Cleaning window treatments can be intimidating and overwhelming. But taking the plunge for a deep clean will get rid of dust, oils, and allergens that build up on the surfaces of blinds and shades. With these tips, learning how to clean blinds isn't as hard as you think.
Spring Cleaning for Window Treatments:
Take the Vacuum to It
Get rid of more dust and grime by using the brush attachment and a low suction setting. The brush attachment loosens dirt, and reduces suction so to gently clean more delicate blinds materials that can easily lose shape. Tilt blinds at a 45 degree angle, swipe the exposed side and repeat on the other side.
Special Cleaning Instructions
Although dusting and vacuuming is safe for all window coverings, more intensive cleaning methods require special care. Give your blinds a deep clean once every year using the instructions below. Dust and vacuum once a month to prevent further buildup.
How to Clean Faux Wood Blinds:
- Wet duster or microfiber cloth with soap and warm water and wipe both sides of each slat.
- A mixture of vinegar and water or dusting spray can also be used.
- Dry each slat with a clean cloth.
How to Clean Wood Blinds
- Treat wood blinds like stained furniture.
- Wipe with a soft cloth coated with furniture polish.
- Never use water, solvents, or abrasive solutions which may cause warping and scratching.
How to Clean Aluminum Blinds:
- Wipe with soft cloth dampened with mild soap and water.
- Diluted vinegar may also be used.
- Wipe dry with a clean cloth.
How to Clean Vertical Blinds:
- Wipe with a soft cloth and follow with vacuum brush attachment.
- Vinyl Vanes - wipe with a soft cloth and soapy water, or remove slats to submerge and wash in tub.
- Abrasive and strong cleaners may scratch the vane's surface.
- Fabric Vanes - Dab with soft cloth and soapy water to spot clean. Do not machine wash or dry clean unless specified by manufacturer.
- Soaking fabric vanes will cause them to lose their shape and dust repellent coating.
How to Clean Interior Shutters:
- Dry dust with a soft cloth and follow with vacuum brush attachment.
- Wipe surfaces with microfiber cloth and spray furniture polish.
- Use toothbrush and polish to remove dust from hard to reach spaces.
- Do not use soap or water on wood shutters to avoid warping.
How to Clean Cellular Shades and Pleated Shades:
- Slowly swipe shade with vacuum brush attachment in horizontal strokes.
- Remove remaining dust with microfiber cloth in horizontal strokes, or lint roller.
- Blow debris out of cells with can of compressed air.
- Spot clean stains by blotting with a clean cloth and warm soapy water.
- Do not crush or wrinkle fabric.
- Frequent cleaning may cause the pleats to lose their shape.
- Blackout material may be permanently creased if care is not taken when cleaning.
- Dry cleaning not recommended and may void warranty.
How to Clean Roman Shades:
- Dry dust with a clean cloth and follow with vacuum brush attachment.
- Spot clean stains by blotting with a clean cloth and warm soapy water.
- Blot fabric completely dry to prevent water marks.
- Use caution with delicate fabrics. Contact manufacturer for specific cleaning instructions.
How to Clean Roller Shades:
- Remove dust from woven fabric with vacuum brush attachment.
- Wipe down entire shade with soapy water and leave open to dry.
- Vinyl shades may be removed and submerged in soapy water for deep cleaning.
How to Clean Woven Wood Shades:
- Textures and materials vary greatly, so clean with caution.
- Remove dust from crevices in woven fabric with vacuum brush attachment.
- Do not use water, solvents, or abrasive solutions which can damage lifting strings, and remove color.
- Shades that are dominantly wood or bamboo may be cleaned with furniture polish and a damp cloth.
Have Cleaning Questions?
You can find more information about cleaning all types of window treatments at Blinds.com.
For a full playlist of cleaning videos, visit our Blinds.com Youtube channel.
Send your spring cleaning queries to pr@blinds.com, and we'll steer you in the right direction. We may even feature your question in a future post.
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