Blinds are one of the most popular window coverings around and for a good reason. They are affordable and come in a wide variety of colors and materials to provide you with a custom look that fits your home’s style. Like all window treatment options, without proper care, blinds will accumulate dirt and dust.
The easiest way to prevent buildup is to regularly vacuum your blinds or wipe them down with a microfiber cloth when cleaning the home. Regular dusting helps increase your blinds’ lifespan and get rid of dirt, dust, and allergens. While we recommend professional window covering cleaning services that can offer repairs, alterations, and more, we know there are more than a few DIY-ers out there.
The number 1 tip when it comes to your blinds at The Window Design Studio is to get rid of the dust before ever bringing water near it. Window blinds are made from a number of different materials, each with its own care and cleaning instructions. These include wood, faux wood, vinyl, aluminum, fabric, and more.
Wood
These wood blinds combine the look and feel of natural wood with the style and beauty you want in your home for a timeless look. When cleaning wood blinds, the most important thing is to avoid water and harsh chemicals. This can warp, discolor, and generally damage the blinds.
To clean wood blinds,
- Starting from the top, wipe down each slat with a microfiber cloth and a gentle cleanser.
- Tilt the wand and rotate the blinds 180 degrees to wipe down the slats on the other side.
- Dry the blinds thoroughly.
- For stain-finished wood blinds, use a wood preservative or conditioner to enhance the shine.
Using a brush attachment on your vacuum can also help eliminate any dust, spider bunnies, and dirt.
Faux-Wood
If faux-wood blinds, like Venetian blinds, need a deeper clean than a wipe-down or a vacuum, these could be removed from the window and cleaned in a tub of water. Being more durable and water-resistant than wood blinds, they can be soaked in a tub of soapy water and scrubbed with a cloth to remove grime. Make sure to wipe off excess water before being hung back up.
Tip: use a fabric softener sheet on the slats to prevent dust buildup.
Aluminum, Vinyl, and PVC
In between cleanings, wiping your blinds with a cloth or sponge can help keep the slats dust-free. If it’s been a long time since they’ve been cleaned or harbor stains, dust, or grease, a combination of soap and water can help.
Soak the blinds in clean soapy water to loosen the dirt before gently scrubbing the dirt away. Place these on towels to dry before placing them back on the window.
Fabric
Used in roller shades, roman shades, cellular shades, and fabric blinds, a fabric option for your window covering is great for light filtering and flexibility in colors and styles. With fabric blinds, vacuums, and blow dryers are your best friends. Using the brush attachment on the vacuum or a hairdryer on cool can help remove the dirt, dust, and whatever else may be hiding in your blinds.
If fabric blinds are stained, blot with soap and water (never rub), use a stain fighter, or take them to a professional.
When to Replace Blinds
Window blinds usually last 5-10 years. If you see,
- Broken or bent slats
- Failing mechanisms
- Worn and frayed birds
- A lack of safety features
- Badly sized blinds
Or even if the blinds are just outdated, it might be time to replace your window coverings with something new.
If your blinds need more than just a deep clean, freshen things up with all new window coverings like blinds, shades, shutters, drapes, and more. For a free consultation, call us at (707) 981-8275.
