Keep your window coverings looking fresh and beautiful by maintaining them just as you would other items in your home. Cleaning blinds, shades, shutters and drapery should be scheduled routinely to avoid dust and rid your home of allergens. This way your blinds keep up their pristine appearance.
Peace of Mind
Each and every window covering may require different cleaning methods, it is best to follow their individual instructions. First, check manufacturer recommendations or if you purchased window treatments from Creative Blinds, we can help point you in the right direction. Purchased treatments on your own? Refer to the product tags or installment booklets for cleaning suggestions.
Cleaning Blinds & Shutters
Shutters and blinds are manufactured using similar materials, so cleaning blinds and shutters can be done the same way. Here’s how.
- Regular Dusting: The use of handheld duster, cloth or gloves, made of clean, dry, microfiber fabric will provide great results when cleaning. You can also find these window blind cleaning kits with a variety of tools. First, close the slats or louvers so they are flat. Dust the shutters or blinds by moving the cloth from side-to-side. Next, adjust the window treatments so they point toward the ceiling and dust the other side. For hard to reach places, consider getting an extension dusting kit.
- Small Areas: For those hard to reach small areas, use a natural fiber paintbrush, or a clean, dry toothbrush. This will allow you to get into those small crevices that can be missed with regular dusting. This method will keep treatments looking fresh and clean.
With hard treatments like shutters and blinds, pay close attention to the materials used. Wood, metal and composite blinds may need specific cleaning agents to avoid damage.
Keeping Window Shades and Fabric Blinds Tidy
Fabric window shades or vertical blinds are covered in material and can be slightly more challenging to clean. It’s important to add dusting to your cleaning routine right away. If you allow dust to build up, your home may suffer the consequences of dust and allergens in the atmosphere. The heavy dust may affect the look and longevity of your window treatments as well. Be sure to adjust shades to the closed position to access as much of the surface area as you can. Consider these methods:
- Canned Air: When cleaning fabric shades, this method has become quite popular. It prevents the shades from being pressed during cleaning which can compromise the shape of the window coverings and cause damage. Also, you don’t have to wipe dust along the fabric, which may cause dust to spread. The canned air cleaning method can be used with a canned air rechargeable dusting tool, or with disposable cans of air.
- Vacuum Attachment: Another way to clean fabric window treatments is with an upholstery attachment set on low. This versatile vacuum cleaner offers a variety of cleaning tools including a sliding setting for adjustable suction control, as well as two variations of upholstery cleaning tools.
- Spot Cleaning Fabrics: For fabric shades, lightly dampen a sponge, squeeze it to ensure there’s no access water-lukewarm works best. Wipe the visible dirt spot gently, allow the shades to dry completely before rolling or stacking them.
- Microfiber Cloth, Duster or Gloves: Before using a duster, gloves or a clean, dry microfiber cloth, make sure the shades are in the closed position. Dust from side to side as not to damage blinds and to ensure you are cleaning efficiently. It’s important to use this method for regular cleaning. Pro Tip–Be careful, if there is a build-up of dust, the side to side cleaning may drag additional dust across the fabric.
Cleaning: Draperies and Curtains
Take note of what fabric your draperies or curtains are made of so you can follow the appropriate cleaning method. Although there are some fabrics that can withstand the washing machine, most draperies will need to be dry cleaned to avoid shrinking.
- Check local listings for drapery dry cleaning near your home to inquire about costs.
- When wet, drapery fabrics may cause bleeding of the colors. Make sure to test a small section of fabric in an inconspicuous area to be certain.
- Steam cleaning draperies can be a good way to get rid of dust while they remain hanging in place, be sure to allow your draperies to dry as soon as you’re finished.
- If you plan to machine wash your curtains, treat them delicately. Choose cold water set on a delicate cycle. Immediately remove the washed curtains from the machine to hang dry or lie flat to dry.
The Pet Fur Dilemma
If pet fur is accumulating on your curtains, they will need regular attention to make sure your home stays clean. To begin with, a lint roller on-hand nearby will be your best friend. The normal cleaning procedure for removing pet hair from draperies is to gently vacuum the fabrics. Then, holding the fabrics away from the floor, run the vacuum over the floor. If pet hair is still clinging to the fabrics, try vacuuming again, or use the lint roller to remove the rest.
Window treatments are an important design element in your home, make sure you care for them as you would other furnishings. Reach out to Creative Blinds, or the window treatment’s manufacturer, for the recommended cleaning procedures. Every window covering has a unique makeup and specific cleaning instructions. Our team is here to guide you in the process of designing, purchasing and maintaining your window treatments so you can enjoy their look and function for years to come. Get in touch with us today for all your blinds, shades, shutters and drapery needs.
