How to Clean Blinds? 3 Brilliant Blind Cleaning Methods
Blinds are becoming a popular solution in interior design. They replace curtains and drapes, or are used as an addition to them. Apart from shades used indoor, you can also spot external blinds, especially on lower stories in buildings located in large cities. They are made of special materials - resistant to damage, to protect the building from attempted burglary. Regardless of the type, shades require regular cleaning. Are you wondering how to clean roller blinds - indoors and outdoors? Learn a few best methods.
What kinds of blinds can you pick?
Blinds are a very useful addition - both for home and office interiors. Not only they make a great window decoration, but also protect the interior from nosy people - passerby or neighbors.
There are many types of blinds. Some of them are perfect for houses and apartments, while other types fit offices and industrial buildings. The available options offer the following blinds:
- Roman,
- Austrian,
- pleated,
- roller,
- vertical,
- zebra,
- wooden,
- aluminum,
- external (classic or safety).
Each of the listed type of blinds has a different construction and material used for their production.
Roman and Austrian blinds are made of fabric, which means if you want to clean them - just put them in a washing machine. But pleated or free hanging blinds are different and cannot be washed this way. For this reason, it’s important to adjust the right method of cleaning blinds to match their type.
Why is it so important to clean roller blinds?
Just like other items at home, blinds collect dust and dirt. In this case, you cannot clean the blinds every day, as it’s impossible. But make sure to do it from time to time.
The dust sitting on the blinds is dangerous, especially for sensitive people and allergy sufferers. They might seek for the reason behind their constantly runny nose or rash. As it turns out, they completely ignore cleaning their blinds. It’s a big mistake.
How often do you clean blinds?
Cleaning blinds is not a complicated task. But sometimes it takes time. That’s why it’s not something you do often. But as a rule of thumb, make sure to clean them at least once a month.
Cleaning wooden and aluminum blinds (often called Venetian blinds) is the easiest. You just wipe them using a wet cloth and a detergent. You can do it during weekly cleaning. Thanks to this, they won’t accumulate too much dirt.
Can you clean blinds yourself?
As already mentioned, cleaning Venetian blinds is a piece of cake. Without a doubt, you can clean such elements yourself. What about other types? There are certain useful methods recommended by specialists.
Although cleaning other types of blinds is more time-consuming and requires some knowledge, you can do most of it yourself. There’s no need to order a cleaning service for this purpose.
How to clean pleated blinds?
Cleaning pleated blinds is not as difficult as you might expect. While you have to take them off the window, the process is not problematic at all - you’ll see once you try it.
Handwashing is the basic method for cleaning pleated blinds. After taking them off the window, pour some warm water into a basin - the temperature cannot exceed 35-40°C (95-104°F). Add some liquid soap to it. All stains and dirt should dissolve after 30 minutes. Afterwards, just rinse the blinds in cool water.
You can remove the excess water from the blinds using a paper towel. Hang the damp elements back on the window - they will dry on their own.
If your windows are large, you can have trouble with finding a large enough bowl. You can use a shower tray or a bathtub.
When cleaning pleated shades, you can use washing liquid for delicate fabrics or a product designed for handwashing instead of soap. Under no circumstance rub the material with a sponge or a brush - even if the stains are profound. Avoid using strong chemicals, as they might cause discoloration.
If it’s been a long time since you last cleaned your pleated blinds, and they are dirty or heavily stained - consider using a professional cleaning service. This way, you can be sure you won’t have to purchase new elements.
How to clean roller blinds?
Roller blinds can be found in many homes, as they were highly popular in the past. They need even more careful treatment than pleated shades. Before doing anything, make sure to take off the blinds from the window. Otherwise, cleaning them might be difficult.
Cleaning fabric roller blinds involves removing dirt from the external layer, which is easy. But remember that you shouldn’t, or even mustn’t submerge them in water.
Prepare a spot where you can spread the blinds. Then, take a damp cloth - soaked with water with one of the following products:
- liquid soap,
- dish soap,
- washing liquid,
- universal cleaner for various surfaces.
In delicate movements, remove dirt from the blinds - don’t rub the surface and rinse the cloth regularly. Wait until the shades dry completely before you use them again. Don’t roll them. Otherwise, they might develop mold after a few days.
Cleaning zebra blinds
Are you wondering how to clean zebra blinds? This type of equipment is a perfect alternative for traditional roller blinds, whose cleaning process has been described above. Because of this, cleaning zebra blinds looks the same. Just make sure to be delicate with the thinner parts of the shades to avoid damage.
How to clean external blinds?
You can clean external blinds less frequently than elements used inside. It can be done when cleaning windows, which is something you do every six months. It’s the appropriate frequency.
If you want to clean external blinds, you need good weather - it’s the essential. 10-15°C (50-59°F) is the minimal temperature for such works. Make sure it’s not raining and avoid cleaning during windy days.
External blinds are water-resistant, so you don’t have to worry about wetting them. But pay attention to the products you use, as they might affect the coating of the blinds. Make sure to read the labels before using any cleaning product.
When cleaning external blinds, always use soft cloths or sponges without sharp structure. This way, you can be sure you won’t damage the protective layer of the element, which might result in rust.
Don’t forget that strings for lifting the blinds are also their part. Make sure to clean them as well from time to time. To do this, use warm soapy water. Drain the excess moisture using a paper towel.
📍 How to clean cassette blinds?
If you want to clean cassette blinds, take them off the window - if it's possible. Then, use a cloth soaked with soapy water to wipe their surface - don't press it too much. Make sure the blinds are dry before you roll them back into the cassette.
📍 How to remove mold from zebra blinds?
Removing mold from zebra blinds is easy. To do this, use warm water with hand soap or dish soap. Use a cloth to remove the stains. If they are extensive, you can use a sponge, but be careful not to damage delicate parts of the blinds.
📍 How to remove flies off blinds?
Flies on blinds are a big problem in summer. For this reason, the blinds are covered with dead insects and their feces. You can simply knock the dead flies using e.g. a dusting brush. The stains can be removed with a wet cloth and a bit of soap. If it doesn't work - soak the cloth with hydrogen peroxide and use it to clean the blinds.
📍 How to remove stains from pleated blinds?
Pleated blinds should be removed from the window for cleaning. You can remove the dirt by submerging the material in lukewarm water with soap or a handwashing product. Leave the blinds in the solution for 20-30 minutes, then rinse them, remove the excess water using a paper towel and hang the shades back in the window.
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