How to Clean all Types of Blinds

Window treatments other than curtains need cleaning on a regular basis, but how do you keep blinds clean?

04/03/2022

 

 

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There are plenty of window treatments for the home and, except for curtains that are washable or dry-cleanable, other window solutions include blinds; to be more specific, we are talking about Venetian blinds, vertical blinds, bamboo blinds and Roman blinds or other fabric blinds. Like curtains, these window treatments need cleaning regularly for them to look good.

 

 

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Cleaning Venetian Blinds

When it comes to privacy and light control, there is nothing better or more affordable than Venetian blinds, whether they are aluminium, plastic or faux wood. Venetian blinds are easily adjusted for the perfect angle, quickly roll up or down and look good on a window with or without curtains.

 

 

 

The only problem with Venetian blinds is that they quickly attract dust and if they are in a kitchen the problem is compounded by airborne grease. Once this gets onto your blinds the dust sticks on there and is almost impossible to remove. The best way to stay on top of this is with regular cleaning. Most vacuum cleaners have a brush attachment for use on curtains and upholstery and this brush is also great for remov dust from Venetian blinds.

 

 

Over the years, I have tried all different methods for cleaning Venetian (horizontal) blinds from removing them and soaking in a bath of soapy water or hanging them on the washing line to scrub, to using those silly little slat cleaners that take hours to clean blinds. The easiest and most practical method for cleaning blinds is shown in the video below and the method is simple, and you don't even need to remove the blinds.

 

 

Step 1

Use the brush attachment of your vacuum cleaner to clean both the front and back of the blinds. Simply adjust the angle of the slats forward and the back so that you can do this while standing in position.

 

 

How to clean Venetian or horizontal blinds without removing them

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Cleaning Roman or Fabric Blinds

Roman and fabric blinds are one of the most popular types of blinds when you are looking to bring colour, texture, or pattern into a room with window treatments and still have privacy and a certain amount of light control. Under most circumstances, Roman or fabric blinds, including vertical panel fabric blinds, only need regular cleaning with the brush attachment on your vacuum cleaner but if you don't do this regularly there will be a build-up of dust that will get deep into the fabric fibres. But before you take them down and pop them to soak in a bathtub, check the label for cleaning and washing instructions as you may only be able to have them dry cleaned.

 

Step 1

Use the brush attachment on a vacuum cleaner to remove as much loose or ingrained dust as possible. This is something you should do regularly if the kitchen is open plan to the living room or the fabric blinds are close to the kitchen as airborne grease will make fabric curtains tricky to keep clean. All blinds need to be first cleaned with a brush attachment on a vacuum cleaner. Never put a vacuum attachment directly onto the fabric as this may pull or distort the fabric. Only use a brush attachment on the vacuum cleaner and this should keep the fabric blinds clean and free from dust if done regularly

 

 

Step 2

While the blinds are fully open, have a bucket of warm, soapy water (add a teaspoon of dishwashing liquid or natural soap) and use a damp soft towel or duster, or even a microfibre cloth to dab any spoiled areas on the fabric. If there are stains, you can use oxygen bleach such as Vanish. Dab with a towel dampened with oxygen bleach, leave for 5 to 10 minutes, and then dab with a cloth and clean water. Use a clean dry cloth to remove excess moisture. 

 

 

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Never place Roman blinds in a washing machine as the agitation may destroy the fabric and any fittings that are included. Soaking in soapy water in a bathtub is perfectly fine as long as you check the cleaning label beforehand.

 

 

GOOD TO KNOW: Most fabric or Roman blinds can be cleaned using the method above but if in doubt always be sure to do a test on an edge at the back of the blind before you undertake any cleaning.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Cleaning Bamboo Blinds

Bamboo is a very resilient material, and this is what makes it so popular as a window dressing. Although, there are bamboo blinds on the market that are not quite up to quality and will need to be cleaned with care. If your bamboo blinds have very thin and break easily, it is probably best to just give them a light dusting with a feather duster or soft cloth.

 

 

Step 1

Use the brush attachment on your vacuum cleaner to remove any loose dust before you begin cleaning. If you don't have a brush attachment, you can use a soft feather duster.

 

 

Step 2

For wood blinds and shutters or bamboo blinds, it is better to avoid excess moisture on these materials and you should only use a slightly dampened and soft cloth to wipe the front and back of blinds.

 

 

Only use a slightly damp cloth to clean wooden blinds as they are easily destroyed by excess moisture.

 

 

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