Window blinds are a type of window treatment whose functions extend beyond just the aesthetic. Blinds can regulate light entering a room, keep your privacy, block the heat of the summer sun, and even keep the warmth during cold weather. Compared to curtains, shades, and drapes, blinds aren’t made of a single fabric but slats that tilt open through the use of a cord or lifting mechanism.
Blinds can be made of different materials, such as bamboo, vinyl, wood, and aluminum, and come in different colors and patterns. They can also come in various types, such as Venetian blinds, roller blinds, wooden blinds, Roman blinds, and plantation shutters, to name a few.
It’s important to keep your blinds clean as they can accumulate dirt, stains, and dust that may be harder to get rid of once left unnoticed. Dirty blinds might also cause allergies. Keeping your blinds spick-and-span isn’t a difficult task, and this can also save you money in the long run since you don’t have to constantly replace blinds that are well cared for. That said, here are some tips you can follow to keep your blinds spotless:
1. Use The Right Tools
You don’t need a lot of complicated tools to clean window blinds. Essentially, you only need the following:
- Microfiber Cloth: A soft cleaning cloth that can be used to wipe slats without damaging them. Microfiber cloths don’t leave any lint or dust, which makes them perfect for cleaning window blinds as these can accumulate a lot of dirt, especially if your windows are facing a busy street.
- Vacuum Cleaner: This is also an efficient tool to clean window blinds as it can brush away or suck in dirt and dust from the slats.
- Duster Or Sponge: Like the microfiber cloth, a duster or a sponge can wipe away dirt from your window blinds. Feather dusters can work dry while sponges are more effective when damp or wet.
- Cleaning Mixture Or Spray: For more stubborn dirt or stains, use a cleaning agent such as soap and water, or vinegar and water in combination with a sponge or cloth. You can use a spray bottle for a more targeted clean.
2. Do Regular Cleaning Every Day
As a general rule, it’s best to clean your blinds daily. This doesn’t mean doing deep cleaning, but dusting your blinds every day would suffice and would actually cut down the need for deep cleaning in the long run. For some simple, regular cleaning, you can use a microfiber cloth, a feather duster, or a vacuum cleaner with a small suction or soft brush attachment. Start from the top going all the way down to the bottom, gently wiping off the dust and dirt from each slat.
When cleaning your blinds with a vacuum, use the lowest setting on the suction to avoid damaging the slats. Close the blinds and hold the rail on the bottom, and start by vacuuming the sides.
3. Deep Clean Once A Month
Aside from regular cleaning, deep cleaning your blinds once a month is also a must if you want to keep them well-maintained. For this task, you need a hose, some cleaning liquid, a sponge, and old towels.
First, remove the blinds from your windows. Keep in mind that depending on their type, some blinds might need a screw driver with which to unscrew the panel.
Once the blinds are detached, take them outdoors and put them on top of your towels until they’re fully extended. Then, mix the cleaning liquid with water in a bucket, and pour it evenly on your blinds. Once everything is wet, clean each slat one by one by using a sponge or a mop. After which, you can use a hose to rinse the soap off your blinds.
An alternative method is spraying all-purpose cleaner on your blinds and using a sponge to wipe them clean. A towel can be used to clean up the residue.
Vinegar and water can also be effective against grease or grime. Using a bowl, mix water and white vinegar in equal parts. Then, dip your microfiber cloth on the mixture and proceed to wipe each slat clean.
4. Maintain Your Cleaning Schedule
If you can’t commit to cleaning your blinds every day, then at least make it a point to clean them every week and stick to that schedule. This is especially important to avoid bacteria from sticking to your blinds, which can cause respiratory problems, as well as allergies.
By regularly sticking to a cleaning schedule, you can also avoid dust mites, which are tiny creatures that thrive in dusty dwellings. These pesky critters can cause rashes, nasal congestion, sneezing, and a host of other symptoms. For those with asthma, their condition can be aggravated by the presence of dust mites, which can result in difficulty breathing, chest pain or tightness, wheezing, and even sleeping problems.
5. Call For Backup And Professional Help
If you have absolutely no time to clean your blinds or find the task too tedious even for a monthly cleaning, it’s time to call for backup. Employ the help of family or friends who may be willing to lend a hand. You can schedule this on a weekend or depending on the availability of all parties involved.
If you can’t get friends and family to help, consider hiring the services of professional window blind cleaners. Companies that offer these services have the right methods, tools, and skills to clean your blinds properly without damaging them. They might even give you tips on how to maintain your blinds so they can last longer. With the help of professionals, you can rest assured that your blinds will be spotless in no time.
Conclusion
Window blinds are great window treatments that can help make any home or building look welcoming and cozy. Blinds can control the light coming in from your windows, protect your privacy, and help regulate temperatures during cold or hot weather. As an important part of any home or office, it’s crucial to keep your blinds clean so they don’t accumulate dust, dirt, stains, and grime, as well as become a breeding ground for bacteria and dust mites. Through regular cleaning, you can ensure that not only will your blinds last for a long time, but that respiratory issues won’t arise from having unclean blinds.
