The Different Materials Used For Blinds
There are many different materials used for blinds, and the care and cleaning the need will depend on the exact materials included. The materials may include wood, vinyl, aluminums or other metals, fabric, and pleated fabric. Each will require specific care and cleaning according to the individual blinds.
With wood blinds, they should be vacuumed and dusted with a small soft paintbrush on a regular basis. The wood will be damaged and warp if you were to soak them in water. Therefore, using a wet cloth to wipe them down is not advisable either. Instead, use a dry cloth with a dusting product that is made especially for wood products.
Aluminums and other metal blinds can be cleaned with water, usually mixed with a small amount of dish soap. Adding this to a spray or squirt bottle can make it easier to clean the blinds without having to take them down. This method is effective if they are not too dirty, but if it has been months or years since the last cleaning, you may need to remove them. You can also wipe the blinds down with a moistened towel. Just make sure to wipe in the direction of the slats gently so they do not bend or break.
Some stains do not come off easily from white or light colored blinds with soapy water. Therefore, you can use a foamy bathroom cleaner to get a deeper and brighter cleaning for your blinds. Just read the directions on the container before you apply it to your shades.
Fabric or cloth blinds cannot be cleaned with any type of liquid cleaner including soapy water. This will damage them beyond repair. In order to clean these types of blinds, just vacuum them regularly using a brush attachment. Vacuum the blinds in the same direction that the fabric lays and be very gentle.
Using soapy water and a soft cloth will clean your vinyl and cellulose blinds. As you can see, this is the same procedure as when cleaning metal blinds. Again, wipe down each slat very gently so they do not get damaged.
No matter what materials your blinds are made from, regular cleaning and care is necessary to keep them in the best possible shape. The blinds you buy will last you years, even a lifetime if they are made from quality materials, and you want to keep them looking great that whole time.
There are many ways to make the task of cleaning your blinds quick and easy. Your window coverings are a reflection on you from the type of material, color and how bright and clean they look. Blinds are great and can brighten up any room in your house and accessorize your dcor.
