How To Clean Slatted Blinds

Slatted blinds are a versatile and stylish way to dress up your windows and control the amount of light and privacy in your room. But they can also get dusty and dirty over time, especially if they are exposed to moisture, grease, or smoke. Dust can make your blinds look dull and dingy, and also trigger allergies and asthma. Grease, smoke, and mould can cause stains and odours on your blinds, and also damage the material and colour. So how do you clean slatted blinds without harming them? Here are some tips and tricks to help you out.

The Easy Way to Dust Your Slatted Blinds

The easiest way to dust your slatted blinds is to use a simple tool that you probably already have at home: a vacuum cleaner. You can use the soft brush attachment or the upholstery attachment to gently suck up the dust from each slat of your blinds. Here’s how to do it:

• Close your blinds fully and then hold them by the bottom rail to keep them taut.
• Run the vacuum cleaner attachment over each slat of your blinds, starting from the top and working your way down. Make sure you cover both sides of the slats.
• Repeat until all the slats are dust-free.

This method works well for most types of slatted blinds, but make sure you don’t use too much suction on your blinds, as this can damage the fabric or metal of your blinds. Also, avoid using a vacuum cleaner without an attachment, as this can scratch or bend your blinds.

The Easy Way to Clean Your Slatted Blinds with Vinegar

The easiest way to clean your slatted blinds with vinegar is to use a natural product that you can find in any kitchen: white vinegar. White vinegar is acidic and can cut through grease, grime, and mould with ease. Here’s how to use it:

• Fill a spray bottle with white vinegar and water. You can use pure vinegar or dilute it with some water if you prefer, but pure vinegar is more effective.
• Take the blinds down and lay them flat on a clean surface.
• Spray the vinegar solution on the dirty areas of your blinds. You can also spray the whole blind if it’s very dirty.
• Let the vinegar sit for a few minutes to work its magic.
• Wipe off the vinegar with a clean cloth or paper towel.
• Dry the blinds thoroughly with another cloth or paper towel.

This method works well for most types of slatted blinds, but make sure you test a small area of your blinds first before applying vinegar to the whole blind. Some fabrics or colours may react differently to vinegar and cause fading or discolouration. Also, avoid using bleach on your blinds, as this can damage the fabric or metal of your blinds and bleach out colours.

The Easy Way to Soak Your Slatted Blinds in the Bathtub

The easiest way to soak your slatted blinds in the bathtub is to use a mild detergent that you can find in any laundry room: dish soap. Dish soap can help loosen and remove dirt and stains from your slatted blinds with minimal scrubbing. Here’s how to do it:

• Fill the bathtub with warm water and add some dish soap. You can also add some baking soda or vinegar if your blinds are extra dirty.
• Take the blinds down and lay them flat in the bathtub. Make sure they are fully submerged in the water.
• Let them soak for about an hour. You can gently agitate the water to loosen the dirt while they’re soaking.
• Drain the water and rinse off the soap from your blinds. You can use a shower head or a hose to do this.
• Shake off the excess water from your blinds and hang them up to dry.

This method works well for most types of slatted blinds, but make sure you don’t soak wooden or fabric blinds in water, as this can damage them. Also, avoid using hot water on your blinds, as this can cause shrinkage or warping.

How to Prevent Your Slatted Blinds from Getting Dirty

The best way to keep your slatted blinds clean and fresh is to prevent them from getting dirty in the first place. Here are some tips to help you do that:

• Dust your blinds regularly: Dusting your blinds once a week or more often if needed will help prevent dust from accumulating on your blinds and causing allergies or asthma. You can use a feather duster, a microfiber cloth, or a vacuum cleaner attachment as described above.
• Ventilate your room: Ventilating your room will help reduce moisture and humidity levels in your room, which are favourable conditions for mould growth. Open your windows or doors regularly, use fans or dehumidifiers, and avoid placing your blinds near sources of moisture such as showers, sinks, or plants.
• Clean any spills or stains: Cleaning any spills or stains on your blinds as soon as possible will help prevent them from setting in and attracting mould spores. You can use a damp cloth with some mild detergent or vinegar to blot away any spills or stains on your blinds.

FAQs

Q: How often should I clean my slatted blinds?

A: The frequency of cleaning your slatted blinds depends on several factors, such as the type of material, the colour, the location, and the weather conditions. As a general rule, you should clean your slatted blinds at least once a year, or more often if they are exposed to a lot of dust, pollen, pollution, or moisture. You should also inspect your blinds regularly for any signs of dust, mould, or damage and deal with them as soon as possible.

Q: Can I wash my slatted blinds in the washing machine?

A: Washing your slatted blinds in the washing machine is not recommended, as it can damage the fabric, the lining, and the mechanism of your blinds. The washing machine can cause shrinkage, fading, wrinkling, and tearing of your blinds, and also affect the shape and fit of your blinds. If you need to wash your slatted blinds, it is better to do it by hand or take them to a professional dry cleaner.

Q: Can I use a steam cleaner to clean my slatted blinds?

A: A steam cleaner can be a useful tool to clean your slatted blinds, as it can sanitize and deodorize your blinds without using any chemicals. However, you need to be careful when using a steam cleaner on your blinds, as too much heat or moisture can damage the fabric or metal of your blinds. If you decide to use a steam cleaner on your blinds, make sure you use a low-heat setting and keep a safe distance from the blinds. Also, avoid steaming directly on the seams, edges, or corners of your blinds as this can cause them to fray or come apart.

Wrap Up

Slatted blinds are a practical and elegant way to cover your windows and control the amount of light and privacy in your room. But they can also get dusty and dirty over time, which can affect their appearance and quality. To keep them looking neat and tidy, you need to clean them easy and regularly. You can use a vacuum cleaner, vinegar, or dish soap to remove dust and mould from your slatted blinds. You also need to prevent dust and mould from growing on them by keeping them dry, ventilated, and clean. By following these tips, you can enjoy your slatted blinds for years to come.

Dale

Dale is the colorful mind behind HuetifulHomes.com, where he shows you how to create a home that is as fun and fabulous as you are. He has a passion for color and a knack for DIY, with years of interior design experience he shares his tips and tricks on how to create a home that reflects your personality and style. He believes that color is the key to happiness, and he wants to help you make your home more Huetiful.