Handy hints to wash blinds for sparkling results each time

Blinds need a thorough scrubbing once a year – preferable during spring cleaning – so they can continue to look like new. What’s more, each type should cleaned differently. Here are some handy hints for washing blinds for results that'll sparkle!

Aluminum and vinyl blinds of a manageable size can be taken down and washed in the bathtub.

• Mix a mild detergent with water and scrub blinds with a sponge.
• Once clean, rinse them with water.
• Let them dry thoroughly, partially drawn up and flat in the tub, before reinstalling.
• You can speed up the drying time with a hair dryer.
• If you prefer, you can do the whole job outdoors on a plastic drop cloth, turning the blinds as needed.
• Rinse with a hose and hang on a clothesline to dry.

Wood blinds will warp if they are exposed to too much water. They can, however, be washed while hanging in place at the window.

• Dampen a blind duster, a pair of absorbent gloves, or a lint-free rag with a mild detergent or an oil-based soap solution and carefully wash each side of each slat.
• Rinse using the same duster soaked in clear water.
• For each of these steps you will need to rinse out the duster often.
• Finish by drying the slats with a dry, lint-free cloth.

Accordion and honeycomb blinds made of non-woven fabrics are easy to wash.

• Simply follow the same method described for aluminum and vinyl blinds above.
• Allow them to air-dry.

Laminated blinds are prone to dust collection, which can cause havoc during the cleaning process.

• Blinds should first be vacuumed with a dusting attachment.
• For deeper cleaning, try an upholstery cleaner. Test the cleaner on an inconspicuous part of the blind first.

The quickest way to clean Venetian blinds is to use a tool made especially for the job.

• The woolly cleaning portion of the brush is especially slotted to accommodate cleaning the top and bottom of the slat simultaneously.
• Lower the blind, open the slats, spray the brush with a dusting spray (if appropriate for the blind material), and slide the brush across the slat sections.
• You can also use absorbent cotton gloves and your fingers to substitute for the slotted tool.

Although each set of blinds is different, these helpful reminders will make any cleaning project simple and hassle-free. Be sure to follow these steps for your next spring cleaning.