how to clean mini blinds

If there's one chore we absolutely hate, it's cleaning our window blinds. We've all been there. It's a tedious, time-consuming task. Cleaning your blinds doesn't have to be difficult. In fact, it's a lot easier than you think. Read on to learn more about the different types of materials used to make blinds and how to care for them, as well as simple steps for cleaning your blinds without having to take them down.

Types of Window Blinds

Window blinds come in a variety of forms, from horizontal slats and vertical blinds to mini blinds and more. They're also made from a number of different materials, each with their own unique benefits and care instructions. Let's discuss the various types of materials used to make our window coverings and how best to clean each one.

Metal

Metal blinds—most likely to be made from aluminum—are known for their durability. They're able to withstand long periods of exposure to the sun without damage and, when cared for properly, can last for years. All of our mini blinds are crafted from metal and treated with Anti Static to repel dust.

The best way to clean aluminum blinds is by using a dry rag to wipe off any dirt and dust. If it's been a while since you last cleaned your blinds and they're especially dirty, try using a combination of gentle soap and cold water.

Wood

Wooden blinds are known for their style, beauty and sophistication. They're also known for being comparatively more expensive than blinds made out of other materials. Nothing beats the look and feel of natural wood, but when it comes to cleaning wood blinds, it's important to be extra careful. One thing you should never do is wash your wooden blinds with water, as this can cause warping and discoloration. You should also avoid using harsh chemicals that can potentially damage the blinds. Instead, simply use a dry feather duster or soft cloth to gently wipe away any dust and dirt.

Faux Wood

Wood blinds look great, but they're not for everyone. For those who want the natural look of wood, but without the high price tag, faux wood blinds are a great option. Plus, when it comes to cleaning and maintaining them, the benefits of faux wood blinds far outweigh those of natural wood. Water is no problem when it comes to faux wood blinds because they are much more durable and resistant to moisture than real wood blinds are. The best way to clean them is by using a soft rag or a combination of gentle soap, water and a damp cloth to wipe down the slats.

Plastic

Plastic blinds (most often made of vinyl or PVC) are a popular choice for their affordability. They flex easily, are washable and are less likely to break and are much easier to maintain than other types of blinds. Clean them by simply wiping them down with a dry cloth or soap and water mixture. Our vertical blinds are a great, easy-to-wash option!

Fabric

You most often see synthetic fabric used in roller shades, roman shades, cellular shades, pleated shades and fabric vertical blinds. They're great for filtering light and have the added advantage of coming in a number of colors and styles. When it comes to cleaning fabric, your vacuum will be your most handy tool. Use the dust brush of your vacuum to gently remove dust and dirt that has accumulated on your blinds. You can also use a hair dryer on "cool" to easily blow away the dust, dirt and tiny bugs that have built up inside your cellular shades. To spot clean, use a damp rag and dab at the spots. Do not rub!

Hand of young woman cleaning blinds

Cleaning Your Blinds Without Removing Them

Let's face it. Cleaning window blinds can be a hassle. It's not as easy as cleaning curtains, which can be removed and thrown into a washing machine. When it comes to window blinds, cleaning is a little more hands-on. The good news is that it is possible to give your blinds a thorough cleaning without having to take them down.

First, open up the blinds and dust each slat using a non-abrasive cloth or duster. Next, use a vacuum to remove any dust that has accumulated on other components of the blinds. Your next step will depend on the type of material your blinds are made of. If your blinds are made of aluminum, vinyl or faux wood, they can be washed with a mixture of gentle antibacterial soap and water. Dunk a cloth in the water and wipe down a slat at a time starting at the top and working your way down. If you have fabric shades or blinds, you should avoid washing them and simply spot clean any areas where there may be dirt. Never use water to clean wood blinds at all. Instead, regularly clean them with a dry cloth or vacuum. The final step when cleaning your blinds is to also make sure to clean the pull strings, as these can easily be discolored by dust, dirt and sun damage. Dip a white cloth in a mixture of warm water and a fabric-safe cleaning solution and use this to grip the strings and move down.

There you have it. Now you have the tools and information to keep your blinds clean no matter what they're made out of. Have questions or need help choosing the right blinds for you? Contact Factory Direct Blinds today!