Window blinds are an essential part of your interior, providing privacy and keeping sunlight out. However, dusting your blinds is probably not on your list of favourite things to do. And it probably sounds like an even bigger chore when you come to realise that every type of window blind requires a different way of cleaning. Just remember that as soon as you have learned how to do it properly, it will only take you two minutes each week rather than half an hour at the end of the month. Check out the following tips for easy cleaning.
Clean metal or aluminium slatted blinds
Horizontal slatted blinds, such as Venetian or mini blinds, are often made of aluminium or metal and can be a magnet for dust and dirt. They’re a popular option in the house, but it’s important to do regular maintenance to make them last longer.
Use a feather duster to remove dust on a weekly basis. If you see any stains or sticky areas, we recommend using a window spray cleaner. Wait 1 to 2 minutes and wipe it off with a soft cloth.
For more thorough cleaning, you can remove your blinds from the window with the slats closed and take them outside. Let them soak for 15 minutes in a bathtub with warm soapy water and scrub each slat to remove dirt. Rinse it with fresh water and hang them out to dry before you reinstall them. Metal blinds can also be cleaned with an outdoor surface cleaning spray. Leave for 5 minutes, brush off the remaining dirt and rinse them with cool water.
Clean wooden blinds
Wooden blinds can give your house a timeless, classic look, but they’re also a pain to clean. Avoid cleaning your blinds with a wet cloth, since moisture can warp wooden slats. Instead of using water and soap, use an anti-static cloth, a feather duster or a soft bristle paint brush to remove dust from the slats. Wipe them from side to side, and for occasional thorough cleaning, use a special wood cleaning product, such as oil soap.
Because moisture can damage your wooden blinds, don’t install them in bathrooms. Opt for faux wood blinds instead.
Clean fabric blinds
It’s important to regularly clean your fabric blinds to prevent permanent discolouration from dust. To remove loose dirt from your roller blinds or roman shades, use a vacuum brush or a microfiber cloth. If you see stains, gently wipe the affected area with a sponge and a weak diluted mixture of soap and water. Make sure you use a towel to dry the area straightaway, because you don’t want your blinds to get soaking wet. Repeat this process until the stain is removed.
Alternatively, you can bring your blinds to a specialised dry cleaner if they’re very dirty.
Clean vertical blinds
One of the main advantages of installing vertical blinds is that they tend to collect less dust than horizontal blinds. They’re often made of plastic, vinyl or polyester and blend in seamlessly with your interior. To clean them, simply sponge them or wipe them clean with a soft cloth. You can use the brush attachment of a vacuum to remove dust. Just turn the blinds fully to one side and vacuum them from top to bottom on the front and the back.