Cleaning blinds can be daunting, as most people believe that cleaning may ruin their ‘original look’ or affect their integrity. When really, a leading blind specialist will inform you that cleaning blinds regularly makes them last longer. You also get clean, fresh window coverings. Subsequently, the entire room gets a newer appearance. That said, different blinds require different approaches to cleaning.
Today on the agenda is: cleaning Venetian blinds. Featuring horizontal slats made out of wood, aluminium, or plastic, these blinds are not challenging to figure out when you start cleaning. Still, if you are unsure how to clean Venetian blinds, this guide will break down the process.
How To Clean Venetian Blinds: 5 Easy Steps to Pristine Window Coverings
The simple structure of Venetian blinds makes these uncomplicated. However, because these blinds have slats that are simple to operate, the dust and dirt accumulate fast. Thus, the number one best way to clean Venetian blinds: clean them often.
In fact, the rule applies to every window blind. Whether we are talking about cleaning vertical blinds or Venetian blinds, daily cleaning helps you put off messier cleaning and hard work to once or twice a year.
You don’t have to do much. In the case of Venetian blinds, you usually need a duster, a vacuum cleaner, and a simple soapy water solution for light and deep cleaning. Let’s see how you can go about cleaning Venetian blinds:
Step #1: Simple Everyday Dusting
Hassle-free Venetian blinds cleaning is about staying consistent. Whether you have Venetian blinds featuring wooden or aluminium blinds, use a duster for some light cleaning. Taking the dust off the horizontal slats and the mounting bracket prevents grime from building up.
Consider going for cleaning Venetian blinds twice a day if you live somewhere densely populated and dustier. For instance, getting Venetian blinds in Dudley means you may have to be more diligent about daily dusting.
Use a thin feather duster, something that is easy to work between the slats without rearranging the blinds. Lift the blinds gently and dust the wall side too to effectively get rid of dust and debris.
Step #2: Meticulous Vacuuming
If you want to know how to clean Venetian blinds faster and with more effective dust removal, consider vacuuming. This is especially helpful if you have larger windows, and dusting becomes a tedious chore every single day.
A vacuum cleaner can save you a lot of time, and you can go for Venetian blinds cleaning every alternate day. Here are a few things to keep in mind.
- Use the upholstery attachment (small, flat brush and short bristles) to prevent any scratches.
- Set your vacuum cleaner suction to low power and test it first at one corner.
- Avoid too much power, as it can distort the slats of your blinds, especially aluminium blinds.
The vacuuming approach is the best way to clean Venetian blinds if you are troubled by dust remaining in the nooks and crannies. The vacuum can free your blinds of dust near the mounting headrail and other tricky areas where a duster can’t reach.
Step #3: Damp Microfiber Wiping
How to wash Venetian blinds without ‘washing’ the slats literally? Wiping will do the trick, and revamp these into blinds that fit every room perfectly in a pristine space. As a matter of fact, wiping your blinds with a clean, damp cloth (preferably microfiber) will eliminate the more stubborn dust and dirt that a feather duster cannot.
Start by lowering your Venetian blinds shut. Tilt the slats so that they lie flat, completely closed. Begin wiping from the top, moving downward, wiping each slat individually from one end to the other. Continue till you reach the last slat.
Once you are done on the closed side, tilt the blinds all the way till closed the other way. Once again, clean the slats one by one, taking greater care since the slats are jut out slightly.
Step #4: Stain Removal Cleanup
How to clean Venetian blinds if you only have to deal with some stains and marks on the slats? Spot cleaning is the way to go. If wiping your Venetian blinds with a damp cloth still results in the stains remaining stubbornly in place, go for a gentle household cleaner.
For metallic (aluminium) blinds, choose a cleaner that cleans the slats without discolouration or damage. On the other hand, wooden Venetian blinds can be more forgiving, but you should focus on applying a cleaning solution that is made specifically for wood.
While most reliable retailers will supply even cheap blinds in Rugby and other areas with durable material, the wrong cleaner can hinder integrity or aesthetic appeal, or both. Do not forget a spot test before you start cleaning stains.
Use a sponge or soft-bristled brush to ease out the stains. After cleaning, ensure you dry the slats well with a paper towel. You can also give the cleaned area a once-over with a clean, damp cloth.
Step #5: Disassembling and Rinsing
Give your Venetian blinds some TLC once or twice a year for a new-like appearance. Deep cleaning is a surefire to get all the dust and grime out, avoid mould and mildew, and elevate the look of the blinds and whichever space they adorn.
How to wash Venetian blinds for a deep clean? Follow these steps:
- Take the Venetian blinds down from the window very carefully.
- Fill up a bathtub with warm water. Lay old towels at the bottom first.
- Mix in a cleaner. Mild liquid soap may suffice, but you can use a cleaner.
- Gently soak the blinds. Keep the blinds in for 10-15 minutes.
- Use a soft cloth to scrub off any stubborn grimy areas.
- Drain the bathtub, and fill it up again with clean cool water. Drain and repeat.
When you are done with a final rinse for cleaning Venetian blinds, go for air-drying. Lay these out flat on dry towels. Rotate the slats every 30 minutes to ensure proper airflow. To maintain the integrity of slats, especially wooden ones—speed up the drying process and pat dry the slats on each side.
Tip: Hang your Venetian blinds outdoors for a while wipe each slat with a clean cloth, before moving these inside and back up on the windows.
Need More Tips for Choosing and Cleaning Window Blinds?
Venetian blinds are practical and durable and offer perfect light control and privacy. In addition to knowing how to clean Venetian blinds, keep your space looking charming and save time.
Of course, starting out with top-quality blinds makes cleaning and maintenance easier too. Whether you need help to measure blinds for your windows or choose blinds that are easiest to clean according to where you live, we can provide assistance. Reach out to Queen Blinds today for a free quote or a consultation from our seasoned experts.
