How to Clean Blinds: Easy Tips to Keep Them Looking New
If you’ve ever wondered how to clean fabric blinds and keep them from getting damaged, check out our amazing tricks to keep them looking like new.
Before you give up and decide to use curtains again, find out which blinds are best for your home and how to clean them without damaging them. Blinds have become one of the most popular elements of interior decoration, not only because they have a special style that fits perfectly with new trends but also because they are very practical and adaptable.
With blinds, you can completely block out light from entering the room or change their slats to protect the privacy of your home’s interior. As if that weren’t enough, there is not just one type of blinds; there are different types of blinds on the market that adapt to the needs and style of each home.
The biggest question when choosing blinds instead of curtains is how to clean them. This will depend on the type of blinds you have chosen so you can determine which cleaning method will be best.
Blind Styles: Which One Is Best for Your Home?
When you hear the word blinds, do you only think of office-style vertical white slats that give a room a cool, professional look? In reality, this is not the only option. To find the ideal option for your home, you need to know the existence of different types of blinds and the advantages and disadvantages of each.
Fabric Blinds
These blinds can be found in their roller version, which has become very popular in recent years, or in their vertical form, which is not very common but gives a modern and original look. The main advantage of both options is that they allow sunlight to enter while maintaining the privacy of the interior.
There are some options with a combination of opaque openings and transparent fabrics. This allows the blinds almost completely to let in light when open, but when closed, it is significantly reduced, almost to the level of a blackout curtain.
Wooden screen
Wooden blinds are also known as Venetian and are a favorite among the latest decorating trends. They are characterized by several wooden slats arranged horizontally and connected by a pulley system. One of the advantages of wooden blinds is that when closed, they completely block the view outside and all sunlight.
Moreover, due to their aesthetics, they are a decorative element that gives the room a warm touch. Their biggest disadvantage is the price since natural wooden blinds are one of the most expensive options on this list. However, you can find grids made of imitation wood materials at affordable prices that look very similar.
PVC Blinds
PVC (polyvinyl chloride) is one of the most used materials for blinds. It is affordable and extremely durable, with an estimated lifespan of between 15 and 100 years. These blinds can last several years with good care and maintenance until their closing system breaks down.
One of its advantages is maintenance, as this material supports almost all cleaning products and cannot be damaged by the weather. In addition, it usually has good thermal and sound insulation. The main disadvantage of this material is that it tends to crack if exposed to direct sunlight for long periods.
Aluminum Blinds
If you want to buy something classic and elegant, there is nothing like aluminum blinds. They are a little more expensive than wooden ones, but they last much longer and are the easiest to maintain because they do not require special cleaning methods; a damp cloth and a vacuum cleaner are enough.
Blackout Blinds
The most popular at the moment are blackout blinds. They are made of insulating materials such as polyester and acrylic, with a thick layer of cotton that makes them look like fabric blinds. Still, they have the same light-blocking capacity as PVC or aluminum blinds. Their disadvantage is that although we can find them in different shades, their style is usually executive, and in a home, they can take away the warmth from the decor. However, this should not stop you from considering it as an option because it can change with the right combination of materials.
What is the best way to clean blinds?
Unlike curtains, blinds do not require constant deep cleaning, as most of the materials used in blinds require a vacuum cleaner from time to time to prevent dust accumulation. However, there are some exceptions that we should pay attention to and put into practice some cleaning tips that will help a lot in taking care of your blinds. For example, fabric blinds make the room elegant but are not as easy to clean as other materials.
Don’t uninstall them
Our first tip for cleaning your fabric blinds is not to uninstall them. While they may be easy to clean from the outside of the window, poor installation can compromise the functionality of the blinds, and the necessary movement can tear the fabric in some way. It’s best to leave them in place.
Beware of dust
Next, be sure to remove any dry dust. Before wetting or drying your wooden, PVC, or aluminum blinds, ensure they are free of any dust residue that could turn into mud. Wipe down the entire blind with a clean cloth and then vacuum.
Use warm water
Another good tip for cleaning blinds is to use a towel soaked in warm water and mild soap. This way, you can remove stains without being too aggressive with the fabric and avoid damage. Then, rinse the blinds with a sponge dipped in cold, clean water.
Check the instructions
Some fabric blinds can be cleaned in the washing machine; however, it is worth checking the instructions for use before attempting to do so, as humidity and the movement of the washing machine can damage some of the internal slats that give the blinds their shape. Remember that roller blinds should never be machine washed due to their system, which will directly affect their functionality.
In the case of wooden blinds, it is very important to read the instructions, as they will tell you what type of products you can use to avoid damaging the varnish or corroding the material. Even with aluminum blinds, which are very easy to maintain, you will find assembly and disassembly recommendations for thorough cleaning.
Soak without scrubbing
If your fabric blinds need deeper cleaning, remove them and soak them in warm water, mild soap, and Persil fabric disinfectant, which will remove 99.99% of bacteria*. Do not rub unless there is a stain, and, as we recommended earlier, use a towel; do not rub the fabric on yourself. Then rinse with clean, cold water. Do not wring; let it dry naturally in the sun and air.
There is no specific time to clean your blinds, but it is recommended that you remove dust at least once a week and deep clean them every six months. Now that you know some tricks, you can do it without damaging your blinds.
Additional Tips
Using Deodorant
- If your curtains absorb odors, use a fabric deodorizer or dry cleaning spray to remove the odor.
- If your curtains are wrinkled, use a low-temperature iron or steamer to remove the wrinkles. Be sure not to apply direct heat to delicate fabrics.
