How to Clean Window Blinds?

Blinds are common window treatments. They are an extremely popular choice because of various advantages like ease of operation, light management, privacy control, aesthetic appeal, etc. However, like every other thing in a house, blinds need to be maintained to retain them in good shape so that their performance and utility remain unaffected.

Cleaning of blinds depends on various factors like whether they are vertical or horizontal. These window treatments are made of different materials like aluminum, plastic, wood, faux wood, fabric, etc. that require varied cleaning techniques. Here we discuss some easy techniques to clean your blinds and keep them looking as good as new irrespective of how they are.

• The first step in cleaning blinds is removing the dust that accumulates on them over a period of time. You can do this either by vacuuming or dusting. While vacuuming you need to use a brush attachment and run it across from side to side. You can repeat the process with blinds open and shut in opposite direction. Vacuuming also saves time!

• The next thing option that you have for cleaning your blinds is simply dusting them. This can be done either by wrapping a soft fabric on a long flat object like knife, ruler, etc. and run across the slats. This is a good method for hard materials like wood, aluminum or plastic. You can also wear an old sock or glove, moisten with some cleaner or a soapy solution and wipe the blinds from one end to the other, cleaning one at a time.

• Thirdly you can clean the blinds where they hang with a wet sponge or microfiber cloth that is dampened with some cleaning solution. Wipe the blinds with this from every side sideways and inside out. This method can be used to clean vinyl, aluminum or plastic blinds. You can use a dry sponge to clean fabric ones.

• To get rid of spots on blinds, spray a cleaner on to a clean cloth and rub the spot with this cleaner to remove the stain. If your fabric blinds look very dirty it is best to remove them and take them to a dry cleaner.

• It is best not to use too much water on wooden blinds as they may get damaged. Using mild moist cloth to clean them is the best way.

• Another way to clean metal and vinyl blinds is to remove them and spray clean them in your patio or yard. Alternatively you can also create a cleaning solution with water and soap and immerse these in this and then lightly scrub with a brush. Repeat the process for both sides. Rinse them well with plain water and ensure that they are completely dry before you put them back.