How To Clean Window Blinds Quickly And Easily

If anything in the house will collect dust and grime, it will be the window shades. The humidity from the windows attracts the dust to your window blinds like a magnet. Because they are so thin and have so many difficult areas to reach, cleaning them can be a real chore. Thankfully, there are a few hints and tricks you can use to make the job a whole lot easier.

Vertical Window Blinds

Tossing fabric verticals into a machine washer or dryer is a recipe for disaster. This may not only tear the fabric, but it will put permanent kinks and creases into the stiffened shape. Help maintain their like-new appearance by brushing them lightly with a feather duster. You can also use a vacuum cleaner hose with an upholstery end. If the fabric does happen to get a stain, use a mild solution of soap and water along with a sponge or cloth. However, be sure to test the fabric carefully so that you do not mark or damage the color of the fabric in any way.

Soft verticals can only be vacuumed or professionally cleaned. To keep them looking new, you need to vacuum frequently. Vinyl window blinds will only need a quick wipe with a mild solution of soap and water. You will want to make sure you stay away from anything that may scratch or is abrasive; this includes cloths and cleaners. When you're done, wipe them dry with a soft towel to ensure they don't get any water marks.

Horizontal Window Shades

Aluminum window blinds need regular dusting to prevent a buildup of dust and dirt. You can use a dusting cloth, mitten, or a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment to keep them clean. Simply turn them all the way one way, give them a wipe, turn them all the way in the other direction, and give them a final wipe. The best way to wash them is to put an odd sock over your hand, and wipe one blade at a time. You'll want to be careful however, as some equipment or cleaners can cause the slats to bleach, shrink, or stretch. So make sure to be gentle and test any cleaners in a hidden area.

Cellular window shades can be cleaned with water, but you are best to use nothing more than a damp sponge and water. Cleaning products can seriously damage the materials. You can also use a feather duster or a vacuum with a brush attachment to keep off the dust and dirt. With fabric roll window coverings, you will only want to vacuum them. Avoid water and cleaners as they will permanently mark the fabric.

If you have privacy slats that can be removed and replaced, simply pull them out, wipe them clean, and slide them back into place. Wood blinds cannot tolerate water in any way. If they get wet, the wood grains will stain, and it will ruin the finish. For faux wood blinds, you will need nothing more than a cloth slightly dampened with water. Turn the blinds all the way one direction, wipe them with a soft cloth or vacuum cleaner, turn them all the way in the opposite direction, and repeat.

With the proper care, your window blinds will last for years to come, and always look their best. These simple steps will make it far easier to keep you window shades in the best condition possible.