Adding window blinds to your home is one of the many joys of customizing your own space, like adding any other home décor. And, like other types of home décor and furnishing, you need to clean blinds too.
It’s easy to miss blinds in your usual cleaning routine, given that these stay (literally!) on the side, blocking light and providing privacy, minding their own business. However, unkempt blinds do have an effect on aesthetic appeal. If you find yourself wondering why your rooms look a tad drab, glance over at the window blinds and you’ll find the source.
Looking for quick hacks for cleaning blinds? You’re in luck! Blind cleaning does not have to be complicated—that is if you are consistent. Read on to find out the best way to clean blinds in your home, each method being time-saving while delivering great results!
How to Clean Blinds: Your Guide for Fast and Easy Blind Cleaning Hacks
The best way to clean blinds depends first and foremost on the type of blinds you have. Fabric blinds such as roller and solar shades need to be cleaned without excessive moisture to avoid absorption. On the other hand, non-fabric blinds such as wooden and vinyl blinds are easier to clean. These don’t absorb water—or have any fibres for dust to get lodged in for that matter.
Additionally, you need to take certain fabric blinds off their headrail and operating mechanisms and put them into a washer. However, other blinds need hand cleaning or professional dry cleaning. Make sure you check the care instructions on your blinds before you begin the cleaning process!
Why Do You Need To Clean Blinds?
Keeping your home immaculate is one of the challenges of everyday life—not because it is difficult, but because repetition can increase tediousness. Unfortunately, you can’t just ignore your furnishings and decorations—and that applies especially to curtains, blinds, and other types of window coverings.
Horizontal fabric blinds are particularly susceptible to dust accumulation. If you have smart blinds, it can be easy to miss the layer of dust since you don’t go near them. However, know that dirty blinds can become a problem for appearance and well-being.
Here’s why clean blinds matter:
Promote Cleaner, Fresher Air: Window blinds gather dust and other contaminants, which circulate back into the atmosphere When you clean blinds regularly, you reduce the build-up of pollutants. Plus, clean blinds regularly to decrease the allergens present in your environment.
Avoid Bacteria & Mold: The dampness in the air mixed with bacteria leads to mould and mildew. You may experience a musty smell if your blinds go without cleaning for a long time. You deserve to breathe fresh air, so don’t let your blinds keep you from enjoying a healthy environment!
Extend Blind Lifespan: Dust, dirt, grease, and more—all the stuff your window blinds accumulate eventually affects the blind’s integrity if left unaddressed. There may be:
- Premature worn-out look
- Fading and discoloration
- Tearing and shredding
Clean your blinds for maintenance and keep them looking beautiful. Moreover, you will protect the value of your window treatments and avoid having to spend money on new blinds.
Maintain Aesthetic Appeal: Pristine window blinds elevate the beauty of your living space. In addition to promoting a healthy environment, clean blinds contribute to indoor aesthetic appeal. Hence, experts encourage busy homeowners to invest time in blind cleaning as often as possible.
Fast and Easy Blind Cleaning Hacks To Simplify a Busy Schedule
Short on time but still want to keep your home clean and healthy? No worries, from simple everyday dusting to using soapy blind cleaners for meticulously tidying window coverings, we’ve got some time-saving blind cleaning methods for you to apply!
– Dusting On a Daily Basis
The best way to clean dusty blinds is by…dusting. The most obvious solution to keeping blinds from gathering tough-to-remove grime is also the most missed one.
It can be tedious to stick to regular cleaning for your blinds when you’re usually swamped. However, you’ll save yourself a lot of time, effort, and even money that would otherwise go toward clearing intense buildups in the future.
Use a blinds duster, although a microfiber cloth will suffice to quickly get rid of dust particles from blinds. For dusting horizontal blinds such as roller blinds, start from the upper end, moving downward to keep dust from resettling. If you have vertical blinds, use your duster from side to side.
– Soap and Water Deep Clean
Every once in a while, a deep clean becomes necessary as dusting alone does not clear your blinds of dirt. While you should ideally go for soap and water deep cleaning every two months, consider using a soapy cleanup for blinds in the kitchen and other places where grease and grime buildup occurs rapidly.
For busy homeowners, this method may sound complicated, but it requires very little effort. You’ll need to take your fabric blinds off their mounting brackets for this one! Get a large tub (or use your bathtub), and fill it up with warm water. Add a bit of dish soap and dip your window blinds in the soapy blind cleaner mixture.
Let the blinds soak for about an hour, after which you need to scrub them very gently using a soft-bristled brush. Rinse with clean water (multiple times to ensure all soapy mixture is off the fabric). Dry them completely before reattaching them to the bracket.
– Vacuuming w/ Brush Attachment
Unlike vinyl, aluminum, or wooden blinds, cleaning fabric blinds by swiping a duster or cloth can be a bit tricky. Fabric blinds such as roller and zebra blinds tend to attract more dust as well. In case you reside in a sandy region, you need something more effective to get rid of buildup in your fabric blinds. That’s where a vacuum cleaner comes in handy.
