Aside from the occasional dusting, when was the last time that you cleaned your blinds? For something that is such a big part of our home, not many of us actually know how to give our blinds a thorough cleaning. Besides from that feel-good feeling you get from having a clean home, clean blinds mean that there are fewer marks, less dust build-up and cleaner air for you and your family. No matter what type of blind you have we can show you what the dos and don’ts are!

We have broken down how to clean blinds into hassle-free steps:

• How to clean PVC roller blinds
• How to clean fabric roller blinds
• How to clean venetian blinds

How to Clean Roller Blinds

The classic roller blind is the most common but also seems to be the most awkward to clean given how long they can get. Depending on the material that your roller blind is made from will determine exactly what the best method to clean it is.

How to Remove Roller Blinds

The first step to cleaning any roller blind is to remove the roller from the window mounts. This is a relatively easy process:

Step 1: Roll the blind up completely so it is no longer covering the window.

Step 2: On the non-ball chain end gently remove the blind roll from the fixed bracket – the other end will now freely come out also.

Step 3: If your blind roll has the ball chain attached you simply need to slide it out.

• If it is hard to slide out you can gently use a butter knife or flat head screwdriver to help.

Cleaning PVC Roller Blinds

When it comes to ease of cleaning, PVC roller blinds take 1^st place. The material means that the blind can be fully submerged and isn’t affected by general dish detergent – meaning that you can give them a thorough wash to remove any grime or marks.

Step 1: Completely unroll the blind and with a duster or microfiber cloth remove any dust.

Step 2: Remove the blind roll form the brackets.

Step 3: Run a bath, or large enough tub that your roller blind can fit into, with warm slightly soapy water (no more than a few tablespoons of detergent is needed).

• You can use general dish detergent.
• If you do not have a bath you can spot clean your blind

Step 4: Unroll the blind and submerge it in the water. Gently folding or pleating the blind helps with making it fit.

• Make sure not to crease the blind too severely that it leaves a mark.
• If there are tough marks on it allow the blind to soak for an hour before wiping it over.

Step 5: With a clean cloth gently start wiping any grime or marks on the front and back of the blind.

Step 6: Empty the water and refill it with clean water and rinse the blinds of any soapy residue.

• Make sure that there is no residue left as this can damage the blind and leave marks.

Step 7: Drape your blind outside on a clothesline or rod out of direct sunlight until it is completely dry.

Step 8: Once completely dry hang the blinds back up (following the removal steps in the reverse order).

 

Not all roller blinds are able to be completely submerged as it can damage and warp the fabric. But there is no need to worry as they can still be cleaned to look as good as the day you purchased them.

Step 1: Completely unroll the blind and with a duster or microfiber cloth remove any dust.

Step 2: Remove the blind roll form the brackets

Step 3: Make a space on the floor to accommodate the size of your blind.

• If you don’t have enough space for the full length of your blind, it’s okay, you can do it in sections.Don’t rub or scratch at the fabric too hard or you risk damaging your blind.

Step 4: Mix a small amount of general dish detergent in a small bowl of water and dampen a microfiber cloth or sponge with the mixture. Note: You are looking for damp, not dripping wet.

Step 5: Unroll as much of your blind out and with the cloth, start cleaning any areas that are dirty with blotting and soft rubbing motions.

• Don’t rub or scratch at the fabric too hard or you risk damaging your blind.
• It is a smart option to test the solution in an unseen spot first to make sure that the solution doesn’t cause any unforeseen damage.

Step 6: Once this is completed, leave it flat on the floor until it is completely dry.

• If you had to clean in sections, make sure that it is completely dry before rolling and moving to the next.

Step 7: Complete steps 5 and 6 again on the back.

Step 8: Once completely dry hang the blinds back up (following the removal steps in the reverse order).

How to Clean Venetian Blinds

With so many slats it is easy for venetian blinds to get dusty and dirty very fast, and if they are in the kitchen there is a pretty high chance that you may have marks and grimes on them too. The good news is that no matter if your venetian blinds are made from wood-look synthetic, PVC or aluminum these steps have got you covered! You may also not even need to remove the blinds from the head rail, making cleaning even easier!

Step 1: With the dusting tool attachment, vacuum your venetians – making sure to vacuum the tops and bottoms of each slat and the head rail also!

Step 2: Spray a microfiber cloth with a gentle surface cleaner or a slightly soapy water solution.

• Don’t over wet the cloth, as excessive moisture and damage and warp certain venetian slats.

Step 3: Starting from the top and make your way down, wipe over each slat by grabbing the slat between your thumb and index finger.

Step 3: Wipe down the headrail and cords.

If your blinds aren’t looking fresh and new after a good clean, it may be time to update them?

The team at Amart Furniture is here to help with anything blinds and curtains. Check out our Curtains & Blinds today or come into your closest store!