It goes without saying that blinds are one of the most popular types of window treatments around. They come in a wide variety of colors and styles, can be made to fit any window, so it’s easy to understand their appeal. And hey, they make a great addition to a new set of vinyl replacement windows! Of course, all things have their downsides and the biggest disadvantage to blinds is that they can really be a hassle to clean. With so many small spaces for dust to accumulate in, it can be hard to make sure you get everything.
There’s no need to live with dust-covered blinds when we have some helpful tips for you to keep them clean.
First of all, no matter what type of blinds you have, your vacuum cleaner can be a great tool for helping to keep them clean. If your vacuum has a brush attachment, run it in a downward motion across the slats if you have vertical blinds or run it from left to right if you have horizontal blinds. If you have fabric blinds, make sure the vacuum is set on a low power level. Wood, plastic, and aluminum blinds can withstand a little more power than fabric ones, but it’s best to err on the side of caution and not use the highest power setting on your vacuum.
Vacuuming your blinds every few months or so should help cut down on major dust accumulation, but if vacuuming isn’t enough, there are other options. If you can fit your finger in between the slats of the blinds, cover your hand in an old sock and pinch each blind between your thumb and index finger, and run your fingers across each slat. It’s a great way to pick up dust and put those random lone socks you have laying around to good use at the same time!
For very dirty blinds, using some kind of liquid solution may be necessary. For plastic or aluminum blinds, use a damp sponge to apply a mixture of 50% white vinegar and 50% water. You don’t necessarily have to take them down to do this, just make sure your sponge is damp and not soaking wet. If you have wood blinds, try to avoid using liquid to clean them as much as possible since prolonged contact with a liquid can damage them. Some types of fabric blinds can be taken down and put through the washing machine on a delicate setting. Be sure to find out what your blind’s manufacturer recommends, because dry cleaning may be the best option for some types of materials.
If you prefer to take your blinds down to wash them outside, that’s definitely another option. All you have to do is take them down and lay them down flat outside on a mat. When you’re done cleaning one side, don’t forget to turn them over to get the other side. Once you’re done, rinse them off with a hose, making sure the water pressure isn’t too strong so you don’t damage the blinds.
