Cleaning Your Window Blinds

Like anything else in the house, window blinds must be regularly cleaned and maintained to keep it in good working condition. There are my different styles and types of window blinds and they made from a number of materials. The material by which the blinds is made determines how it should be cleaned.

• Window Blinds made with Aluminum are trouble-free to clean due to its smooth surface. Tools for cleaning aluminum blinds are vacuum cleaner brush, dust clothes that are chemically treated, soft and clean dust cloths or feather duster. When dusting the aluminum blinds, tilt the slats up then use the vacuum brush or cloth to clean it from side to side along the slats' direction. As for washing the blinds, a mild detergent on a moist cloth (by dipping it in warm water)must be used. You may also remove the blinds from the window and soak in a tub with water and soap, rinse then wipe to dry.
• Blinds made from Vinyl should be dusted off using a soft and clean cloth or the brush of the vacuum cleaner. For spots and stains on vinyl blinds, dip a sponge in warm water the put some mild detergent on the sponge then attack the stains on the vinyl. Blot the blinds dry. Vinyl louvers may be cleaned by immersing it in water.
• For Cleaning wood blinds, water is definitely not to be used. Tools for cleaning wooden blinds are vacuum cleaners equipped with round brush accessories, dust cloths or dusting mitts. There are blinds that may be cleaned with slightly dampened cloth, though instructions on the manuals must first be read and followed before using liquid cleaners. Proper cleaning method involves moving from left to right and vice versa. For horizontal blinds and for vertical wooden blinds, utilize downward strokes. Use only dry dusting cloth in addressing certain spots in the blinds. There are also blinds made with faux or artificial woods, and to clean this type off blinds, use a vacuum brush or feather duster or dust cloth. To remove tough stains, use a slightly damp cloth with mild detergent.
• There are also blinds made with fabric or cloth. Such blinds are more prone to dust settlement than any other blinds. For this reason, fabric blinds have to be cleaned more regularly and frequently than other types of blinds to prevent too much dust build-ups. The most effective cleaning methods for fabric-made window blinds are through brushing and vacuuming the dust off. These methods prolong and extend the charm and aesthetic quality of the fabric blinds. Another option is to immerse the fabric blinds in water but only for a short and controlled time as this may cause the blinds' color to fade. To ensure that the fabric blinds would not fade and any of the mentioned methods are not preferred, dry cleaning would be another cleaning alternative.

This applies to any blinds, wipe a sheet of fabric conditioner to top off the cleaning task for window blinds. This will help the blinds to stay dust free for a longer time.

Article Source: Window Blind Care