
Unless you’re a cleaning superhero, you’re
probably like most of the population who completely forgets about their blinds
or shades until they notice a thick layer of dust
beginning to rise. You then haphazardly wipe off what you can with whatever you
can find quickly, and walk away forgetting about the rest until the same
scenario happens weeks later. Listen, we get it. No shame. However, you can
save yourself the panic by taking less than 30 minutes a month to clean your
blinds and shades with these efficient directions.
How to
Clean Blinds
Wood and Faux Wood Blinds: Just like wood furniture,
you want to dust these blinds with either a soft, clean cloth or a chemically
treated cloth specifically made for wood. The easiest route is to lower the
blinds to full length and tilt the slats to an almost closed position - leaving
a tiny bit of space so you can reach the entire slat. This way you can reach
more than one blind at once, then flip the slats the other way and repeat.
Super easy.
Aluminum and Vinyl Blinds: The blind placement during the
cleaning process is similar to the wood blinds, extending the blinds full
length, tilting the slats, and keeping a tiny bit of space open between each
slat. For quick access, pull the blind slightly away from the window with a
taut grip. For these blinds, the two best cleaning products are a soft
dusting-brush (ideally attached to your vacuum cleaner), or a damp (not
soaking) microfiber cloth to wipe the slats with water. Allow the blinds to air
dry, and voila! You’re done.

How to Clean Shades
Cellular Shades, Roman Shades, and Sheer Shades: How do we count the ways shades
rise to the top of our favorite list? Not only do these insulating window
treatments save money on utility bills for Washington’s changing seasons, but
they are also ridiculously easy to clean. Next time you are vacuuming, take one
extra step and use the dusting tool on your vacuum on your shades. One quick
swipe on low suction, and you’re good to go. Have a stain? Simply use mild dish
detergent with lukewarm water to dab the fabric.
Roller Shades: Requiring just a bit more
effort, you can clean classic vinyl roller shades a few ways depending on the
level of need. For a fast cleaning treatment, use a well-wrung cloth or sponge
submerged in mild dish soap to gently wipe the shades one section at a time
working from the bottom to top. Keep the shades fully extended until dry. Maybe
your roller shades have never been cleaned and you have a little more time to
tackle the dust. If so, you can remove the shades and give them a bath! Using
warm water, fill the tub and add a few squirts of that same mild dish
detergent. With a soft brush, clean the shades on both sides. Rinse, air-dry,
and display your “new” roller shades.
Sometimes, just knowing how to do something
takes away the overwhelm of what may initially seem to be a tedious task. Now
that you see how efficiently you can keep your blinds and shades sparkling, you
can fully enjoy your window treatments as you watch the changing seasons of the
Pacific Northwest - whether it be your home in Bothell, Kirkland or Lynnwood,
Washington.
If
this Budget Blinds of Bothell article has you wondering how you can upgrade
your space by changing your window treatments, we would love to help! Sign up
for a Free Consultation, where you will have one on
one attention to bring your goals to reality. Our staff at Budget Blinds
Bothell will visit your house for free! We can measure your windows and show
you samples and displays at no charge.