Are you planning on cleaning your Venetian Blinds? Let’s look at how you can do this. We all know that over time dust and dirt can accumulate within the blinds. After all, the grooves or slats are the perfect places for dirt to settle.
Venetian blinds are one of the most common choices for your windows. Blinds can transform the look and style of your home and office in an instant. What they do is give a touch of class and elegance while allowing light into your homes. However, with blinds comes the requirements of regular cleaning. Why? Well, to keep them looking fresh, clean and prolong their use. Which is why regular cleaning is vital. Let’s have a look at a few tips and ideas in keeping your Venetian blinds looking fabulous.
When we think of Venetian blinds, what comes to mind is the blind we have at home. Whichever one you have chosen to put up is a choice of preference. However, this article will look at how we can clean and spruce up wooden, faux wood, and aluminum Venetian blinds—something for everyone to read and learn.
First of all, let’s look at how one can regularly maintain their Venetian blinds. These tips are for a frequent cleaning process and are best done every week or two.
Regular Cleaning of Venetian Blinds
Regular cleaning is required when living in highly dusty areas. We all know the hassle of doing a deep clean regularly can be time-consuming and not very efficient. Instead, a quick cleaning process rather than letting the dust settle is your best option.
You won’t need to take the blinds down for this process.
Firstly, wipe off the blinds. You can use a rag to softly wipe away the dust along the length of the blinds. Be gentle so that you don’t damage the fabric and still remove the dirt while it’s hanging.
If you find that your blinds have stains, then a mild soap or detergent is your best solution. Be sure that the solution you use will not damage the quality of the material of your blinds. Further, remember that wetting the blinds can harm the material and even cause mold. Be sure to dry the blinds thoroughly.
A duster is another choice. A damp duster is an ideal way to remove hard debris off the surface of the blinds.
Another quick cleaning mechanism is a vacuum. A suction vacuum cleaner can be used. This method is one of the easier ways of cleaning those beautiful Venetian blinds. However, be sure to use the upholstery attachment of your vacuum cleaner. Otherwise, you might end up damaging the slats and even scratching the blinds.
Now that we know the quick fix let’s move on to how one can do a deeper and more thorough clean of Venetian blinds.
Deep and Thorough Cleaning
When it comes to a thorough cleaning, this may take more time and effort. This process does not have to happen often and can have a more extended time between cleanings. Once a month is fine.
Make sure you allocate a day, time, and plan ahead. It is best to remove the blinds off the window to clean the bottom section better and fix it back on once dry.
It is advised not to start deep cleaning your blinds on a day that you may have visitors coming over or plan to entertain.
Mornings are ideal for cleaning as you will have time to get through the process and dry them before putting the blinds back on.
Firstly, while the blinds are on, you can use a soft, lint-free cloth to wipe away dust and debris on the slats.
The blinds can then be wiped with a damp cloth to remove any accumulated dust further. Warm or cold water, depending on your preference, can be used. Then move on to the cleaning solution. A few drops will suffice. Apply the drops onto a cloth and wipe across the blinds. Start with the top and move onto the bottom. Note to self: always double-check with the instructions on the label of the solution.
A cloth dipped in vinegar is ideal for wiping down blinds to avoid mildew and fungal growth.
You can then remove the blinds from the window and clean the bottom section. Give it 24 hours for both the bottom and blinds to dry thoroughly before putting the blinds back on. This is the best time to clean those windows too. Get two tasks done in one cleaning session.
The blinds should be fully dried and not be kept damp or wet in order for the job to be done successfully. You can either air dry or use cool air from a hairdryer.
Cleaning different types of Venetian blinds
Depending on your choices, you may have a combination of Venetian blinds or just one type. However, learning how to keep them clean is a win-win and will help you in the upkeep of them.
Aluminum Venetian Blinds
Does it feel daunting to clean your aluminum blinds? Feel like you may not be able to do it, right? Read on to find out how you can clean them without a problem. Metal blinds tend to gather dust and smudges quickly. However regular cleaning would help you maintain them.
A cloth dampened with warm water and detergent can be used to wipe down and clean the inside of the blinds. Be sure to do this properly and thoroughly to get rid of all the dust and dirt. Don’t forget to clean the outer side as well. Just repeat the process on the outside of the blinds.
Once wiped down with a damp cloth, you can move on to a dry cloth that is used for cleaning glass. This will help dry up the blinds and remove any smudges and marks that may have been left from the damp cloth. Don’t forget a thorough drying is necessary to prevent the build-up of mold.
You could use a hairdryer on a cool setting to help in speeding up the drying process.
Wooden Venetian Blinds
It can be tricky to clean wooden Venetian blinds, and one must do it with utmost care. As they are made from natural wood, they often tend to be coated with an oil-based coating. Which once covered in dust and dirt, is hard to remove off. There are ways to clean them safely. One just needs to know the correct steps.
First, wipe down the slats with a dry cloth to take away the dust on the blinds.
A clean and damp microfiber cloth is best to use afterward.
Using a too wet cloth on the wooden blinds would not be recommended. Never use cloth made from abrasive material.
Be gentle and do not leave any streaks on the blinds.
When cleaning wooden blinds, start from the top and move downwards.
Force should not be used when cleaning wooden blinds as you can damage the wood.
Finally, suppose you have stains that seem too hard to get rid of. In that case, you can use a cleaner especially made for cleaning and preserving wooden Venetian blinds.
Faux Wood Venetian Blinds
The easiest to clean out of the Venetian blinds are the faux wooden ones. As they are durable and resist warping, cleaning them is simple.
As usual, wiping them down and ridding the blinds of dust and dirt will be your first step. A vacuum is another helpful tool in getting rid of all that excess dust.
After the initial cleaning is taken care of, a mixture of dishwashing solution and a small amount of warm water will help clean the blinds. This can be sprayed on using a spray bottle and scrubbed thoroughly with the use of a sponge. However, be gentle and not overdo it as you may damage or scratch them like all blinds. A wet rag will help you clean off any residue and wipe down the blinds.
If you find stains and marks on your blinds, spot cleaning with mild detergent and warm water on a damp cloth is another quick fix.
Yes! Like all other types of blinds, faux wooden ones need to be dried too, which can be done with a dry microfiber cloth. An excellent dry wipe through each slat of your blind, and voila, you have clean Venetian blinds that look as good as new.
All these methods are quick and easy fixes for getting your Venetian blinds to last long and look great. If at any point you feel like they do need a cleaning that seems too hard to fix, then don’t resort to getting rid of them. You can always get the services of a cleaning crew. This is your best bet for those challenging cleaning requirements.
Remember!
Be careful. After all, you wouldn’t want to damage the material. Whichever blind you choose for your space, always take care and be gentle. Don’t forget to wipe down and dust off the blinds before applying water-based methods of cleaning. If you use a detergent, ensure it’s mild, and finally, don’t forget to dry off the blinds. Please don’t leave them damp as we wouldn’t want to attract mold. Follow these tips, and your Venetian blinds will look as good as new. You’re one step closer to prolonging its lifespan. All that it takes is a few tips and tricks and some good old-fashioned elbow grease.