Cleaning Fabric Blinds: Maintaining Their Appearance as They Can Be Challenging to Maintain
In the world of home design, choosing the right window treatments can be a personal decision, but maintaining their cleanliness is a universal concern. Fabric blinds, in particular, require special attention to keep them looking their best. Here's a step-by-step guide to easily clean fabric blinds, with tips from professional cleaners, to help you achieve a professionally cleaned look at home.
**Recommended Products:**
- Vacuum cleaner with a soft brush attachment - Mild detergent or mild dish soap - Warm water - Microfibre cloth or clean soft cloth - Soft sponge (optional) - Bathtub or large basin for hand washing (if applicable)
**Steps for Routine Cleaning:**
1. **Dust Removal:** Start by using a vacuum cleaner with a soft brush attachment on a low setting to gently remove dust from the entire blind. Work from top to bottom to ensure thorough dusting.
2. **Spot Cleaning:** For stains, mix warm water with a mild detergent or mild dish soap. Dampen a clean microfibre cloth—make sure it is only damp, not soaking—and gently blot or wipe the stained areas. Avoid vigorous scrubbing to prevent fabric damage. Always test the cleaning solution on a hidden spot first.
**Steps for Deep Cleaning (If Fabric is Washable):**
1. **Check Care Instructions:** Before deep cleaning, confirm if your fabric blinds are washable. Some may require dry cleaning only.
2. **Hand Washing:** If allowed, unclipping the blinds and soaking them in a bathtub or large basin with warm water and mild detergent works well. Gently agitate the water or lightly scrub with a soft sponge.
3. **Rinse Thoroughly:** After washing, rinse the blinds thoroughly with clean water to remove detergent residues.
4. **Drying:** Lay the blinds flat or hang them to dry naturally. Avoid tumble drying or excessive heat to prevent shrinking or fabric distortion.
**Professional Cleaners’ Tips:**
- Always start with vacuuming to avoid embedding dust deeper during wet cleaning. - For stains, professionals recommend gentle blotting instead of rubbing to avoid spreading or pushing the stain deeper into the fabric. - Use soft microfiber cloths for both dusting and washing as they are effective yet gentle on fabric. - For maintenance, periodic vacuuming and spot cleaning are encouraged to keep fabric blinds fresh and to reduce the need for deep cleaning.
By following these steps and using mild, non-abrasive products, you can keep your fabric blinds clean and well-maintained with minimal effort, just like professional cleaners do. It's important to remember that the job of keeping fabric blinds clean is harder compared to shutters or Venetian blinds, so allowing your blinds a chance to dry before closing them again is crucial to avoid mold and bad smells accumulating. Additionally, do not rub or scrub fabric blinds to avoid causing damage. If the care label of your fabric blinds states to dry clean, it's best to call a professional.
Cleaning fabric blinds can lead to various benefits, such as improved allergy and asthma reactions, a clearer window, and fewer odors in your home. For additional advice, Karina Toner from Spekless Cleaning Services recommends using the Tide Antibacterial Fabric Spray 2 Count for cleaning fabric blinds, while Reuven Noiman from On Time Steam Cleaning advises spraying your fabric blinds with an antibacterial fabric spray to sanitize them effectively.
With these tips, you're now equipped to keep your fabric blinds clean and looking their best. Happy cleaning!
- For a beautiful home where art and lifestyle intertwine, consider redecorating your kitchen or bathroom with vibrant tiles from a home-and-garden store, enhancing the overall appeal of your home-improvement project.
- While maintaining the cleanliness of your home's window treatments is crucial, don't forget to maintain the shine of your living room's hardwood floors by regularly polishing and waxing with a suitable cleaner from a home-cleaning product range.
- In the modern world of design, incorporating a blend of art and functionality into your life can be achieved by installing a custom tile backsplash in your kitchen, or a contemporary vanity in your bathroom, both available at a home-improvement store.
- To create a harmonious living space, choose a consistent color scheme for your home's most essential rooms—the kitchen, living room, and bathroom—that aligns with your personal design preferences and reflects your unique lifestyle.
