Blinds make a beautiful addition to any home. If you want them to retain their attractive looks for as long as possible, it is important to keep them clean. However, this can sometimes be difficult, given that blinds tend to hang in places that are difficult to reach.
If you’re wondering about the best way to clean blinds safely and quickly, we have plenty of tips to help you get the job done. We’ve put together some of the most common questions around cleaning blinds — and given you the answers — to show you how you can turn this often tiring task into a breeze.
What is the fastest way to clean blinds?
The fastest and best way to clean blinds will always depend on what type of blinds you have. There are many different types of blinds frequently used in domestic and commercial settings. These include:
- Venetian blinds
- Roman blinds
- Vertical blinds
- Roller blinds
- Holland blinds
Some of these, particularly Venetian blinds, can be made from a variety of different materials, including timber, plastic and aluminium. The blind cleaning products you use must be suitable for the material your blinds are made of. Some blinds can be dusted or wiped clean with a microfibre cloth, while others will need more specialist care.
But the fastest blind cleaning method is always to have the job done by professionals. Here at Jim’s Cleaning, our experienced cleaners have all the right equipment to clean all blind types and materials, no matter what yours might be.
What is the best way to clean blinds without taking them down?
It’s possible to clean your blinds without taking them down, but it isn’t always easy. If your blinds are easy to reach, they can be dusted or vacuumed while still in place, but this may not remove all of the dirt. This is especially true if it has been a long time since you last cleaned your blinds!
If you have high ceilings and the tops of your blinds are impossible to reach from the floor, things get a lot more difficult. To clean your blinds without taking them down, you will need to use a ladder. This is not recommended while using a vacuum cleaner or cloth, as it is a safety risk. It’s much better to call in professional cleaners — any reputable blind cleaning company will have the correct equipment and insurance for cleaning blinds in high places.
How do you clean dirty vinyl blinds?
Vinyl blinds are popular because they are versatile and affordable, but it’s easy for them to gather dirt and dust. So when it comes to cleaning vinyl blinds, you can use a number of different methods.
If you can reach, vacuum the blinds using a soft brush attachment and gently wipe each slat with a microfibre cloth. This method works for blinds that are not particularly dirty. However, if the dirt is not coming off, you will need to take the blinds down. You will then need to soak them in the bath using a mixture of warm water and gentle dish soap. Remember to be as gentle as possible while you’re scrubbing your blinds, as they can tear. If this happens, you should contact a blind cleaning company that offers blind repairs, as this is a job that will need to be done by professionals.
Once your blinds are clean, hang them up over the bathtub so all excess water can drip off. Wipe the blinds down with a microfibre cloth to make sure they are dry before you hang them back in place.
How do you keep blinds dust-free?
One of the most common complaints from householders with window blinds is that they can gather large amounts of dust. This is natural — blinds tend to be located in difficult-to-clean spots, and they also generate static, which attracts dust.
If you want to minimise the amount of dust that settles on your blinds, you need to try and keep them static-free. You can do this by mixing 1 part liquid fabric softener with 4 parts water. Using a soft cloth, wipe your blinds gently with this mixture. This process will reduce static and help to repel dust.
What is the easiest way to clean dusty blinds?
The easiest way to clean dusty blinds is with either a vacuum cleaner or soft microfibre cloth or a combination of the two. This is a time-consuming process and it can also be dangerous if you have to climb a ladder to clean your blinds.
It’s worth looking into local companies offering blind cleaning services. Many of these will be available at reasonable prices. A good cleaning company will use all the right tools and techniques and save you from having to take on this difficult job yourself.
Can I use vinegar to clean my blinds?
Vinegar is often used as a DIY home cleaning product. It often yields excellent results, but it is not suitable for all types of blinds. If you are cleaning vinyl blinds, you can use half a cup of white vinegar and half a cup of baking soda mixed together in place of dish soap. This way, you can avoid using artificial chemicals and clean your blinds in a more eco-friendly way.
However, vinegar should never be used on wooden or fabric blinds, as it could cause severe damage to them. Blinds cost a significant amount of money, and you want them to last for many years, so it is important to take the right care of them. If in doubt, always call in a professional.
How do you clean caked-on dust?
The best way to clean blinds with caked-on dust will depend on the type of blinds you have. For vinyl blinds, you can use the method of soaking them in the bath and scrubbing them very gently with a microfibre cloth, ensuring that they do not get scratched or damaged. However, removing caked-on dust can be more difficult if you have fabric, aluminium or faux wood blinds.
Faux wood or aluminium blinds that are particularly dirty can be cleaned using dish soap and water. You can leave them in place and apply the mixture to the blinds using a soft cloth or even an old sock. You need dish soap because it is effective at removing grease, one of the leading causes of dust becoming caked onto blinds in the home.
If you have fabric blinds and the dust is not coming off with a vacuum cleaner, you can try wiping them with a small amount of soapy water. However, it is important not to saturate the blinds, as this can damage them or lead to issues with mould if they don’t dry properly. You’re much better off calling a professional blind cleaning company for fabric blinds with stubborn stains.
What is the fastest way to clean wooden blinds?
Wooden blinds are often the most difficult to clean. You should never use water to clean wooden blinds, as they can easily warp. This not only ruins their appearance, but it also prevents them from fitting your window properly.
If your wooden blinds are only a little bit dusty, you can vacuum clean them or wipe them with a soft, dry cloth. However, if the dirt is more stubborn, you will really need a reputable cleaning company. This has professional products that will clean your timber blinds without causing any damage.
What is the easiest way to wash Venetian blinds?
Venetian blinds come in a wide variety of different materials, including timber, faux wood, aluminium and vinyl. Overall, the best way to clean blinds of this type depends on what they are made of. Always remember, though, that with Venetian blinds, both sides of each slat will need to be cleaned if you want professional-looking results.
The easiest way is always to use a vacuum cleaner or soft cloth. If your blinds don’t respond to this treatment, you can consider using some of the other methods in this article or calling in a professional firm.
Find out more about blind cleaning
If you have blinds that need cleaning and would like more advice, please contact Jim’s Cleaning. With over 20 years’ experience, our fully trained, fully insured team can provide you with all the blind cleaning services you need. We will be happy to provide you with a consultation and quote.
