A guide to the best methods for cleaning vertical blinds.
Vertical blinds will collect less dust than horizontal blinds simply due to their layout. But open windows and frequently used sliding doors where vertical blinds are often found, can rapidly attract dust, pollen and pet hair. These particles may go unnoticed for some time, which can prove a problem for those with allergies. Regular cleaning and dusting can keep these particles to a minimum, as well as the suffering of those affected.
Blinds made of wood, fabric, fiberglass, plastic, or a combination, will all benefit from a weekly dusting. Close the blinds and utilize the upholstery attachment on the hose of a vacuum. Vacuum from top to bottom on each blind, then close the blinds so the other side is facing forward and vacuum again. To make this even easier, there is a product available that attaches to the vacuum hose made specifically for vertical blinds. The attachment has "fingers" of small dust rags that will slide easily up and down between each vertical blind; some will even clean two blinds at once, both sides at once. The expense of this attachment may be well worth the time and effort. This weekly cleaning will eliminate most of the dust and pollen that builds up.
If spot cleaning is needed, a damp soapy cloth applied to the dirtiest areas should work wonders. Allow the area to dry on the window before utilizing. Be certain the soap is made for fabrics and free of any bleaching agent if using on fabric blinds. Wooden blinds that need spot cleaning can be cleaned with a wood soap or furniture polish/stain. If in doubt regarding the harshness or end result of a cleaning product, always experiment with a hidden portion or back of a blind.
Once a year, or as you see fit, blinds can be removed and given a good cleaning. To remove the blinds, start from the bottom. Disconnect and remove the bottom plates and chain. Unhook each blind from the top hooks and, if a pattern is present on the blinds, stack them in the order removed.
Most fabric blinds can be placed directly into the washing machine and gently washed with cold water and liquid soap. Allow the blinds to soak and agitate on the delicate cycle. Do not spin the blinds, simply allow the water to drain from the washing machine and remove the blinds. Return to the top hooks and allow to drip dry. A towel underneath the blinds will save your floor or carpet. When dry, reattached the bottom chain and plates.
Plastic and wood blinds will benefit from an outdoor cleaning. After removal, place on the driveway or patio and scrub with detergent and a brush. Rinse off suds and soap residue with a garden hose and allow to dry. Rehang on the hooks and attached chains. A coating of furniture polish will brighten the look of wooden blinds as well.
If weather and climate problems don't allow an outdoor cleaning, simply use the bathtub. After removing the blinds, add ten of them to a tub of water and detergent. Rinse after cleansing, allow to dry on towels and rehang. Repeat until all blinds are clean.
Those with allergies and those that hate household chores will benefit from a weekly inspection and either dusting or spot cleaning. Try not to allow the blinds to get extremely dirty as that will make the chore difficult and allergy suffers very uncomfortable.
