How to Clean Window Blinds August 14, 2020
When was the last time you cleaned your window treatments? Hmmm….is it because you don’t know how to do it or are you afraid to do it wrong? Recommendations can vary from product to product so it’s always best to refer to the operations and care guide instructions included with your purchase; however, we’ve listed some basic cleaning methods and tips below:
METHODS
Dusting -Regular light dusting maintains a like-new appearance for most blinds, shades, shutters and window panels.
Vacuuming – Vacuum gently with a brush attachment of any vacuum cleaner. Most products may be vacuumed with a vertical stroke. DO NOT use a brush attachment with Luminette Privacy Sheers.
Compressed air or hair dryer (non-heat setting)-Use this method to blow dust off selected window coverings.
Spot-cleaning-Spot-clean shades and blinds with a soft cloth or sponge moistened with lukewarm water. Add mild detergent if needed. Blot gently as rubbing can damage some fabrics. Some fabrics should not be spot cleaned.
Bathtub-cleaning/water immersion- This method can be used for most alternative wood or metal blinds by immersing the entire shade in lukewarm water, rinsing with clear water and reinstalling the damp shade in the lowered position to dry completely. However, headrails or bottom rails on certain operating systems should not be immersed as well as blinds with decorative tapes.
Ultrasonic cleaning-The ultrasonic cleaning process is done by a professional cleaner. It requires having the window treatments removed from the home and transported to a cleaning facility.
Injection/extraction cleaning system-This type of cleaning injects a cleaning solution into the fabric and immediately extracts the dirty solution. It’s a very effective way to deep clean window treatments. The service is typically performed in the home so there is no need to remove the window treatments.
Steaming- Steaming can be done to remove wrinkles from some fabrics. A hand held travel size steamer works best.
TIPS
Alternative Wood or Vinyl Products
- To reduce static cling and repel dust, wipe the product with dryer sheets.
- Do not use abrasive cleaners or chemical solvents, as they will scratch or damage the surface.
- Allow blinds to air dry to preserve dust repellent properties of the slats.
- Clean shutters with mild soap and water. Do not use ammonia- based products.
Wood Products
- Clean using a dry, soft feather duster, clean cloth or dusting mitt. A vacuum with a soft brush attachment can be used.
- Ultrasonic cleaning or use of chemical solvents and scrubbing cleaners are not recommended. They will damage the product.
- Protect all fine wood products from exposure to steam, high moisture areas, rain or sprinkler systems to ensure their long life.
- Spray glass cleaner on a cloth rather than spraying directly on the window. This will prevent damage to the wood finish by splattering the cleaner.
- To reduce static cling and repel dust, wipe the product with dryer sheets.
Cloth Tapes
- Spot-cleaning with fabric cleaner wipes. Perform a cleaning test on underneath side where tapes wrap around bottom rail first.
- 100% polyester tapes can be spot-cleaned with cool distilled water. Blot to clean spot and rinse with clean distilled water. Air dry.
- If the tape is shiny or has a luster, do not use water. The tape is most likely rayon or acetate and the result will be a water stain. Wipes are the best for all fiber contents.
Fabric Shades, Shadings or Window Panels
- Do not use magnetic cleaners such as a dusting mitt on light-dimming fabrics. This will damage the light-dimming backing.
- Spray glass cleaner on a cloth rather than spraying directly on the window. This will prevent damage to the fabric by splattering the cleaner.
Privacy Sheers
- The ultrasonic cleaning process requires the sheers to be removed from the home and transported to the cleaning facility. Sheers should be rolled on a tube during transport to minimize wrinkling and damage.
Roman Shades
- Periodically, these shades may need to be “dressed.” This involves steaming the fabric to achieve a pleasing and uniform appearance along the full length of the shade.