Blinds are a very versatile and practical window decoration, but like anything else in the house, dust and dirt can build up there over time. Natural dust from the house, splashed food, and even small insects can stain your blinds. But luckily, cleaning blinds is a simple task that only takes a few minutes to keep your window fixtures looking their best.
Step
Step 1. Check the care label on the blinds
It is important that you follow the care instructions of the blinds, to make sure you wash the blinds in a way that will not damage them.
- If the care label indicates that you can wash the blinds (plastic/vinyl blinds), or if your blinds are very dirty, you can clean them thoroughly in the bathtub.
- If the care label indicates that the blinds shouldn't be washed, you'll need to clean one stain at a time on the blinds, meaning you'll only be cleaning the ones that are clearly visibly dirty.
Step 2. Remove the blinds from the windows
Remove the blinds from the windows, and from the rolls, so that they spread evenly on the floor. Most blinds have a disc on the opposite side of the drawstring, which can be turned until the blinds are released from the handle.
If you're going to be cleaning individual stains on your blinds, spread some newsprint on the floor as a working mat
Step 3. Vacuum the blinds
If the blinds are really dirty, a vacuum cleaner can be used beforehand. That way, you can clean the blinds from cobwebs and large dust, so that the surface is clean of dirt.
- The soft brush on the vacuum cleaner is perfect for removing small dust and dirt that sticks to the blinds.
- You may want to consider vacuuming both sides of the blinds to make sure you remove as much dirt and dust as possible.
- If a vacuum isn't an option, you can remove as much dust as possible by wiping the blinds by hand with a microfiber cloth or an old sock.
Step 4. Prepare the bath to wash the blinds
Fill half the tub with lukewarm water. Add about 2-3 tablespoons of dish soap to the water, then stir the water and mix the soap with the water until it forms foamy bubbles.
You can add 1 tablespoon of bleach to the water to help remove white blinds
Step 5. Wash the blinds in the tub
If you have multiple blinds, wash them one at a time. Leave the blinds in the water bath and soak for about 20-30 minutes so that the dry dirt can be lifted from the surface of the blinds. Clean the blinds using a soft brush, sponge or cloth to remove any dirt that is still on the blinds. After the blinds are cleaned, drain the soapy water, and add more water to the tub to rinse the blinds of any remaining soap.
- Consider folding the blinds like an accordion if the blinds are very long.
- A toothbrush can help remove stubborn stains and stains.
- To remove the soap more quickly, you can try holding the blinds vertically in the shower, then use the shower head to rinse the blinds off the soap. The remaining dry soap left on the blinds can make dirt and dust stick right away.
Step 6. Clean the stains on the blinds
Make a cleaning solution with laundry detergent and water. You can use 1 tablespoon of laundry detergent (or a small amount of dish soap), mixed with 2 cups of water. By spreading the blinds on the floor with a newspaper, use a cloth or towel that has been thoroughly kneaded, and wipe the soiled areas of the blinds. Continue cleaning the blinds from stains until all the blinds are clean.
- If the blinds are very dirty and contain trace residues specifically from pets, insects, or food grease, consider adding about a tablespoon of baking soda to your cleaning solution. The coarse texture of the baking soda will help break down the dirt.
- For stubborn stains, consider scrubbing the dirty areas of the blinds with an old toothbrush.
- Be careful not to wet the blinds too much. The cloth used to clean the surface of the blinds should be slightly damp.
Step 7. Dry the blinds
Allow the blinds to dry completely by placing them on a clothesline, or consider hanging them on a clothesline outside. Put the blinds back on the spools and hang them back on the windows.
Cleaning dust using a duster and vacuum cleaner regularly can keep the blinds clean
Tips
- Color-safe bleaching agents can be used to add cleaning power to colored blinds.
- Avoid using harsh cleaners on the fabric as this can damage the fabric.
- For paper blinds, remove the stain with a slightly damp cloth and allow it to dry thoroughly before placing it back on the window.
- You can cut up unused towels to make a towel-based cleaning cloth. It is very nice to have and practical to clean.
