The days have finally started to get longer, and it’s time to make the most out of your windows. While you’re cleaning the windows themselves, why not give your blinds some attention, too?
Cleaning Tips
Although different materials may need different types of care, some techniques are safe for everything.
Dust
Regularly dusting your blinds will go a long way to great looking windows. Use a microfiber duster on fully extended blinds. After closing the slats and making sure they’re all facing the same direction, dust lightly in the same direction of the slats. Once you reach the end, dust in the other direction. From there, turn them the other way and repeat.
Cleaner
You should clean your blinds with a clean sock or cotton glove at least once or twice a year. Just rub the fabric along the slats from end to end, and work from the bottom up. You can also dampen the material with clean water, or a mixture of 75% water and 25% white vinegar.
Vinyl and Metal
To give vinyl or metal blinds a thorough cleaning, take them down and bring it into the bathtub or a child’s pool in the back yard. Wash them down with soapy, warm water, and then rinse them with either the garden hose or a handheld shower nozzle. Make sure all the soap is off before drying them with a towel and hanging them again. Make sure to keep them open so air can circulate easily. To repel dust, run a dryer sheet over the slats after they’re dry.
Wood
Wood blinds are already treated to repel dust and stains, but you should still use good quality furniture polish once or twice a year. Spray the polish on clean fabric and wipe the slats individually, while staying away from the cords. You can also use water on them, but remove extra moisture right away to avoid damage.
Fabric
Fabric blinds are a little harder to clean. Dust can be removed with compressed air or a vacuum, but stains need dabbing with water or mild soap. Only blot the fabric, since rubbing can cause damage. Tough stains may need professional care.
Regular cleaning is a great way to keep your window dressings looking wonderful for years. But if keeping those blinds clean is one of those chores you keep putting off, you may want to consider installing windows with blinds built in between the glass panels and cross that task off your to-do list permanently! Pella offers a line of Designer Series windows with treatments such as interchangeable blinds and shades built in.
Window Outfitters is a premier Window Replacement, doors, siding contractor and installer. As Contractor in the St Paul, Minneapolis, (Twin Cities) Minnesota (MN) metro, we proudly serve, but are not limited to, the following areas: Minneapolis Energy Efficient Vinyl Windows, Replacement Window Contractors Minnesota, Burnsville, Apple Valley, Lakeville, Savage, Bloomington, Edina, Richfield, Eagan, St Paul, Hastings, Minnetonka, Plymouth, Maple Grove, Eden Prairie, Farmington MN, Chaska, Shakopee, Chanhassen, Victoria, Mendota Heights Anderson Windows Minneapolis, Marvin Windows Minneapolis.
