Relatively Cheap Ways to Clean Your Blinds
There are very few people who list cleaning as one of their favourite things to do. But once you bite the bullet and decide to get dusting, don’t neglect your window dressings. We’re here to tell you what you’ll need to thoroughly clean your window blinds.
Cleaning your Roman blinds
What you’ll need for:
A Simple Clean
- Vacuum cleaner (with soft brush attachment)
- Microfibre/feather duster
Fully open your blinds and gently vacuum the fabric in a downwards motion to lift away dust, dirt and debris, paying particular attention to the bottom and the edges of your Roman blinds as that’s where they generally collect more dust. Alternatively, you could use a microfibre/feather duster.
Stubborn Stains
- Vacuum cleaner (with soft brush attachment)
- Damp microfibre cloth
- Fabric cleaner
Vacuum the blinds first, then take the fabric cleaner and a damp cloth. Apply the cleaner to the cloth and lightly dab the material until the stain has lifted. Avoid rubbing or scrubbing. Be aware, the spot-cleaned area may become lighter than the rest of the fabric.
A Deep Clean
- Vacuum cleaner (with soft brush attachment)
- Mild washing detergent
After vacuuming, take your blinds down and (fabric allowing) machine wash on a delicate setting using mild detergent. Avoid spin cycles. Remove any detachables before washing and do not tumble dry.
Blinds that can’t be machine washed
- Vacuum cleaner (with soft brush attachment)
- A steamer
If you can’t machine wash them, steam clean them (after vacuuming) instead. Leave the blinds in their fitted position and open them fully. Use the steam cleaner as advised and follow the instructions. Be light handed and don’t over steam.
Cleaning Your Roller Blinds
What you’ll need for:
A Simple Clean
- Vacuum cleaner (with soft brush attachment)
Don’t dust or wipe roller blinds clean. Instead, vacuum gently in a downwards motion to lift dust and dirt efficiently.
Stubborn Stains
- Vacuum cleaner (with soft brush attachment)
- Microfibre cloth
- Warm water
- Baking powder
Vacuum the blinds beforehand, then add a tablespoon of baking powder to warm water, dampen the cloth and gently spot clean any stains. Only wipe in one direction to avoid rivets in the material.
A Deep Clean
- Vacuum cleaner (with soft brush attachment)
- Steamer
- Microfibre cloth
- Warm water
- Washing up liquid
Ensure you’ve vacuumed your blinds first. Before you steam, check whether the material is suitable for this method. If you’re unsure, check with the manufacturer. Then open the blinds fully and steam in a downwards motion, be careful not to over-steam. Use as advised and always follow the instructions.
If they can’t be steam cleaned, lift dirt with a vacuum first, then take some warm, soapy water, a damp cloth and wipe in a downwards motion to remove dirt, then leave to air dry.
Removing Mould
- Microfibre cloth
- Clear mould detergent
- Warm water
- A mask to cover nose and mouth
- Lemon juice
- Salt
Add the mould detergent to warm water and mix well. Put a mask on, then dampen the cloth and wipe away the mould gently. Alternatively, you can use lemon juice and salt solution. Leave to air dry.
Cleaning Your Venetian Blinds
What you’ll need for:
A Simple Clean
- Vacuum cleaner (with soft brush attachment)
- Microfibre cloth or an old cotton sock (which would be easier)
- Warm water
- Washing up liquid
Quickly and carefully vacuum the blinds to lift away excess dust. Add the washing up liquid to the warm water to make a soapy solution. Dip the sock into the water and wring out until damp. Put your hand in the sock and, starting from the top, put your hand around the slat. Drag your hand across from left to right until clean. This method also works for wooden venetian blinds as well as vinyl and aluminium.
Cleaning Your Vertical Blinds
What you’ll need for:
A Simple Clean
- Warm water
- Microfibre cloth
Vertical blinds are fairly low maintenance anyway, as they don’t collect as much dirt and dust. But when in need of a clean, unclip each of the louvres from the brackets, take a damp cloth and wipe down carefully. Leave to air dry and clip them back up.
Cleaning Your Wooden Blinds
What you’ll need for:
A Simple Clean
- Vacuum cleaner (with soft brush attachment)
- Microfibre cloth
- Warm water
- Washing up liquid
- Baking powder
Wood is porous, so be careful not to stain your blinds when cleaning them. For a simple, effective clean, take some warm water and add some washing up liquid and a tablespoon of baking powder to make a solution. Dip the cloth in then wring until almost dry. Gently wipe the blinds down, ensuring you aren’t applying too much pressure. Once done, leave to air dry.
Here at Boyd’s Blinds, we’re dedicated to selling quality blinds in Nottingham that perfectly meet our customers’ requirements and specifications. For more advice or information regarding our products and services, don’t hesitate to contact us – we’re more than happy to help.
