How to Clean Window Blinds: The Best Way to Keep Your Window Coverings Pristine
Window blinds add to your home's decor and regulate light and temperature. However, with time, dust and grime can accumulate on the blinds, making them appear dull and dirty. Cleaning window blinds may seem daunting, but it can be an easy and quick process with the right approach.
In this article, we'll provide you with the best cleaning guide on how to clean window blinds. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a novice, these steps will help you pristine your window blinds and extend their life. Consider hiring a professional cleaning service if you need help cleaning your windows and other areas of your home.
If you love a modern and streamlined look for your home decor, you likely have considered window blinds.
Not only do blinds offer practical benefits such as light control and privacy, but they also provide a clean and cohesive appearance to any room.
However, with so many different window coverings available, it's essential to consider their cleaning and maintenance requirements before purchasing.
This blog post will explore window blinds' upkeep and cleaning requirements. So, whether you're a seasoned homeowner or a first-time renter, keep reading to learn how to clean window blinds and maintain your window coverings in tip-top shape.
What You'll Need
Instructions
1. Prepare the window blinds for cleaning
To prepare your window blinds for cleaning, adjust them so that the largest part of the blinds faces you and lay flat. This will create a flat, smooth surface that is easy to vacuum. You can adjust the blinds by using the control wand or cord.
2. Vacuum the window blinds
Using a handheld or lightweight vacuum cleaner with a soft brush attachment, slowly move horizontally across each blind. To complete this task effectively, you'll need a light vacuum that is easy to lift above your head.
A vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter or attaching one to your existing vacuum is recommended to capture even the smallest dust particles.
For maximum results, fully close the slats in one direction to reach more of the blinds' surface area. In addition to vacuuming the entire surface, open and close the slats in the opposite direction to ensure that all areas are thoroughly cleaned.
3. Spot-clean your blinds with a damp cloth
After carefully vacuuming your blinds, switch their placement so the narrowest edge faces you and they are parallel. Look for dirt accumulation and fingerprints that may require additional cleaning.
After that, grab a damp microfiber cloth or non-abrasive sponge, lather it with soapy water, and start wiping.
We strongly advise switching to microfiber instead of a conventional feather duster. Each speck of dust can be physically picked up by microfiber and caught in the fabric. Other dusters frequently merely push the dust off the blinds and onto the floor, which could be a more effective cleaning method.
4. Wash and air-dry non-wooden blinds
If you intend to wash your blinds, give them a good vacuum first to remove as much dirt as possible. Then prepare a cleaning solution by filling a bathtub or large washing sink with warm water, and adding a few drops of mild dish soap. This will create a soapy mixture that is perfect for cleaning your blinds.
The blinds should be submerged in the sudsy water. Let the blinds soak in the water to release additional dirt for about an hour. Blinds should be rinsed in warm, clean water before being removed from the tub.
For non-wooden blinds, removing aluminum or mini blinds from the water is advisable, shaking them out, then hanging them back up to dry naturally. Using a dry towel to dry them, you can prevent the slats from possibly bending, and they will air-dry rapidly.
To prevent staining on thick wood blinds, thoroughly towel-dry each slat from the front to the back. Never submerge wooden blinds, fabric blinds, or taped-decorative blinds in water.
For optimal results, it's important to read the manufacturer's cleaning guidelines before cleaning your blinds.
5. Clean and whiten dirty cords
Dinginess can be an issue with many blinds with white ropes, cording, and taped sections. To remove oily dirt, wash the cords with soap and water. You can use a microfiber cloth or a soft sponge to apply the soapy water. Rinse thoroughly with clean water and air-dry.
Get Your Window Blinds Sparkling Clean!
Cleaning your window blinds may seem like a daunting task, but it's a necessary one. You risk accumulating dirt and allergens by neglecting to clean them, leading to potential health risks and unsightly window coverings.
Fortunately, following the best practices outlined in this article, you can quickly and efficiently clean your window blinds.
Cleaning your window blinds doesn't have to be a tedious chore. With the tips and tricks provided in this article, you can quickly and efficiently clean your blinds while enjoying a cleaner and healthier living space.
So please don't put it off any longer. Grab your cleaning supplies and start making your window coverings look great and last longer!
You can also turn your living space into a serene and immaculate retreat with our comprehensive guide on how to clean your living room to perfection.
FAQs
How often should you clean your window blinds?
It would be best to vacuum your window blinds weekly with a brush attachment to remove any loose dust or debris. For a more thorough clean, cleaning your blinds every month to two months is recommended, especially if they're near cooking areas, you have pets or frequently leave your windows open. Regular cleaning ensures that your blinds look their best and helps maintain a healthy living environment by reducing the buildup of dust and allergens.
Why should you clean your blinds?
Cleaning your blinds is essential for both aesthetic and practical reasons. A regular cleaning routine improves their appearance and extends their lifespan. Accumulated dust and grime can cause blinds to deteriorate faster, leading to costly replacements.
Therefore, regular cleaning is essential to keep your blinds in good condition, saving you money in the long run.
Should you take your blinds down to clean them?
Cleaning your blinds while they are still hanging is a viable option, but it can be a bit more challenging to clean every inch of the blinds without taking them down. Removing your blinds to clean them can make the process easier and more efficient, especially if they are heavily soiled. However, cleaning blinds can be time-consuming.
Therefore, if you choose to clean your blinds while they're still hanging, you should be extra careful and protect your floors and furniture from any drips or splatters that may occur during the cleaning process. Also, ensuring the cleaning method suits your type of blind is essential to avoid any damage.