Attach the brush extension to your vacuum cleaner, and set the suction on low. Practice care when vacuuming to avoid damaging the blind’s fabric. Run the brush over each panel of your blinds, and cover each side.
– Eco-Friendly Vinegar Solution
One of the best blind-cleaning quick hacks, if you live in a humid region, is cleaning with vinegar. Mould buildup can be a common issue with fabric blinds in a constantly humid atmosphere. If your blinds are not only grimy but also emanate a musty smell, a vinegar solution can clean and disinfect blinds.
White vinegar kills bacteria and germs, plus it acts as a deodorizer. Added bonus: it is eco-friendly cleaning for window blinds!
To clean your blinds with vinegar, create a solution with water, mixing equal parts of both. Spray the mixture onto a cloth and use it to gently wipe clean the blinds. Do NOT spray the solution directly onto the blinds to prevent moisture damage.
– Using a Steam Cleaner
Different blind fabrics need specific care. In the case of tougher fabrics, you can wash them with water and soap/detergent, or use steam. However, for delicate fabrics, it’s best to stick to steam cleaning only.
Using chemical cleaners can harm the fabric and shorten its lifespan. That is why steam cleaning is also one of the best natural cleaning solutions for blinds, particularly those that are quick to absorb water—such as various types of solar shades.
Choose this eco-friendly cleaning method to remove dirt and allergens without using any chemicals. Position your steamer a few inches away from the blinds and slowly glide it along the fabric. The steam will loosen the dust and other particles, which you can then easily wipe away with a clean cloth.
– Professional Ultrasonic Cleaning
If you’re looking for a more professional approach to cleaning blinds, ultrasonic cleaning is an amazing choice. The device used in this method features sound waves mixed with a mild cleaning solution to form bubbles. Ultrasonic cleaning produces a powerful effect that effectively gets rid of dust and even grease from window blinds.
Even though this technology is strong and has a deep cleaning effect, it’s actually gentle on delicate fabric blinds. Make sure you call for a reliable window blind cleaning specialist for careful application. Ultrasonic cleaning is also how to clean mini blinds without taking them down!
Some Helpful Blind Cleaning & Maintenance Tips
- The best way to clean blinds is to stick to simple regular cleaning, as nothing is more effective at preventing buildup than consistency in cleaning.
- Use a microfiber cloth instead of a regular cloth when wiping blinds as the former catches dust particles better, and is gentler on blinds fabric.
- If you can take down your blinds for deep cleaning, go ahead. You can clean blinds while these are still up (works for light cleaning), but disassemble them for a meticulous cleanup.
- When vacuuming window blinds to clean them, move your vacuum cleaner brush in the direction of the fabric weave, which helps keep the fabric safe.
- If you are worried about pulling on the fabric or any part of motorized blinds, skip the vacuum cleaner and go for microfiber cleaning.
- Steer clear of harsh chemicals that damage blind material. A vinegar solution is a convenient alternative to soap or detergent.
- If you are wondering how to remove stubborn stains from blinds without taking them down, use a soft toothbrush as a blind cleaner tool. Dip in vinegar solution for spot-cleaning.
- No matter what kind of blind cleaner tool and the solution you use, natural or chemical, do a spot test first—especially if your blinds feature dark-coloured fabric.
- Rotate your blinds regularly to stop them from fading. Turning the blinds also makes wear occur more evenly, giving the blinds a uniform look.
- It’s worth investing in high-quality blinds that make cleaning and maintenance quicker. Choose fabric and hardware that looks great and is made to last.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cleaning Blinds
Q: How often should I clean my window blinds?
Go for regular dusting every day or every alternate day to clear your blinds of surface-level contaminants. Deep clean your blinds with a solution once every couple of months or so.
Q: Which method of cleaning blinds will make them look like new?
Deep cleaning with a mild cleaning solution is the best way to make your blinds look new. Taking down blinds is how you ensure uniform cleaning.
Q: Is it possible to wash blinds in the washing machine?
Some blinds, such as roller blinds, can be washed in the washing machine on the gentle setting (air-dry only though). However, going for soaking and hand-cleaning blinds is ideal. Check the label on your window blinds to ensure which cleaning methods are recommended.
Q: Can I give blinds to a professional blind cleaner?
Having your window blinds professionally cleaned once in a while via washing, dry cleaning, or ultrasonic cleaning does deliver amazing results. It can be costly depending on where you live, but professional blind cleaners do a spectacular job.
Simplify Blind Cleaning With High-Quality Blinds By Aethos Interiors
You can minimize your worries about cleaning when you start out with top-notch window blinds. While these simple hacks will keep your home looking clean and healthy, it’s smart to invest in high-quality window décor if you’re often busy. Aethos Interiors offers a variety of sturdy and durable custom blinds. Get in touch with us today and we’ll craft window blinds for your home. Get a free estimate now or contact us at +431-877-7855 to discuss your requirements.