How To Clean Yellowed Fabric Blinds

Fabric blinds are a cozy and elegant way to dress up your windows, but they can also get yellowed and discolored over time. Sunlight, dust, smoke, and moisture can all affect the appearance and quality of your fabric blinds. If you want to restore your fabric blinds to their original color and freshness, you need to know how to clean them properly. In this post, we’ll show you how to clean yellowed fabric blinds using two different methods.

How to clean yellowed fabric blinds: To clean yellowed fabric blinds, you can either wash them in the washing machine with warm water and bleach, or soak them in a bathtub with warm water and vinegar. For stubborn stains, you can use dish soap, baking soda, or hydrogen peroxide to treat the affected area.

Washing Your Blinds in the Washing Machine

This method is suitable for regular cleaning or for mild yellowing and discoloration that can be removed by washing. You’ll need:

• A feather duster
• A vacuum cleaner with a soft brush attachment
• A washing machine
• Warm water
• Bleach
• Laundry detergent
• A dryer or a clothesline

Here’s what to do:

1. Pull the blinds down so they are fully extended. You want to access the entire fabric and not just the exposed part.
2. Use your feather duster to remove any loose dust and dirt from the blinds. Start from the top and work your way down, moving from left to right.
3. Use your vacuum cleaner with a soft brush attachment to remove any remaining dust and dirt from the blinds. Again, start from the top and work your way down, moving from left to right.
4. Take the blinds down from the window and check the label for any washing instructions. Some fabric blinds may be machine washable, while others may require hand washing or dry cleaning.
5. If your blinds are machine washable, load them into the washing machine and add warm water, bleach, and laundry detergent according to the label directions. Use a gentle cycle and avoid overloading the machine.
6. When the cycle is done, take the blinds out of the machine and shake them gently to remove any wrinkles. Then, either tumble dry them on low heat or hang them on a clothesline to air dry.

Soaking Your Blinds in the Tub

This method is suitable for deep cleaning or for severe yellowing and discoloration that are hard to remove by washing. You’ll need:

• A feather duster
• A vacuum cleaner with a soft brush attachment
• A bathtub
• Warm water
• White vinegar
• Dish soap
• A sponge or a brush
• A large cloth or towel

Here’s what to do:

1. Dust off your blinds as before and then take them down from the window.
2. Fill your bathtub with enough warm water to cover the blinds. Then, add two cups of white vinegar and a few squirts of dish soap to the water. This will create a natural cleaning solution that can whiten and brighten your blinds.
3. Submerge your blinds in the tub and let them soak for at least an hour. Then, use a sponge or a brush to scrub any stubborn spots or stains on the fabric.
4. Drain the tub and rinse the blinds with clean water. Make sure there is no vinegar or soap left on the fabric.
5. Hang the blinds over a shower rod or a clothesline to let them drip dry. You can also use a large cloth or towel to blot out any excess water.

Removing Stains from Fabric Blinds

Sometimes, you may have stains on your fabric blinds that are too tough to remove with just water and vinegar or bleach. In that case, you can try some of these products to treat the stains:

• Dish soap: You can use dish soap as a mild detergent that can break down grease and oil stains. Mix some dish soap with warm water and apply it on the stain with a sponge or a cloth. Rub it gently and then rinse it off with water.
• Baking soda: You can use baking soda as a natural abrasive that can scrub away dirt and grime stains. Sprinkle some baking soda on the stain and add some water to make a paste. Scrub it with a sponge or a brush and then rinse it off with water.
• Hydrogen peroxide: You can use hydrogen peroxide as a natural bleaching agent that can lighten up dark or colored stains. However, be careful not to use it on delicate or colored fabrics as it may damage them. Test it on an inconspicuous spot first before applying it on the stain. Dilute some hydrogen peroxide with water and dab it on the stain with a cotton ball or a q-tip. Let it sit for a few minutes and then rinse it off with water.

FAQs

How often should I clean fabric blinds?

You should clean fabric blinds at least once every six months to keep them fresh and hygienic. However, depending on the location and usage of your blinds, you may need to clean them more or less frequently. For example, if your blinds are in the kitchen or bathroom, where they are exposed to more moisture and grease, you may need to clean them more often. On the other hand, if your blinds are in a bedroom or living room, where they are less likely to get dirty, you may need to clean them less often.

How do I prevent fabric blinds from getting yellowed?

You can prevent fabric blinds from getting yellowed by taking some precautions and maintaining them regularly. Here are some tips to prevent fabric blinds from getting yellowed:

• Avoid touching the blinds with dirty or oily hands, as this can transfer dirt and grease onto the fabric.
• Avoid splashing food or drinks on the blinds, as this can cause stains and odors.
• Avoid exposing the blinds to direct sunlight, as this can fade the color and damage the fabric.
• Vacuum and wipe the blinds regularly to remove any dust and dirt that can accumulate over time.
• Treat any stains as soon as possible with a suitable product before they set in and become harder to remove.

Wrap Up

Fabric blinds are a soft and cozy choice for your windows, but they also need some care and attention to keep them looking their best. By following these simple steps, you can clean yellowed fabric blinds using two different methods. Remember to use gentle and natural products that won’t harm your blinds or your health. And don’t forget to enjoy your beautiful and clean fabric blinds!

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.