Cleaning Your Blinds: A Quick Guide

Are you staring at your blinds thinking, “Hmm, they used to be a different colour…”?

Cleaning blinds is one of those tasks that’s easy to forget but makes a difference once done. Let’s go through an easy way to get those blinds looking fresh and clean.

Why Clean Your Blinds?

Blinds help us block light and give us much-needed privacy. However, they can also collect dust and pet hair over time, which isn’t great for air quality. Plus, clean blinds can really make your room look nicer. So, giving them a clean not only helps with the look but with managing dust too.

Know Your Blinds

Before moving on, you need to consider the type of blinds you have since each style needs a slightly different approach:

• Wooden Blinds: They’re stylish but hate water. A gentle wipe is best.
• Aluminum Blinds: These are pretty sturdy and don’t mind a bit of water.
• Vinyl and Plastic Blinds: Easy to clean and not problematic at all.
• Fabric Bliding: These need to be handled gently to avoid any damage.

Choosing the right cleaning method is important, but it’s nothing too complicated.

Simple Tips for Cleaning Your Blinds

Wooden Blinds

What you’ll need: Microfiber cloth.

What to do: Close the blinds so they’re flat. Wipe each slat gently with the cloth from top to bottom. For any stubborn spots, slightly dampen the cloth with water and gently rub. Always dry them afterwards to avoid water marks.

Aluminum and Vinyl/Plastic Blinds

What You’ll Need: Mild detergent, warm water, soft cloth.

What to do:: If they’re not too dirty, you can clean them right where they hang. Close the blinds and wipe them down thoroughly. For a deeper clean, take them down and place them in a bathtub with warm, soapy water. Let them soak, gently wipe with a soft cloth, rinse, and then dry completely before hanging them back up.

Fabric Blinds

What You’ll Need: Vacuum with a brush attachment, and spot cleaner.

What to do:: Close the blinds and lightly vacuum them from top to bottom with the brush attachment. For any spots, use a fabric spot cleaner, but test it on a small area first to make sure it doesn’t damage or discolour the fabric.

Some Extra Tips

• Regular Dusting: A quick weekly dusting can prevent dust buildup and save you from more intense cleaning later.
• Spot Cleaning: Tackling spots as soon as you notice them helps keep your blinds looking better longer.
• Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Especially on wooden and fabric blinds, harsh chemicals can damage the material. Stick to mild cleaners.

Maintaining Your Blinds Year-Round

Now that your blinds are clean, let’s talk about keeping them that way. Regular maintenance can extend the life of your blinds and keep them looking great. Here are some easy-to-follow tips to help you maintain your blinds year-round.

Regular Maintenance Tips

• Dust Weekly: Incorporate dusting your blinds into your weekly cleaning routine. Using a microfiber cloth or vacuum with a dust brush attachment is effective and efficient.
• Deep Clean Bi-Annually: Schedule a deep clean for your blinds twice a year. This will tackle any built-up dirt and grime and keep your blinds in top condition.
• Immediate Spot Cleaning: Accidents happen, and when they do, it’s best to address the issue immediately. Quick spot cleaning can prevent permanent stains or damage.

Troubleshooting Common Blind Problems

Even when you’ve maintained your blinds well, issues can still arise. Here’s how to troubleshoot some common blind problems, which may save you the need for replacements or professional repairs.

Slats Won’t Rotate: If you find the slats on your blinds won’t rotate, the rod used to control them may not be properly connected to the tilt mechanism. Check the connection and make sure it’s secure. If the tilt mechanism is broken, it may need replacing.

Stuck Blinds: If your blinds are stuck and won’t go up or down, the lift cord may be tangled or the locking mechanism inside the headrail may be jammed. Gently pull the lift cord and release it to see if it reactivates the locking mechanism. If that doesn’t work, take a look inside the headrail to untangle the cord or reset the mechanism.

Uneven Blinds: Blinds that don’t hang straight might need their cords balanced. To balance the cords, remove the blinds from the window, pull the lift cords all the way, and then rehang the blinds. The weight should now be evenly distributed.

Slat Problems: If a slat is broken or bent, you might be able to replace it without needing new blinds. Most manufacturers offer replacement slats, or you can remove a slat from the bottom and use that to replace the damaged one higher up.

Difficult to Lift: When it is hard to lift your blinds, the problem may be due to dirt and grime build-up in the mechanisms or on the cord. A good cleaning might alleviate this issue. It could also be due to a cord that is frayed or worn out, in which case, replacing the cord would be necessary.

Child Safety: Loose cords can be a safety hazard for children. Ensure that all cords are out of reach or consider retrofitting your blinds with cordless functionality. There are also cord cleats that can be installed to keep cords tightly wrapped and away from children.

When to Consider Replacement

Even with great care, blinds won’t last forever. When you notice these issues, it’s the perfect time to consider replacing your blinds to improve the functionality of your home. At Best Blinds, we offer quality products tailored to suit any style and budget, whether you’re after something traditional or modern.

Ready for an upgrade? Browse our selection online or contact us for a free consultation. Our expert team is here to help you find the perfect new blinds.