How To Clean Your Blinds

Blinds are an excellent addition to the home.

They are integral for privacy, light manipulation, and the overall aesthetic of the room.

However, very few people know how to clean and care for their blinds properly.

When these window dressings are appropriately looked after, they will stand the test of time and keep the house looking sharp for years to come.

Machine Clean v Hand Wash

Firstly, before contemplating a machine wash, be sure to check if the material is suitable. Washing a blind that is not machine friendly can completely wreck the shape and render the item useless. However, many roller blinds and verticals are perfectly fine to be machine washed, providing that a cool setting is used.

For hand washing, all you will need is a microfibre cloth and some warm soapy water for any stubborn marks.

Roller Blinds

Roller blinds are one of the most versatile types of blind around. They are essentially a single piece of fabric that wraps around a fitting, sitting in the top of your window frame.

A Roller blind offers a pretty much unlimited scope with regards to size, colour and pattern. They are suitable for any window, and multiple blinds can be placed together for larger areas such as bay windows or patio doors.

They can be developed using blackout material, making them perfect for the bedroom. Alternatively, flame retardant fabric can be used to create the ideal kitchen solution.

Roller blinds are incredibly durable and easy to clean.

Simply extend the blinds all the way and use the extension on your vacuum cleaner to remove any debris or dust from the material. Next, gently dab with warm soapy water to banish any marks or stains. Be sure the water is not too hot as this may damage the material.

Condensation on the window can mean that mould begins to build around your Roller blind. The key to removing or preventing mould is to ensure the blind is allowed to dry out completely. If you see mould beginning to grow, ensure you fully extend the blind and clean thoroughly. It should then be allowed to air dry before being rolled away.

If mould persists, it may be worthwhile taking the blind to be dry cleaned, which should eliminate the problem.

Wooden Blinds

Wooden blinds are increasingly popular in our homes, providing warmth and privacy. In addition, they are often used to create a focal point for rooms with particularly large windows, especially in lounges or dining spaces.

Therefore, they must be immaculate to keep the space looking incredible.

You can purchase specialist blind cleaning tools that will speed up the process of scrubbing your window dressing. However, these are somewhat unnecessary, and the same finish can be replicated using a feather duster and damp cloth.

There is no need to remove your wooden blind from the window before cleaning. Instead, simply open the window dressing so the slats are flat.

Then using a vacuum cleaner or dry duster, carefully wipe the top and underside of each slat, removing all debris. Then, go in with a damp cloth to remove any stubborn marks or stains. Be careful not to get the wood too wet, which can result in warping.

Faux blinds can be cleaned in precisely the same way.

Motorised Blinds

No modern home is complete without motorised blinds. They enable you to effortlessly manipulate the light in any room and are ideal for large windows, especially in conservatories.

How you clean motorised blinds will depend on the style that you have chosen for your home.

Steer clear of any harsh chemicals which can damage the material and colouring of your blinds.

Be sure not to soak, or spray any cleaning products directly onto motorised blinds. Although unlikely, the excess liquid can damage the mechanical element, and in extreme circumstances, may stop the fixture from working altogether.

Proper cleaning and maintenance will undoubtedly increase the lifespan of your blinds.

Gable End Blinds

Due to their size and the nature of where they are placed, Gable End blinds are often the most challenging to keep clean.

Firstly, safety here is paramount. Whilst it might be very tempting to precariously balance yourself on furniture to polish those hard to reach spots, clean blinds are certainly not worth a broken bone.

You should use a step ladder to reach the taller spots, and always with another responsible person present. Wherever possible, take down the blind and clean whilst your feet are firmly on the ground to minimise the risk of injury.

If the blinds cannot be removed, use a feather duster to remove any debris, followed by a damp cloth for a thorough scrub. Refrain from carrying any buckets of water or additional products up the ladders, as this will increase the chances of an accident.

General Tips For Cleaning Blinds

• Clean little and often. A weekly hoover or dust will help prevent build-up and increase the lifespan of your blinds.

• Warm water and soap should be sufficient. Harsh chemicals should always be avoided on your blinds, as they can damage the materials and ruin the colour – especially in roller blinds.

• Remember to clean both sides. For roller blinds, always flip the blind, dusting and spot cleaning the reverse to leave the material sparkling.

How Smart Blinds Can Help

Great blinds should last you years. There is no reason your window dressing cannot last upwards of a decade with proper care. However, when the time comes to upgrade, Smart Blinds are here.

We are a friendly, family-run business based in Caversham and Thatcham.

Smart Blinds provide a vast range of window dressings - from basic roller blinds to motorised skylight lanterns. For any blind related contact us on 01635 866600 or 01189 509449. Alternatively, email us at info@smartblinds.org, and we will be happy to help.