Vertical blinds are practical and contribute to a more comfortable environment at home. They are efficient in blocking out the sun and provide you with good privacy. However, they accumulate dust and dirt over time and require a good clean on a frequent basis. Even vertical blinds, which tend to attract less dust than others, require a good cleaning session.
The following guide will familiarise you with tips to help in cleaning vertical blinds quickly and efficiently.
The very first thing you should do when you want to clean vertical blinds is to check the material they are made of. Wooden blinds require a specialised approach, while fabric vertical blinds can be tossed in the washing machine or washed by hand. Check the manufacturer's notes and instructions on cleaning. There should be an indication of whether you can use the washing machine. As fabric blinds are the most popular type used in homes, that is what this guide will focus on.
You only need a few cleaning tools to deal with dust and dirt on vertical blinds. First, you need a soft microfibre cloth and a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment. Fill your bathtub with warm water and add a mild detergent to create suds. Otherwise, you can use your washing machine. If there are notable stains, you should prepare a stain remover or a sponge and a DIY cleaner to address them. Make sure there is enough free surface to lay blinds to dry when you are done. You should keep them on a flat surface to prevent change in their shape.
If you don't know how to clean vertical blinds, you needn't worry. It is a relatively easy process when you follow a few simple cleaning tips. It can take you a few hours to go through all of the steps but the end result is worth it.
First, you need to remove the blinds from the headrail. Note that you can dust them and even spot treat without detaching them, but if you haven't given them a good clean in some time it is best to remove them. That way you can also clean the headrail as well. Some people also find it easier to soak the blinds in the washing machine instead of cleaning them one by one.
You will need to unhook the vertical blinds from the louvres/slats. When you are done, dust the headrail with a microfibre cloth or a paper towel. For any of those tricky nooks and crannies, you can use a can of compressed air to blow the dust out.
Once the vertical blinds are laid on a flat surface (such as your dining table), it is time to clean them. First, go over the fabric with a soft cloth or a damp sponge. A feather duster can get the job done as well. Move from the top of the fabric to the bottom and go slowly to remove as much dust as possible. If you wish to be truly effective, you can go over the vertical blinds with your vacuum cleaner and its brush attachment. Run over the blinds on both sides till all the dust is gone.
Once you have dusted the blinds, it is time to wash them. You have several options. One is to fill your bathtub with warm water and submerge them there or you can use the washing machine on a 30 degrees Celsius setting. There should be an indication of whether your vertical blinds are machine washable.
If you are using the bathtub, fill it with a mix of warm water and mild detergent. Gently scrub and swish the blinds with a soft brush till they are clean. Make sure you only use a gentle laundry detergent and water that is not too hot.
Stubborn stains on the blinds will require some deep cleaning. Use a sponge to gently buff the stain away. If it is not coming off, use a stain remover. Just make sure you spot-test it first on a small and hidden area of the fabric to see if it is suitable.
When washing in the washing machine, roll up the vertical blinds and put them in a big pillowcase to secure them. This will prevent fraying and damage during the deep clean. Always go with a gentle laundry detergent and a low heat setting for delicate fabrics.
An important step in the cleaning process is drying the blinds. Hanging them is not a good idea. Instead, find a flat surface and lay them out to dry. This maintains their shape during the drying process and prevents damage. You can use a hair dryer to completely dry the fabric but avoid the tumble dryer. The heat from the latter can damage the material.
Once the whole process is complete and your blinds are completely dry, it is time to hang them back on the rail. Be careful in doing this and pay close attention as you clip back each louvre. Now that you have concluded the vertical blind cleaning process, it is a good idea to stay on top of routine cleaning. Regular maintenance will prevent the build up of dust and keep your vertical blinds in pristine condition.
Sometimes even new blinds can develop mould and mildew spots. Your best bet is to use a lemon juice solution. It is great for dealing with mould and mildew spores, especially when working in tandem with the sun. Mix some lemon juice in a soapy water solution, spray on the affected area and then wash the blinds in lukewarm water. You can also use your washing machine on the cool setting along with the appropriate detergent for mould. Double check to see there are no more stubborn stains and inspect the handrail. It may also needs some attention. Regular cleaning can prevent such issues.
It is possible to clean vertical blinds without taking them down. However, it bears mention this is not a deep clean and is only addressing the surface dust and dirt. But if you are short on time and there are no visible stains, you can clean vertical blinds without taking them down.
Start by dusting them from top to bottom. Fill a large bucket with hot water and use a damp cloth to remove dust from the surface. You can also use a vacuum cleaner with a soft brush attachment to save time. You can also spot clean blinds with a mild detergent and a soft sponge. When you are done, leave the blinds open to allow for proper ventilation.
Cleaning vertical blinds is easy when you know the steps and the top tips of this guide. You should try to be more frequent about it to prevent the build up of impurities. That way you will keep the blinds in top shape and impact the appeal of your room.
Now that you know how to clean vertical blinds, you should have no problems with the task. Make sure you stay on top of this duty or contact Crystal Carpet Cleaners to help you out. Our cleaning professionals have both the expertise and tools to clean every part of your home. Give us a call today to inquire more about our cleaning services in London.
You can easily deal with surface level dust on a vertical blind by using a damp cloth. You can also take the blinds down and go with a gentle wash setting on your washing machine.
You can easily clean blinds without taking them down. Use a damp cloth or a vacuum cleaner with the appropriate attachment. This is good for routine cleaning or when you don't have the time.
Check the label and manufacturer's care instructions to see if the blinds are machine washable. Some fabrics can only tolerate dry cleaning, while others can be washed on a gentle cycle.
