They look great, but are they clean? It’s a necessary task to make sure you’re cleaning blinds and other window coverings in your home. A clean home is a happy home, especially one free of dust and allergens.
Listen to the Professionals
Always check with the professionals first. If you purchased window treatments from a business, they will know how to clean them properly. They can double check with the manufacturer and pass along their recommendations. For DIY installation products, their tags or booklets are great reference guides. Each window covering could require a different cleaning process, so it’s important to follow those instructions.
Cleaning Blinds and Shutters
Shutters and blinds often are made from similar materials. Because of this, advice for both is the same.
Regular Dusting: This can be done with a glove, cloth–and most commonly–a handheld duster. Make sure they are made of clean, dry, microfiber fabric. In addition, you can find these window blind cleaning kits. Make sure the louvers or slats are closed to lay flat before dusting. Move the cloth from side-to-side for the best clean. If you have hard to reach areas, it may be beneficial to get an extension dusting kit.
Small Areas: Grab a natural fiber paintbrush or clean toothbrush to wipe away dust and other unwanted particles in the small spots.
Tricky Spots: Need a little more elbow grease for some tough spots on those hard treatments? Double check the materials you are sanitizing and if the cleaning agent you’re using won’t be too abrasive. Wood, metal and composite blinds and shutters will all have different needs.
Window Shades and Fabric Blinds
Because these products have a lot of fabric, cleaning regularly is important for their overall lifespan. Dust buildup can be more difficult to get rid of. To get ahead of that, make a scheduled cleaning routine. Put your shades or blinds into the closed position so the largest amount of flat surfaces can be reached. Also, consider the following methods:
Canned Air: A great solution when cleaning blinds and shades, especially fabric. This method does not cause dust to spread like when wiping along dust build up. Also, this prevents the shades from getting pushed on and misshapen. In addition, the canned air cleaning method can be used with a canned air rechargeable dusting tool or disposable cans of air.
Vacuum Attachment: This is a proper way to clean fabric window treatments with an upholstery attachment and low vacuum setting. A great example is this versatile vacuum cleaner with adjustable suction control and upholstery attachments.
Microfiber Cloth, Duster, or Gloves: A duster, gloves, or microfiber clothes are a great way to dust fabric window shades. Close your window covering and dust side-to-side.
Spot Cleaning Fabrics: Have just one spot that needs attention? Lightly wet a clean sponge with lukewarm water. Wipe the window shade gently and let dry before rolling or stacking them.
Cleaning Draperies and Curtains
Be sure to check what your draperies and curtains are made of. Some materials can stand a washing machine, and others need to be dry cleaned by a professional.
Steam Clean: Steam cleaning draperies as they remain hanging in place can get rid of dust and let them dry on their own. Very little fuss.
Color Test: Some draperies will have color bleed when exposed to water. Test a small section of fabric before continuing to clean them
Wash Tips: If you feel you can move forward with cleaning your curtains in a washing machine, use cold water and a delicate cycle. Remove curtains once washed and hang dry or lay flat.
Pets
This is a common topic that comes up with our furry friends. Pet dander and fur can be noticeable on drapes that are on–or close to–the floor. For some fabrics, they are like a magnet collecting this. When vacuuming, it’s a good practice to lift up the curtains–to suck up fly away hair–that may find its new home on your curtains. Use a low suction setting on your vacuum’s upholstery attachment to tackle the remaining hair and dander. Always keep a lint roller on hand for those small chunks of hair.
You’ve done an amazing job with completing your home’s design with window coverings. The atmosphere and color scheme is right where you want it so now it’s time to make sure they’re cared for. If you purchased from us, our knowledgeable staff would love to give our expert advice on cleaning blinds, shades, shutters, and drapery in your home. Get in touch with us today!
