It’s one of those jobs we avoid for as long as possible – cleaning blinds and shades. Clean, sparkling windows are a joy, yet we so often forget to clean the blinds, which are often dust magnets but less conspicuous.
Here are some simple and effective ways to clean blinds and shades with minimal effort.
Aluminium blinds
Use soft, clean dust cloths, chemically-treated dust cloths, vacuum cleaner brush attachments, or woollen duster. The paint surface of aluminium slats is quite smooth and dust can be easily brushed off if done at regular intervals.
To vacuum, use the brush dust head attachment and tilt slats first up, then down (but not closed) to reach the entire top and bottom surfaces.
To dust, use a soft clean cloth and tilt the slats as above. Alternatively, a hair dryer on the cool setting might work.
To wash, use a damp cloth or sponge and mild detergent. Use warm or cold water but NOT hot. Tilt the slats as above. Lay down rolled towels or an old sheet to protect the floor or sill from excess water. The blind can also be taken down, placed in a bath tub of mild soapy water, then rinsed clean, wiped dry, or allowed to dry completely in the open air.
Wooden blinds
Care must be taken when cleaning wooden blinds. Washing is not recommended, because even if the wood is sealed, water or excessive dampness can cause it to warp or discolour. Since the surface of the slats is smooth, dust can be brushed off at regular intervals using a clean soft dust cloth or a vacuum cleaner brush attachment.
Fabric pleated shades
Many fabric shades have been pre-treated for anti-static and dust resistance, and so should require very little cleaning. Lightly sweeping with a vacuum cleaner brush attachment is usually all that is needed to keep them dust free. For a more thorough cleaning, the entire shade assembly may be gently wiped with a soft damp cloth using lukewarm (not hot) water.
If you are in any doubt, check the manufacturer’s website or ask the supplier who sold you the shades or blinds for advice.
