If you’ve spotted an accumulation of dust and grime on your vertical blinds, it might be time for a thorough cleaning. While vertical blinds may not collect as much dust as other styles, they do require occasional maintenance.
Here’s an easy guide on cleaning vertical blinds to revive their appearance.
Things to Consider Before Starting wash vertical blinds
Before diving into the cleaning process, ensure you know the materials of your vertical blinds. If they are made of fabric, they can either be hand-washed or machine-washed. However, if they are wooden, they should never be immersed in water. Also, it’s wise to consult the manufacturer’s instructions to determine if machine washing is suitable.
In this guide, the focus will be on cleaning fabric vertical blinds. For guidance on cleaning wooden blinds, please refer to our specialized guide on maintaining wooden blinds.
Essentials for Cleaning Vertical Blinds
Although fabric blinds can easily become dusty and dirty, the cleaning process is straightforward. A few basic tools combined with some water and soap can restore their pristine condition.
Here’s a list of suggested items for cleaning your vertical blinds:
- A microfibre cloth
- A vacuum cleaner equipped with a brush attachment
- Gentle detergent
- A bathtub filled with lukewarm water or a washing machine
- A sponge (for addressing stubborn spots)
- Towels
You’ll also need an appropriate area to spread out the blinds for drying. A dining table is an excellent choice, as laying them flat helps retain their structure.
Steps for Cleaning Vertical Blinds
If it’s your first time cleaning your blinds, you might be unsure of how to begin. However, the cleaning process is straightforward and consists of a few steps. Although it may take a couple of hours, especially considering drying time, it’s a task that’s only required periodically.
Follow these simple steps to get your vertical blinds looking fresh and clean:
Detaching Blinds and Cleaning the Rail
Start by unhinging the blinds from the headrail. While spot cleaning is possible with the blinds still hung, detaching them enables a thorough cleaning of the headrail. It’s also more convenient to wash all blinds collectively in a bathtub or machine, rather than individually when attached.
Initiate the process by disconnecting the blind slats from the headrail. Once laid out, clean the headrail using a microfibre cloth. Compressed air can be handy for hard-to-reach spots. If available, a quick spray of silicone on the rails ensures smooth operation.
Dusting Off the Blinds
With the blinds spread out, gently dust them using a microfibre cloth. A slightly moist cloth can be effective in gathering dust, but you can also employ a standard duster. It’s advisable to work from the top downwards to ensure no dust falls on cleaned sections.
To ensure thorough cleaning, employ a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment, ensuring both sides of the blinds are dust-free.
Soaking Blinds in Lukewarm Water
With the dust removed, it’s time for a thorough wash. Depending on your blinds’ material, choose between a bathtub filled with lukewarm water and a mild soap or a washing machine set to 30°C. Always confirm if your blinds are machine-friendly.
If using a bathtub, combine lukewarm water with a gentle detergent. Gently cleanse the blinds, avoiding overly hot water or harsh detergents. For persistent stains, a sponge with soapy water should suffice. Avoid bleach to prevent damage.
For machine washing, wrap the blinds in a pillowcase to minimize wear. Use a mild detergent on a setting suitable for delicate materials, ensuring the temperature doesn’t exceed 30°C.
Drying the Blinds
Once cleaned, lay the blinds on a flat surface for drying. Refrain from hanging them up, as it might distort their shape. If quick drying is necessary, a hairdryer on a cool setting is a viable option. Avoid tumble drying as it might harm the blinds.
Re-attaching the Blinds to the Headrail
When the blinds are dry, reattach them to the headrail, handling each slat with care.
With the blinds reinstalled and rejuvenated, consistent dusting will help maintain their pristine appearance.
