So you finally got those energy-efficient honeycomb shades you’d seen while browsing the internet for blinds. They seemed like a luxury item at first, but when you discovered they were superb insulators, great noise reducers, and excellent for energy saving, there was no turning back. Now, they proudly hang over your windows, protecting your home from the summer rays, and keeping adequate room temperatures during winter.
But just as your honeycomb blinds do their part to keep your home insulated, shouldn’t you be doing your part by maintaining your blinds in tip-top shape? As the years go by, your blinds will be the target of various harmful materials, such as dust, lint, and gunk, and if you are careless and just let them accumulate, they will hinder your blinds’ looks and functionality.
However, with such a diverse selection of blinds on the market today, how will you know which steps to take when they get dirty? Worry not, fellow reader, with the following tips, you’ll be well on your way to cleaning and maintaining your blinds clean and in good working order.
Routine Yields Longevity
First, make blind-cleaning part of your weekly cleaning routine. Cleaning your blinds once or twice a year is no good, since the longer you procrastinate, the dirtier the blinds will get, the more encrusted the dust will become, and the more difficult it will be to remove the stain. By gently dusting-off the blinds each time you clean your home, you will reduce the risk of having dirty or irreparable blinds. When cleaning, you can use either a soft cloth, feather duster, inverted sock, vacuum with a brush attachment, or specialty blind dusters. Lastly, clean your blinds with a dryer sheet, since it will help repel dust, and in turn, keep your blinds clean for longer.
The Rule of Three
It’s also important to check for three things before cleaning your blinds: how dirty they are, the material they are made of, and if there are any warning labels or washing instructions attached. This step is very important, since there are various blind materials, such as fabric, that are sensitive to cleaning products, or that require specific methods of cleaning. Familiarize yourself with the blind’s material and restrictions, and there will be little to no room for error when cleaning them.
Simple Dusting
Depending on the blind material and on the time you last cleaned them, your blinds might only need a light dusting. This cleaning method can be done on all types of blinds, using a soft cloth, feather duster or a vacuum. Dusting is usually the only step needed when cleaning aluminum, vinyl, plastic, wood, and faux wood blinds since these materials are very durable and hard to stain. For vertical blinds, gently dust each blind individually from top to bottom.
Damp Cleaning
There will be times when regular dusting is not enough, such as when there are stain spots on a fabric blind or when there’s encrusted soil on an aluminum or wooden shade. In these cases, opt to clean your blinds with a damp, soft cloth. Do not wet the cloth directly, but rather fill a spray bottle with water and a small amount of soap, and lightly spray the mix onto the cloth. Use this to clean each slat individually, or to focus on specific spots that need attention. Also, try not to bend the slats in the case of plastic blinds, since this might damage their shape. Never use water on wooden blinds. Instead, lightly spray wood surface cleaner on a cotton cloth, gently clean the area, and dry it afterward. Most window blinds can be cleaned with a damp cloth, but you should always check if the blind material is sensitive to water or soap before using this method.
Deep Cleaning
In extreme cases, your blinds could be so soiled that dusting or damp cleaning won’t be enough. A more thorough cleaning process is needed, and you will have to detach the blinds from your windows and move them outside on a clean, flat surface or to a bathtub. To deep clean them, wash them with water, and scrub them with a sponge and a small amount of soap, and then hang them to dry. This method applies to plastic or aluminum blinds best, since water or soap won’t harm them in the process. However, if your blinds are very dirty or stained, the best option is to hire a professional cleaner instead, especially if the material is sensitive, like fabric, or if it has colorful, detailed patterns or designs.
Don’ts
No matter the cleaning method or the type of blinds that you are cleaning, there are very important "don’ts" that you should be aware of. Firstly, never use plastic dusters when cleaning your blinds, as they might be too rough and damage the blind material. Second, never use bleach or other potent cleaners on your blinds, since they can warp the colors and structure of your blinds. Thirdly, never scrub your blinds aggressively, even if the stain or dust is deeply encrusted. That will only cause direct harm to the blind material.
Always be gentle when cleaning, and opt to do it in various gentle cleaning steps instead of one rough clean. Finally, when spot cleaning, avoid using any detergents or heavy spot removers, as they might also jeopardize the blind material.
Follow these tips to the letter and you’ll be well on your way to becoming a blind-cleaning master. If you have yet to buy your own window blinds, take a look at our Top 10 blind companies to find the one that best fits your needs.