Plantation blinds have horizontal slats that can be tilted open or closed to control the amount of light and privacy in a room. They are also known as plantation shutters, and they can add a touch of elegance and style to your home.
However, like any other type of blinds, plantation blinds can get dusty and dirty over time. If you want to keep your plantation blinds looking fresh and clean, you need to know how to clean them properly. In this guide, we will show you how to clean plantation blinds in two easy methods and share some tips on how to maintain them.
To clean plantation blinds, you can either use a spray solution of distilled water, distilled white vinegar, and essential oil on sponges attached to tongs or on a sock to wipe off the dust, or use a damp cloth with a mild detergent to scrub off the dirt and grime. Make sure to dry each slat with a clean cloth after cleaning.
Method 1: Using a Spray Solution
This method is suitable for lightly dusty plantation blinds that do not have any stains or sticky residue. You will need the following items:
- A spray bottle
- Distilled water
- Distilled white vinegar
- Essential oil of your choice (optional)
- A pair of tongs
- Two sponges
- Rubber bands
- A sock
Follow these steps to clean your plantation blinds using a spray solution:
- Using a funnel, add distilled water, distilled white vinegar, and essential oil of your choice to a spray bottle. The ratio should be 2 cups of water, 1 cup of vinegar, and 10 drops of oil. Shake the solution well before use.
- Attach two sponges to a pair of tongs using rubber bands. Make sure the sponges are secure and cover the ends of the tongs.
- Spray the solution on the sponges until they are damp but not dripping wet.
- Open your plantation blinds and tilt the slats so they are almost flat.
- Hold the tongs with the sponges and gently squeeze them over one slat. Slide the tongs along the slat from left to right, making sure to cover both sides of the slat.
- Repeat this process for each slat until all of them are clean.
- If you have any hard-to-reach areas or corners, you can use a sock instead of the tongs and sponges. Spray the solution on the sock and use your hand to wipe off the dust.
- Dry each slat with a clean cloth after cleaning.
Method 2: Using a Damp Cloth
This method is suitable for moderately dirty plantation blinds that have some stains or sticky residue. You will need the following items:
- A bowl
- Warm water
- A mild detergent
- A microfiber cloth
- A clean cloth
Follow these steps to clean your plantation blinds using a damp cloth:
- Fill a bowl with warm water and add a few drops of mild detergent. Stir well to create a sudsy solution.
- Dip a microfiber cloth in the solution and wring it out until it is damp but not dripping wet.
- Open your plantation blinds and tilt the slats so they are almost flat.
- Wipe each slat with the microfiber cloth from left to right, making sure to remove any dirt, grime, or stains. Do not use too much pressure or scrub too hard, as this may damage the finish or paint of your blinds.
- Rinse the cloth in clean water and wring it out as needed.
- Dry each slat with a clean cloth after cleaning.
Tips on How to Maintain Plantation Blinds
To keep your plantation blinds looking their best, follow these tips on how to maintain them:
- Dust your plantation blinds regularly with a feather duster, a vacuum cleaner with a soft brush attachment, or a hair dryer on low heat. This will prevent dust from accumulating and becoming harder to remove later.
- Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive materials that may damage the fabric or structure of your blinds. Use only mild detergents or vinegar-based solutions for cleaning.
- Do not expose your plantation blinds to excessive moisture or humidity, as this may cause warping, cracking, or mold growth. If your blinds get wet, dry them as soon as possible with a clean cloth.
- Do not use water or liquid cleaners on wooden plantation blinds, as this may cause swelling, discoloration, or rotting. Use only dry methods for cleaning wooden blinds.
- Repair any loose or broken slats, cords, or hardware as soon as possible to prevent further damage or injury. Contact the manufacturer or a professional for assistance if needed.
Conclusion
Plantation blinds are a beautiful and functional addition to any home, but they can also get dusty and dirty over time. To keep them clean and fresh, you need to know how to clean them properly.
In this guide, we showed you how to clean plantation blinds in two easy methods and shared some tips on how to maintain them.
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.
