You’ve conquered the first step by creating an ideal atmosphere in your home with the right window coverings. But, the next step is to maintain their appearance and cleanliness. Cleaning blinds, shades, shutters, and drapery should be done on a regular basis to get rid of irritating dust and allergens.
Professional Advice
If you purchased your window treatments from a business it’s a great idea to see what their manufacturer recommendations are. However, if you know the manufacturer or installed them yourself please reference the included booklet of tags for cleaning suggestions. One size does not fit all with window coverings so it’s important to follow the given instructions to avoid any preventable issues.
Cleaning Blinds & Shutters
Many blinds and shutters are made from the same material so they usually have similar care suggestions.
- Frequent Dusting: Grab a handheld duster, cloth, or glove that is made of clean and dry microfiber fabric. For an even easier clean you can use a window blind cleaning kit. They come with a variety of tools to get the job done. Make sure the slats/louvers are closed flat as you dust from side to side. Move them to a slight tilt towards the ceiling to tackle the back side. Hard-to-reach blinds? An extension dusting kit can assist in those high places.
- Small or Intricate Areas: These areas don’t have to be a big bother! Use a natural fiber paintbrush or clean toothbrush to get in the smaller crevices, like shutter hinges.
Reminder: Be mindful of the materials you are cleaning. Metal, wood, and composite blinds and shutters will need different cleaning products for tough spots.
Window Shades & Fabric Blinds
Due to their intricate material, it can be more of a challenge to keep fresh. However, with a routine cleaning and regular attentiveness they can thrive. Consider the following options:
Canned Air
This method has become increasingly popular. You can prevent the shades being misshaped by not having to press on them. There are two options: A canned air rechargeable dusting tool or good old fashioned disposable cans of air that you were probably imagining. Besides, both will do an amazing job.
Vacuum Attachment
Fabric window treatments have been commonly cleaned with the vacuum. But, it’s important that the attachment is made for upholstery and conducted in a low setting. This versatile vacuum cleaner has an adjustable suction control sliding setting, along with two different upholstery attachments.
Microfiber Cloth, Duster, or Gloves
Similar to the cleaning method for blinds and shutters this is a no fuss go-to option for fabric window shades. Use the back and forth, side-to-side method. Use caution if atypical dust build up is present. This could cause additional dust to be drug across the fabric.
Spot Cleaning Fabrics
With visible dirt or dust, just try spot cleaning. Take a sponge and lukewarm water and lightly wet the sponge, making sure to wring it out to prevent water droplets. Gently wipe the desired spot. Make sure to completely let it dry before rolling or stacking the shades.
Cleaning Curtains & Draperies
Before making any cleaning decisions, make sure you know the type of fabric your draperies or curtains are made from. This is key so the appropriate cleaning method. Otherwise, there could be shrinkage. Some materials will be able to be cleaned at home with your own washing machine, or other techniques, but some are more delicate and will require dry cleaning.
- Check places for drapery dry cleaning near you to shop prices.
- Steam cleaning, while the draperies are hung in place, is great to get rid of dust and allow to dry in place.
- Wetting some draperies will cause color bleed. Therefore, test a small section that isn’t very noticeable before making any decisions.
- If you are going to machine wash your curtains, use cold water on a delicate cycle. Immediately remove the curtains once washed to hang or flat dry.
Dealing with Pet Dander
Your furry friends can leave behind pet dander–most noticeable on curtains that hang close to–or even touch–the floor. It’s important to keep in mind that certain fabrics of draperies can attract more hair than others. While vacuuming, try to raise the drapes off the floor area, as flyaways will certainly cling to the fabrics as they land. After vacuuming the floor, use the low setting of the vacuum, or the upholstery attachment to remove what pet fur you can. And, it’s a great idea to keep a lint roller handy to attend to any extra fur.
You regularly clean your carpets, floors, and ceiling fans. But, don’t forget to give your window treatments some attention too. Cleaning blinds and other window treatment will keep them fresh and prolong their lifetime. Please reach out to the manufacturer or local business you purchased from to help. If you purchased from Timan Window Treatments, we would love to make suggestions on the best practice for the specific product. Contact us today to offer our cleaning expertise on existing window treatments or suggest some new ones.
