How To Clean Your Blinds More Effectively - A Comprehensive Guide
Cleaning your blinds can be a daunting task especially when dealing with the different types such as Roman, Roller, Vertical, Wooden, Faux Wood, Venetian and Pleated blinds. Each type requires a unique approach to ensure they remain in top condition without encountering damage over time. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll help to walk you through the best methods to use in order to clean each type of blind more effectively.
1. Roman Blinds
Roman blinds are an elegant option, often made from fabric which means they can easily attract dust and dirt over time which will need to be managed.
Steps to Clean Roman Blinds:
• Dusting: Use a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment on a low setting to gently remove the accumulated dust. Work from top to bottom.
• Spot Cleaning: For stains, use a mild detergent mixed with water. Dab the stains with a clean cloth taking care not to saturate the fabric too much.
• Deep Cleaning: If the blinds are heavily stained or soiled, you may need to remove them altogether and wash according to the fabric care instructions. Most Roman blinds are dry clean only, so make sure to consult the manufacturer’s guidelines via the website or shipping materials.
2. Roller Blinds
Roller blinds are known for their simplicity, ease of fitting and use. They can be made from various materials popularly using fabric and PVC.
Steps to Clean Roller Blinds:
• Dusting: Wipe away the accumulated dust from the blinds with a microfiber cloth or use a vacuum cleaner on a low setting with a brush attachment ensuring you move slowly across the surface area in a horizontal manner.
• Spot Cleaning: For fabric Roller blinds, use a mild detergent and warm water to dab the surface area to remove light staining. For PVC blinds, a mixture of water and vinegar works well in removing light stains.
• Deep Cleaning: Unroll the blind fully and ensure you wipe down the surface area on both sides with a damp cloth. For more stubborn stains, allow the detergent or cleaning solution to sit for a few more minutes before wiping down.
3. Vertical Blinds
Vertical blinds are often used for large windows or sliding doors in both residential and commercial properties and are available in materials such as fabric, vinyl or aluminium.
Steps to Clean Vertical Blinds:
• Dusting: Use a vacuum on a low setting with a brush attachment to clean each slat moving from top to bottom to ensure maximum coverage.
• Spot Cleaning: For fabric vertical blinds, use a damp cloth with a mild detergent to dab away stains. Vinyl and aluminium blinds can be cleaned with a mixture of water and vinegar, this mixture breaks up dirt without damaging vinyl or metal.
• Deep Cleaning: If the blinds have accumulated thick dust and dirt over time, ensure you remove the slats and soak them in warm soapy water for a more thorough clean. Rinse and let them dry out entirely before reattaching.
4. Wooden Blinds
Wooden blinds add warmth and traditional style to any space especially living rooms, but require special care to maintain due to the nature of the material to ensure they look their best for as long as possible.
Steps to Clean Wooden Blinds:
• Dusting: Use a soft, dry cloth or a vacuum on a low setting with a brush attachment to wipe away and remove light dust accumulation. In this case, avoid using water on the slats as it can warp the material.
• Polishing: To maintain the wood’s shine, use a wood-specific polish to bring the colour back to life or in terms of restoring light chip or scuff damage, a closely matching varnish. Apply these solutions sparingly with a soft cloth, wipe away.
• Spot Cleaning: If necessary, use a slightly damp cloth for scrubbing away more stubborn spots of dirt or debris immediately followed by a dry cloth to ensure the wood's condition.
5. Faux Wood Blinds
Faux wood blinds offer the look of real wood, but are much more resistant to moisture and humidity, making them hardier, longer lasting, easier to clean and more suitable for rooms such as the bathroom and kitchen.
Steps to Clean Faux Wood Blinds:
• Dusting: Wipe down the slats with a dry or slightly damp microfiber cloth to remove light dust accumulation.
• Spot Cleaning: Use a mixture of water and mild detergent to wipe away and remove any dirt or light stains.
• Deep Cleaning: For a more thorough clean, remove the blinds and soak them in warm, soapy water. Rinse and dry thoroughly before re-hanging.
6. Venetian Blinds
Venetian blinds, typically made of aluminium are popular, durable, easy to install, clean and maintain. They look great in most instances and can be styled in many colours to suit any decor.
Steps to Clean Venetian Blinds:
• Dusting: Close the blinds using the cord and use a dry microfiber cloth to wipe light dust accumulation from each slat. Then, reverse the blinds and repeat.
• Spot Cleaning: Use a damp cloth with a mild detergent to scrub away more resistant dirt and debris from the slats. Ensure you cover both sides.
• Deep Cleaning: Remove the blinds and soak them in a bathtub with warm soapy water, use a cloth to scrub the slats on both sides, rinse and dry before re-hanging.
7. Pleated Blinds
Pleated blinds add texture and depth from the use of different fabrics to the look of a window, but can accumulate dust and dirt in their folds over time.
Steps to Clean Pleated Blinds:
• Dusting: Use a vacuum cleaner on a low setting with a soft brush attachment to gently remove light dust accumulation from the fabric folds.
• Spot Cleaning: Dab away stains with a mild detergent solution using a soft cloth.
• Deep Cleaning: If the blinds are washable, remove them and gently hand wash in warm, soapy water. Rinse thoroughly before air drying them, then re-install.
General Tips for All Blinds
• Regular Maintenance: Dust blinds weekly to prevent build-up.
• Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Always use mild detergents to avoid damaging the material.
• Check Manufacturer’s Instructions: Some blinds have specific cleaning instructions; always consult these before cleaning.
Conclusion
Cleaning blinds doesn’t have to be a chore if you follow the right steps for each type. Whether you’re dealing with Roman, roller, vertical, wooden, faux wood, Venetian or pleated blinds. We hope this guide will help you to keep them looking their best for longer with minimal effort. By maintaining your blinds regularly, you not only extend their lifespan, but also enhance the overall appearance of your living space. Explore our full range of ready made blinds here.