Crafted from fabric or vinyl, cleaning vertical blinds requires attention to detail. Dusting them monthly is vital to prevent the buildup of toxins and dust mites, especially in high-traffic areas like the kitchen. Deep cleaning once or twice a year, perhaps through professional services. To simplify the process, you can wipe down your vertical blinds without removing them, but understanding the consequences of leaving blinds uncleaned is paramount.
Dirty vertical blinds may lead to various issues like allergies that can be harmful for your health. Additionally, damp blinds can promote mold growth, particularly when in contact with wet surfaces. Cleaning blinds can be challenging and they may lose functionality over time.
Read to know your curtain better.
Effective Blind Cleaning
Dusting With Thick Duster
To clean the blinds effectively, start by using a thick duster to wipe them from top to bottom. Close the blinds with one flat side facing you and begin dusting from the top, moving from left to right until they are free of dust. Rotate the blinds to expose the other flat side and repeat the process. Avoid using a cloth or feather duster as they may simply move dirt around. Handle the blinds carefully as they may be attached with delicate plastic pieces.
Brushing Bristle
Start brushing the bristles along the top of each blind, gradually moving downward. This method minimises suction while effectively removing dust from the blinds. Focus on one side of the blinds before moving to the other side.
Avoid using the vacuum without an attachment, as it may harm the blinds due to excessive suction. Also, refrain from vacuuming upwards from the bottom to prevent the blinds from becoming unhooked and falling off.
Weekly Maintenance
A weekly clean up activity for your vertical blinds is good to avoid any dust buildup. A regular cleaning schedule will work wonders for maintaining your blinds for longer-term.
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Cleaning Blinds With a Homemade Solution
Using Cleaning Solution
Use a soapy solution by mixing dish soap with warm water. If you have wooden blinds, mix equal parts vinegar and warm water instead.
Wipe Down the Blinds
Wipe out the blinds gently from top to bottom by a damp sponge or microfiber cloth.
Remove Soap Residue
Remove the soap residue by using another damp cloth. Dampen a fresh microfiber cloth with clean water and wipe the blinds once more, ensuring to remove excess soapy water to prevent streaks or spots.
If necessary, wring out the cloth to avoid spreading suds. When drying fabric blinds, apply pressure with your non-dominant hand on the opposite side to help extract the soapy water more effectively.
Drying Blinds
Allow the blinds to dry naturally by opening them to create airflow. Leave them open until they are completely dry to the touch, typically within 1-2 hours.
Once dry, close them as usual. To prevent dust from settling on them, avoid opening windows or doors nearby during the drying process.
Cleaning the Blinds in a Bathtub
To clean blinds in a bathtub, start by wiping each one with a microfiber cloth to remove dust, working from top to bottom. Shake off the cloth after each blind to avoid spreading dust. Plastic and vinyl blinds can be submerged in warm, soapy water, but check fabric blinds tags first.
Unhook the blinds, open them, and slide a plastic card to release them easily. Prepare the tub with comfortably warm water mixed with dish soap, making sure it is not too hot.
Submerge the blinds for an hour, then gently clean and place them on towels to air dry for 1-2 hours. Fabric blinds might require additional drying time.
Machine Washing of Vertical Blinds
Fabric blinds should be fine on a delicate cycle, but always check the care instructions first. For plastic or vinyl blinds, hand washing is recommended. Some care labels do permit machine washing, but be cautious: delicate fabrics may fray or snag, and hot water cycles can shrink the blinds. If machine washing is suitable, roll the blinds up and place them in an empty pillowcase, then wash on the woolens & delicates cycle, ensuring the water temperature doesn’t exceed 40°C.
Cleaning your fabric vertical blinds does not require removing them. Simply support each blind from behind and use the brush attachment of your vacuum cleaner to clean from top to bottom on both sides. Alternatively, a duster can also be used.