Cleaning Your Window Blinds
How to Properly Clean your Window Treatments
Regularly cleaning your window blinds the proper way can keep them looking fresh and new and extend their life.
New window blinds look so incredible. If chosen correctly, they let in just the right amount of light, they block unwanted peeping toms, and the entire room gets a boost from their decorative elements. Old window blinds or improperly cleaned ones look horrible. The light filtering through picks up each little dust mote and puts it on display, they are drab and no longer enhance the room, and they often hang poorly and function improperly. So, the solution…learning the proper way to clean your blinds and perform routine cleanings.
Wood Blinds. If you have actual wood blinds, not to be confused with faux wood, then a little extra care must be taken so you don’t cause warping and discoloration. The best way to clean your wood blinds is with a soft dust cloth, a feather duster, or even a damp cloth. If you need to give them a thorough cleaning and want to restore their luster you can try lemon oil or other wood preservatives. If they’re painted then stick to a wood-safe, detergent spray and a soft cloth.
Faux Wood Blinds. These are much more durable than wood blinds and can take a bit more scrubbing. A regular cleaning with a vacuum with the brush attachment, a feather duster or damp cloth is recommended, but if you’re more of a stickler you can use a mild detergent and a soft cloth or sponge. If a really serious cleaning is necessary you can actually wash these blinds in the bathtub with soap and water, giving them a pretty good scrub with a nonabrasive sponge or brush and then dry them immediately. This shouldn’t be a frequent task because it can damage the cords, but it can be done in extreme cases.
Woven Wood Blinds. These blinds should be treated the same as regular wood blinds but perhaps with a little more care. They tend to be more prone to warping and water and other fluids should be used very sparingly.
Vinyl Blinds. Again, dusting and vacuuming is essential but spot cleaning can be done with a mild detergent and warm water. Don’t use hot water as it can leave stains or change the color of the fabric. Blot dry, as you would any special fabric.
Aluminum Blinds. These durable blinds will take a lot of cleaning, which is good because they tend to attract dust. Wipe them regularly with a damp cloth and feel free to give them a good old fashioned bath tub soak and let them air dry. Using hot water and a heavy detergent may wear out the cords so stay away from these agents.
Fabric Blinds. Dusting and vacuuming is key to keeping these delicate (and usually expensive) window treatments looking great. You can spot clean stains with mild detergent and warm water and then blot them dry, but never try dry cleaning or immersing them in water.
The real key to keeping your blinds looking clean and new is regular dusting and/or vacuuming and removing the dust before it gets a chance to build up and turn into heavy dirt or stains.
