From the versatility and style to the privacy, ambient light control, and customization options, few home upgrades can top the overall benefits as blinds. However, as with any other part of your home, blinds require regular cleaning and maintenance to keep them looking and functioning best.
Many homeowners are putting off this task because they aren’t sure where to begin or what products work best. If this sounds familiar, this comprehensive guide is for you.
Starting Point
Before you pull out the cleaning products, you’ll need to consider what type of blinds are in your space. Roman Shades versus Plantation Shutters, for example. Then consider the material. Some blinds are made of composite material, PVC, or aluminum while others, like some types of Roman shades, are made of softer fabrics like cotton or linen.
The material and type of blinds will determine how you can clean and maintain them over time.
How To Dust
Believe it or not, regularly dusting your blinds is a big part of maintaining them. Dusting is a great way to stay ahead of build up. To do this:
- Gather your supplies. Microfiber cloths work great for grabbing dust particles and helping to reach all the tight spaces. You can also use a duster specifically designed for horizontal blinds or a soft vacuum brush attachment.
- For horizontal blinds, start at the top and work your way down. Dusting each slat from top to bottom ensures the best clean. Make sure to move the duster, microfiber cloth, or vacuum cleaner attachment from side to side and up and down (for vertical blinds) so no space is left untouched.
While dusting, you may want to grab a step stool or ladder so it’s easier to maneuver around the blinds while they remain over the window. It’s important to note you should pay attention to the cord as well, making sure not to tangle it or let it fall somewhere that could potentially cause a fall like the ladder step.
How To Deep Clean
While dusting is pretty straightforward, deep cleaning blinds can be a bigger job. For deep cleaning, it’s best to remove the blinds from the window and soak them in the tub. However, once again, how you deep clean depends on the type of blinds you have.
Vinyl, Plastic, Composite Material, & Aluminum Blinds
For vinyl, plastic, composite material or aluminum blinds, soaking them in warm water with a mild soap is going to give you the easiest and best deep clean. If you don’t have a deep tub or shower basin, foaming spray cleaners without bleach can also be used to spray the blinds down outside before using the water hose to rinse. Once they’ve been rinsed, let the blinds dry completely before hanging them back up.
Motorized, Roman,& All Other Blinds
For all other types of blinds, including motorized types, deep cleaning them means you cannot soak them in water. The first step is to dust them using the vacuum cleaner. Make sure to open any pleats so the dust can be completely removed. Again, start at the top and work down to get as much surface material as possible.
Once they’re dusted, grab a bucket and fill it with warm water and a mild soap (dish detergent is best). Less is more. Measure 1 tsp of soap for every gallon of water. Any more soap than that can leave residue behind.
Then take a soft cloth and wipe down the surface areas, leaving them fully open to dry afterwards. For stains or heavy build up, you can use a soft bristle brush to scrub in gentle circles. If your shades are motorized, it is critical to pay extra attention not to splash or drip any water on the mechanisms.
How To Maintain
The best feature of professionally installed plantation shutters, wood blinds, and other types of customizable shades is the elevation they provide to any space. Whether it’s your home or office, blinds offer a simple upgrade. To protect their longevity and keep them functioning in tip top shape, some general maintenance is recommended.
1. Vacuum the Blinds
Regularly dusting with the vacuum is the best way to keep dust and particle build up from accumulating on the surface of your blinds.
2. Spot Clean
If you notice a stain, build up, finger marks, or even nose prints from pets, simply grab a damp cloth and mild cleaner. Reducing dirt build up when you notice it will keep your blinds looking fresh and new, and cut down on the big job of deep cleaning.
3. Use A Blow Dryer With A Cool Setting
Although it may sound silly, using a blow dryer on a cool-air setting to blow dust and debris from hard to reach spaces on blinds can make keeping them clean a tiny bit easier. Blow the dust to an area you can easily reach with a vacuum or a soft cloth.
4. Wipe Blinds With a Dryer Sheet
Once they’re cleaned (dusted, deep cleaned, or spot cleaned), take a used dryer sheet and wipe them down. It’s important to use only a dryer sheet that has already been used in the dryer rather than one straight from the package. A fresh dryer sheet will leave too much residue, but a used one can provide just enough product to repel any future dust.
5. Recommended Cleaning Schedule
Regular dusting each time you clean your home can help maintain blinds over time. For deep cleaning, it’s recommended between 2 and 3 times per year. Check the manual that came with your blinds for specific manufacturer recommendations.
Prestige Blinds: Custom Window Treatments
Maintaining clean and well-functioning blinds doesn’t have to be the household chore you put off. With these techniques and a regular cleaning schedule, your blinds can stay as gorgeous and efficient as the day Prestige Blinds installed them.
We know the importance of quality, longevity, and customization. Our range of premium window blinds can elevate your home with timeless elegance. We are proud to serve the Coral Springs, Parkland, Davie, and Boca Raton community with top-quality custom window treatments.
Give us a call today at 954-790-8436 – Amazing Window Treatments Are Only A Phone Call Away!
