Curtains Blinds

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.

Cleaning vinyl and aluminum vertical blinds with soap and water will do wonders for their appearance. Since dust and particles develop over a period of time, frequent cleaning is required. You can clean them easily by taking the slats off the hooks and placing them in a bathtub with your soapy solution. You can use a sponge or soft cloth to remove the dirt. Make sure that you do not bend them too harshly or it could damage them. Thoroughly dry before rehanging them.

Wooden blinds do need to be dusted. Soap and water are usually not recommended for these types of window blinds. Instead use a furniture polish or wood oil to clean them, preferably a type of polish that repels dust. The oil based product will cause your wood blinds to shine like new again and make them stand out.

Fabric blinds take a little more care to clean. You may need to refer to the manufacturers instructions on cleaning, but generally these types of window blinds can be put into the washing machine after you have taken them down and removed the weight that is in the bottom of them. Wash fabric blinds on the gentle cycle with a detergent that is made for gentle cleaning purposes. Before the wash cycle make sure that you treat any heavily soiled areas with spot remover or stain treatment before washing. Do not place fabric blinds in the dryer, hang them to dry and if there are wrinkles in them, a good steam iron will remove these and your blinds will look like new again. You can also spot clean them while they are hanging.

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.

Always read what your warranty states about the care and use of your blinds, and follow the company’s recommendation. Never use any solutions on your blinds that have the potential to damage them, and remember to clean them often.

Many readers may wish to find out more about vertical blinds, and may go to Jesita Jerik’s web store to choose the best window blinds for their needs and save money at the same time.