As we progress into the warmer spring months, many people will be tackling spring cleaning in and around their homes. While you might not actively think about cleaning your blinds and other window coverings, it’s always a good idea to add them to your list of places to clean. While vertical blinds often collect less dust than horizontal blinds, it is still important to clean them from time to time. Regular maintenance will help preserve your blinds so they will continue to look great for years to come.
But how exactly do you clean vertical blinds? We’ve highlighted four different ways that you can clean your vertical blinds that will keep them looking good-as-new and will help you to tackle any pesky marks or stains.
Use The Bathtub
If you have plastic or vinyl vertical blinds in your home, then one of the easiest methods of cleaning them is to wash them in the bathtub! In some cases, fabric blinds can also be cleaned in the bathtub, but it’s always a good idea to check the tag to make sure they are safe to be completely submerged in water.
Cleaning your blinds in the bathtub is simple – simply fill the tub with warm water and dish soap, unhook the blinds from the rail they are attached to, and let them soak for one hour. After soaking, drain the tub and let any excess water drip off before wiping the blinds down with a cloth and laying them on a towel to dry. Once dry, they can be hung back up and will be ready for use!
Dust & Vacuum
For more regular cleaning, using a duster and vacuum cleaner is a great way to tackle cleaning your blinds. First, you’ll want to start with a thick duster and brush dirt downwards starting from the top and working your way down the blinds. Remember to be careful when handling your blinds, as they are often only attached with a small piece of plastic that can easily break. After dusting, you can use the brush attachment of your vacuum to pick up any remaining dust. It’s important to use the brush attachment, as it will create less suction and will pose less of a risk to damaging your blinds. Using a duster and vacuum to clean your blinds weekly can help prevent buildup and will keep them in great condition!
Use Your Washing Machine
Washing your blinds in the washing machine is a quick and relatively hassle-free way of cleaning them. After removing them from their hooks, fold them and half and place them inside of a large pillowcase. This will keep them together, and tying the pillowcase shut will ensure that they don’t fall out mid-wash. Always make sure to check the tag on your blinds to make sure they are safe to be machine washed.
Once in the washing machine, simply add a mild detergent and set the machine to a delicate cycle with warm water. After the wash cycle is complete, remove the blinds from the pillowcase and lay them flat on some towels to air dry.
Spot Clean
From time to time you are likely to find small stains and marks on your blinds that only require spot-cleaning to remove. To spot clean, simply fill a bowl with warm water and add a few drops of dish soap, then agitate it by hand to make it sudsy. Using a microfiber cloth or sponge, wring out as much water as possible, then work from top to bottom, cleaning your blinds as you go. Follow up with another clean, damp cloth to remove any residual soap, then let your blinds air dry. If you have wooden blinds, use equal parts vinegar and warm water to make a cleaning solution.
While cleaning vertical blinds isn’t necessarily a fun job, it is something that you should do regularly to keep your blinds in good shape and minimize the amount of dust that they collect. With regular care, your blinds will look great for years to come!