Larger windows and patio doors need coverings that not only function to block out light and provide privacy, but also add style and elegance to any room. Vertical blinds provide all these elements for your windows and rooms. They also need to be cleaned from time to time and this involves a measure of patience and work. There are safe methods of cleaning them that will preserve their beauty.
The materials used for vertical blinds consist of vinyl, fabric, wood and aluminum. Mild soap and water solution can clean the vinyl and aluminum blinds, and furniture polish can clean the wood blinds. Fabric blinds require extra special care and can be washed in a washing machine. How they will be cleaned depends largely on the material they are made of.
The mechanics of window blinds is rather simple and made up of hooks, chains, and weights for fabric blinds. Since blinds hang they may be cleaned without removal of the slats. The only concern is protecting the surrounding area as you clean. You can use a drop cloth or old newspapers for this task.
Vinyl and aluminum materials only need soap and water to remove the dirt and grime that often gets collected on them. A sponge will be enough to do the scrubbing, as you do not want to use anything abrasive to clean blinds. Work from the top down so that all dirt is moved in one general direction. After cleaning rinse with clear water and dry completely.
Wood needs to be treated with special care and regular furniture polish can do the trick. Your wood blinds will look like new with the perfect shine to them. Before you polish them, you want to vacuum the excess dust off with a special attachment for cleaning blinds. Once the dust is removed, polishing can begin. They will look like new again.
Cleaning cloth or fabric blinds do require a little extra care. Most are machine washable but you cannot put them in the dryer. Use the gently cycle on your machine and preferably a detergent that is made for delicate fabrics. When you have washed them, you can hang them to dry. Sometimes wrinkles may be an issue but if you steam them a little the wrinkles will be removed and your blinds will be like new.
You should clean your blinds frequently, as dust and dirt tend to collect on a daily basis, especially on window coverings. The only drawback is the time it takes to do this. To save time, each time that you run your vacuum cleaner use your special cleaning tool for blinds and take off the dust. Accumulated dust if left for too long will stain and soil blinds.
If you want to know more about cleaning vertical blinds refer to you manufacturers instructions on their care and use. You may also want to refer to the instructions to learn how to assemble and disassemble the vertical slats for cleaning as some blinds may have a different mechanism that what is standard in the industry.
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