There’s nothing more exciting than standing back to admire new blinds in a room. However, are you curious about how to ensure your new blinds maintain a clean, chic appearance? We have helpful tips to fight against a buildup of dirt and dust and reduce factors that visibly age your blinds. When you take time to clean and maintain your blinds it helps them keep that “like new” look for years to come. Keep reading to learn more.
The Beauty Of Blinds For Your Home
It’s no wonder window blinds are a popular choice to dress windows in homes of all types. People love blinds because they are easy to install, and you can readily adjust the louvers for privacy and lighting needs. Because blinds are available in wood, acrylic, fabric, or metal, it’s easy to create a custom look that fits your style and budget.
Whether you choose smart blinds, rolling blinds, or a cordless style, it’s essential to keep your new blinds free of dust, stains, and moisture-related damage. Households with pets or children should be thoughtful about whether window blinds use stain-resistant materials or are difficult to clean. Also, keep in mind whether blinds will be exposed to strong UV rays or need repositioning often throughout the day. How you use your blinds, and the location of your window treatment will impact its appearance and longevity.
Best Tips For Immaculately Clean Blinds
Ensure your window blinds look nearly brand new by following some helpful tips to keep them clean and in good repair. Following a maintenance schedule will help improve how long your blinds last in your home. Don’t forget to select quality brands of blinds from a reputable retailer for the best experience.
There is no one-size-fits-all solution when cleaning your blinds. You can choose from special tools to pick up dust, wipe down blinds, or use a water-based solution to clean slats. If you are worried about damaging your blinds, call a professional cleaner specializing in blinds to ensure your window coverings still look brand new.
Grab The Vacuum
Make an effort to whip out the vacuum and clean up dusty blinds every month using a vacuum attachment. Be cautious with the amount of suction, and avoid warping the louvers. Work carefully back and forth, from top to down, to suck up dust bunnies and maintain that new blinds look.
Wipe Down Louvers
Choose from the following to wipe down your louvers without leaving behind unsightly scratches. Gather some of the following tools to clean blinds:
- An old, clean sock
- A cleaning glove
- A soft microfiber cloth
- A piece of terry cloth or dust rag
Carefully go over each louver or slat, wiping from side to side, working from top to bottom. Wipe down one side while the blinds are fully extended, and the louvers are flat. Next, change the direction of the louvers to wipe down the other side. If you are not up for wiping down the slats or using a vacuum attachment, try using a can of compressed air.
Make A Cleaning Solution
Use a gentle cleaning solution to clean blinds consisting of vinegar or dish soap and water, with a 1:3 ratio. Spritz down your blinds using a spray bottle, or submerge a soft cloth or sponge in your solution. Open your blinds and wipe down the louvers, not allowing too much water to linger. Hang your blind dry and wipe down to prevent dust or debris from sticking around before re-hanging.
Remember, when cleaning blinds, you want to wipe or blot, not rub them too roughly. It’s easy for lightweight acrylic or metal blinds to warp. Too much water on wood or fabric blinds can cause damage. Do test out your cleaning solution on a small area before cleaning your blinds, and stick to gentle cleaners that won’t strip the finish off louvers.
Submerge Your Blinds
If you have metal or acrylic blinds that are very dirty, consider taking them down from the window and carefully removing the hardware. Fill a bathtub with lukewarm water and add a little dish soap or vinegar. Opt for a ratio of one part vinegar or dish soap and three parts water. Allow your aluminum blinds to soak for 15 to 30 minutes before gently going over the louvers to remove dirt.
Use a scratch-free brush or hand tool to lift away stains and clean blinds. Repeat the process as necessary if there are hard-to-remove stains. Rinse the blinds clean with water and hang them to dry before re-installing. Be careful not to warp the louvers. Also, do not submerge any hardware for your blinds and be cautious with any cords. Do not oversaturate the slats or louvers, and wipe up excess moisture after you finish cleaning.
Choose A Suitable Solution
Learn a bit more about the materials used to make your blinds. You might want to deep clean acrylic or metal blinds by submerging them in the bathtub, but not fabric or wood blinds. Review the manufacturer’s suggestion and be cautious about using harsh, abrasive cleaners and tools to avoid damaging the louvers and hardware.
When in doubt, stick to wiping blinds down monthly or quarterly with a soft, scratch-proof cloth to reduce scratches. If you want to clean fabric blinds with heavy stains or discoloring, you may want to gently clean them with a gentle, water-based solution or cleaner. You can repeatedly agitate any dirt, stains, or grime until it lifts away from the louver.
You might be able to remove fabric louvers from vertical blinds and individually wash them before replacing them if they have a vertical orientation. Or, contact a professional cleaning service that has experience cleaning fabric blinds.
If you want to know how to clean blinds best, you likely have the tools on hand. You can clean acrylic and wood blinds with an old sock, a soft microfiber cloth, a vacuum attachment, or a solution of vinegar diluted with water. Avoid using bleach, alcohol-based cleaners, or a harsh tool that can strip away the finish on louvers or leave stains behind. Ensure that blinds are fully dry before resuming regular use.
Maintain and Enjoy Blinds With Ease
Quality built custom blinds can last up to twenty or twenty five years , but homeowners often choose to change out their window treatments after five to six years. However, the best option is to regularly dust your blinds clean and spend time detailing your blinds a few times a year. Select the best quality blinds and treat them with care; they will maintain a “like new” appearance and serve you well. Visit All About Blinds to learn more about beautiful blinds and contemporary window treatments for your home.
