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As a window covering consultant and a former residential cleaner, one of the more common questions that I have been asked is “How do I clean my blinds?” As different types of window coverings use different types of material to make up the covering, there are different ways to keep them clean and looking brand new for longer.

There are two main issues you will have with any type of window covering:

Dust is something that we have very little control over regardless of where or how high in the sky you live. Dust will settle on anything horizontal or that it can stick to, a wet or hot surface.

Children, regardless of age, love to touch your window coverings. Whether it is your toddler that has just finished their breakfast and is wearing half of it or your teenager that just ordered pizza and opens the blinds to watch for the Uber eats driver, finger prints are a main concern for your window coverings. 🙂

Here are the top cleaning tips for your type of coverings:

Shutters

The biggest issue you will have is dust. As shutters are not perfectly vertical, dust will settle on the louvers and with the sun being magnified through the window, the dust will actually bake onto the louvers. This will dull the finish of the shutters and is difficult to remove. A regular routine of dusting using a duster is easiest way to keep your shutters clean. Most dusters have an extendable handle and are adjustable, allowing you to reach those hard-to-reach areas. Pro tip: For the best results, you can also use a dry microfibre cloth and wipe down each louver by hand. The cloth will hold the dust particles more effectively than any duster. If you find the dust has baked on your shutters, then a clean cloth and warm soapy water will work to get the louvers clean. The more baked on the layers are, the more elbow grease you will need to remove it.

Wood or Faux Wood Blinds

The issues and cleaning process for these are the same as with shutters. Start a regular dusting routine and don’t forget to dust off the strings that run through all the route holes of your blinds.

With PVC vertical blinds, use a clean cloth with warm soapy water. Don’t forget to dust the horizontal track above, which is a dust magnet. With fabric vertical blinds, it is a bit more labour intensive. Remove each vane and the weight at the bottom and soak them for a while in warm soapy water in your tub. Also agitate them a couple times while soaking. Once you notice the dirt has been removed from the blinds, drain the water, rinse off each slat and hang to dry, ideally using an outside line. When the excess water has been removed, rehang your blinds and return the weights. This will allow the vanes to dry wrinkle-free.

Roller/Solar shades

These shades are relatively easy to clean. Using a clean cloth with warm soapy water should be sufficient to remove any dirt or fingerprints on your shade. Be careful not to rub too hard as this could damage the fabric.

Dual Shades

These shades, while being very versatile, can be a bit tricky to clean. Use a duster to get into the stitching. A vacuum at very low suction with a brush attachment will work very well too. For spot cleaning, a clean cloth with warm soapy water works well but, again, be aware of the amount of pressure you use.

Sunset Shades:

These are tricky as they have a way of trapping dust, bugs and anything that floats in between the louvers. In regards to spot cleaning, a clean cloth with warm soapy water is the best way. To get at the debris trapped inside the louvres, use a hair dryer on the cold air setting to blow out the dirt.

Cellular shades

As these shades are of a honeycomb design, they will collect a lot of dust. The best way to keep these shades dust free is to use a vacuum on low suction with a brush attachment. Spot clean as needed but be aware of the fabric as some do stain easily.

Pro Tip: We’re always happy to help with any of your questions so don’t hesitate to reach out!

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