a clean surface and wipe them down with a microfiber cloth.
- Do not use abrasive cleaners to prevent scratching the vinyl vertical blinds.
- Spot cleaning should be done with just soap and water.
- Rinse all vanes with a damp cloth and wipe dry.
No need to take down vertical blinds made from fabric. Just take a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment, place a hand behind the vanes, and run the vacuum from top to bottom.
To remove stains, just spray a bit of cleaning solution (make sure it’s made for fabric blinds) to the blinds and gently dab on the stain repeatedly. Do not rub the stain on the fabric blinds as it may lead to spreading the stain further.
Looking at installing blinds for the house? Consider Belle Blinds and Shutters
Cleaning and maintaining blinds are easy tasks to do. If you’ve decided on installing blinds for your house, look no further than Belle Blinds and Shutters.
We have a wide range of products from venetian to roller blinds. Our goal is to provide quality blinds and shutters at the most affordable price.
Call us now at 1300 800 118 to book a free measure and get a quote.