Blinds are very useful at keeping sunlight and heat from taking over your home. But as convenient as they are, blinds tend to collect dust, and there’s nothing more upsetting than walking up just to be greeted by a bunch of dust flying through your window.
Blinds are often neglected in most cleaning routines, leaving dust to pile up or even stain them. If your blinds aren’t looking as good as they used to, here are a few options you can try to restore them.
Method #1. Wipe off the dust with a microfiber cloth
One of the simplest options to clean blinds is using a microfiber cloth or a dusting glove to remove the dust and stains—even an old sock will do if that’s all you have! Wipe each slat, working your way from top to bottom. Doing this will prevent the dust from resettling on the slats.
For stubborn stains, try damping the microfiber cloth and rub carefully; add a bit of dish soap if necessary. Depending on the material of your blinds, it’s best not to use water. Wooden blinds, for example, tend to warp, so try using wood cleaning products instead if the stains don’t come off easily.
Method #2. Remove dust with a vacuum cleaner
If you’re looking for a fast and hassle-free option, using the brush attachment of your vacuum or a hand vacuum cleaner is your best choice. Close your blinds and vacuum slowly from one side to the other or up and down if your blinds are vertical. Once you’re done, reverse the blinds and vacuum again to ensure there’s no dust on both sides of the blind.
This method is especially useful with roller and Roman blinds, as the vacuum can absorb the dust stuck in the fibers, while a microfiber may only clean the surface.
Method #3. Cleanse the blinds with vinegar
If your blinds have become too sticky or greasy, you can try cleaning them with white vinegar. Mix equal parts of water and vinegar and wipe each slat with a sponge. Remember to wipe them again with plain water once you’re done.
Note: This option is only recommended for plastic or metal blinds, as vinegar may be too aggressive for other materials such as wood and fabric.
Method #4. Deep clean the slats in the bathtub
If your blinds need deeper cleaning, the easiest way to tackle the problem is to let them sit in a mixture that can do the job for you.
Fill your bathtub with warm water and add one or two squeezes of dish soap. Remove your blinds and place them in the tub, making sure the water covers all the slats. Let them soak for up to an hour, and then rinse. Remove the excess water with a microfiber and lay the blinds flat until fully dry.
If the blinds are too grimy, add ½ cup of vinegar and ½ cup of baking soda to make the mixture stronger. Just remember to check the cleaning instructions on your blinds, as some materials may be damaged by the mixture or rust due to being submerged for too long.
Are you looking for more cleaning tips? We got them!
Hopefully, these methods are useful to bring out the best look from your blinds. If you want to learn more and clean like a pro, check out our blog for more useful information on keeping your household clean.
