Blinds are a prominent feature in the majority of houses, quietly ensuring that the sun does not shed as much light in order to provide privacy. But as time goes by, they become dirty with dust and dirt as well as stubborn stains. I recall coming into my first flat in Manchester, the blinds in the lounge were pale cream, and in just a few months, they appeared grey due to the dust. This was the moment when I realized that it is not a simple task, but more about saving your house and your money to clean the blinds in a proper way.
It is not that hard to learn how to clean blinds, not to damage them but it is essential to know your blinds, what tools to use, and how to how to clean blinds properly without causing damage.
Why Cleaning Your Blinds Matters
Most people do not bother cleaning their blinds until they become plainly messy, yet there is more to it than an aesthetic advantage. The slats get covered with dust and pollen, and in the case of a family with children or pets, it may cause allergies or respiratory problems. I realised how I used to sneeze once a week during the winter months, when I did not dust the blinds in our lounge. Washing blinds helps keep the house clean as well as enhances the quality of indoor air.
Blinds made of wood, such as wood, may bend or crack down when water and dirt accumulate. Blinds made of vinyl or aluminium may be waterproof, but they also develop stains if they are not taken care of. Proper cleaning of the blinds without damaging them will mean that they will last years and not months.
Blind Types
There are numerous materials for blinds, and the materials need to be treated differently. Having first attempted to clean my mum’s wooden Venetian blinds, I soon came to the understanding that it was quite sufficient to use a damp cloth instead of a soaked cloth.
Roller blinds are, however, made of fabrics or PVC, hence they can be wiped or vacuum cleaned gently; soaking them might affect their shape. Vertical blinds are to be taken care of as well. Vertical blinds made of fabric are likely to get dusty, whereas PVC or aluminium ones can be cleaned with weak cleaning agents.
I once a friend who had tried the cleanliness of vertical fabric blinds in the bathroom using soap and water. It had led to a bottom rail that hung slack and warped, and an afternoon of frustration. Misjudgment can be easily escaped by a mere grasp of your blind material.
Selecting the Appropriate Tools and Supplies
It can be a big difference knowing the correct tools that would clean blinds without being destructive. My cleaning supplies (a small basket that I keep by my window) include a few microfiber cloths, a soft duster, a vacuum with a brush head, and a mild cleaning solution, which is composed of warm water with a little dish soap.
Each tool has a specific job. Microfiber cloths do not scratch the surface, dust can be removed using soft dusters, and one of the attachments is a vacuum cleaner, which works effectively with fabric blinds or inaccessible locations.
Sometimes, less is more. A dry cloth performs miracles with wooden blinds. In the case of metal or vinyl blinds, it can usually help to use a damp cloth with a light solution of soap. Another fact I learned over the years is that even such domestic objects as old socks can be used as dusting tools, since they can be put in each slat of the house and do not require brutality in their cleaning. The trick is to apply the appropriate tool to the material, and this will guarantee that you clean your blinds safely and efficiently.
Step-by-Step Cleaning Process
The simplest process of taking care of blinds is dusting them regularly. I tend to do it on a weekly basis in the kitchen and the lounge. Turn the blinds and do the same on the other side. In the case of verticals, I clean one slat at a time, wiping or vacuuming. It does not require much time, and only a few minutes are enough to avoid the formation of a thick deposit of dust.
When deep cleaning is required, I take out the mild soap solution. In the case of metal and vinyl blinds, they tend to be wiped with a wet cloth and can do away with grime and smudges. The first time that I did it, I was taught a lesson when I put a wet piece of wood in the form of a slat back after cleaning, and peeked at it and found that it curved a few inches, which is why it is important to learn about cleaning blinds correctly without breaking them.
The safest cleaning in the case of fabric blinds is spot cleaning. I put a little dish soap in water, test it on a spot that I can not see, and apply it lightly to stains. Vigorous rubbing may distort the cloth or take away the colour. Through the years, I have concluded that regular cleaning, such as dusting once a week and spot cleaning when necessary are all that is required to keep even the finest fabrics looking clean.
Cleaning the homes of pets or children
A house cleaning that presents a challenge all its own since a toddler has small,l inquisitive hands and a pet canine or feline has curious paws. What is interesting to note is that my cat can’t resist a dangling cord (which I keep out of his reach). Planning in your schedule for cleaning helps prevent accidents that could damage the blinds (by using cord cleats to hold the blind pull cords).
Avoiding Common Mistakes
Despite the good intentions, one can easily commit errors when cleaning the blinds. Most individuals commit the mistake of wetting wood blinds, which may bend the slats. Others use harsh chemical cleaners on sensitive fabrics or painted metals, which can strip finishes or leave a mark. I have witnessed a neighbour bleaching aluminium blinds- what was meant to be an easy clean was an unsightly mess.
Cleaning a single side of the blinds is also another error. Dust and grime may accumulate on the back side, so it is always essential to work on both sides. Another mistake that is common is the failure to perform regular dusting. It is so tempting to wait till the blinds are dirty.
Eco-Friendly Cleaning Options
In case of being an environmentally conscious person, you can clean the blinds in an eco-friendly manner without compromising on the outcome. Even such basic things as vinegar and baking soda may be used to remove the dust and stains.
I usually apply a vinegar solution to the vinyl blinds, which does not require harsh chemicals to clean. In the case of fabric blinds, a weak soap or a light vacuum can do well without bringing many unknown poisons into the house. The natural cleaning methods are safe on your blinds, and they will be safer for the children, pets and even those who are sensitive to chemical cleaners.
Cleaning your blinds the right way without damaging them isn’t hard to do if you have the right tools and know how. Learning about the type of blinds you have, what mistakes most people make, and having a cleaning routine all make it easier for your blinds to last for as long as possible. I have discovered that by spending just a few minutes each week maintaining them will help keep them looking new, and will save you time later on when you need to deep clean your blinds.
Create a few minutes each week for light cleaning, dusting, and checking the cords and tracks of your blinds. You can also download my Bee Cleaning Services Manchester to ensure you don’t miss anything. Your blinds will appreciate it, and your home will feel cleaner and lighter!