How to Clean Wooden Blinds

Waking up to natural light slipping into your room through your blinds is an excellent way to start a day. Unfortunately, the beautiful moment quickly fades when dust from your wooden blinds reaches your nostrils. Keeping your blinds clean for daily use may seem like a boring repetitive task. However, it's surprisingly easy to wipe down your wooden blinds once you have the right tips. Learning how to clean blinds improves the general air-quality of your home. Trust us; you'll be grateful when your sneezes disappear.

What Type of Wooden Blinds Do You Have?

How to clean wooden blinds the right way boils down to knowing the type of material your blinds are made of. Start by finding out if your blinds are real wood or faux before you start spraying and wiping. Faux blinds mimic natural wood especially when in a painted finish. This step is essential for you if you moved into a house with pre-installed blinds and are not sure if they are wooden or faux.

Usually, faux blinds are made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC), vinyl, or composite which is a mixture of polymers. The materials are resilient and don't warp. You can identify faux wood by the similar and repetitive manufactured grain patterns on each slat. Generally, you can use most cleaners with faux wood. However, it's wise to avoid harsh detergents and soaking them in water.

Real wooden blinds have different, natural, irregular grain patterns per slat. Because the slats are real wood. It's best to avoid getting wooden blinds wet during cleaning to avoid damaging the finish.

How to Clean Wooden Blinds?

If you're wondering how to clean blinds, schedule regular cleaning sessions. It saves time and prevents long, intense cleaning sessions.

Dust Your Blinds

Create a regular cleaning schedule that includes dusting your blinds.
For this, grab a soft cloth, microfiber mitt or feather duster. If really dusty with pet dander or carpet fuzz, use a vacuum with an upholstery brush.
Close your blinds so that the slats are flat against the window.
Run your duster or vacuum on each slat-end to end.
Rotate the blinds to wipe each slat from the other side. Ensure you take time to dust each slat without causing damage.

Apply Conditioner

If you live in a really dry climate or your blinds receive a lot of harsh sunlight, and your real wooden blinds are fading, restore them with conditioner. Use lemon oil or a wood conditioner to bring back the shine. Avoid applying your conditioner to the cords and hardware.

What are the Risks of Improperly Cleaning Real Wood Blind Window Coverings?

Improper cleaning of your real wood blinds can lead to a variety of problems that affect both their appearance and longevity. Wood, being a natural material, is particularly sensitive to moisture and harsh cleaning agents. Using too much water or the wrong type of cleaner can cause the wood to swell, warp, or even rot, compromising the blind's structural integrity.

Additionally, abrasive cleaners or rough handling during cleaning can scratch or damage the finish, leaving the blinds looking dull and worn. In extreme cases, improper cleaning can lead to the need for costly repairs or replacement, making it crucial to follow recommended cleaning methods to maintain the beauty and functionality of your wood blind window treatments.

How to Clean Faux Wooden Blinds?

Dust The Blinds

Just like real wood, faux blinds require regular dusting. It prevents dust and dander accumulation over time. Use a soft cloth, or microfiber mitt weekly. Alternatively, especially if you have pets, you can use a vacuum with a brush attachment.

If your faux wood blinds are in a very active area like your kitchen or breakfast nook, you may want to clean them beyond just dusting. Periodically wiping them down with a mild cleaning solution will keep them looking fresh and sparkling clean.

How to Wipe Faux Wood Blinds with Cleaning Solution

Prepare a mild solution of water and a little liquid dish soap.
Dip a soft microfiber towel in the solution. Wring the towel.
While faux wood window blinds resist moisture better than natural wood, avoid soaking them.
If you have faux wood blinds in a kitchen, use a disinfectant. A one-part water and one-part vinegar solution is excellent for the job.

What are the Dangers of Improper Cleaning of Faux Wood Blinds?

While the faux wood blind options are more resilient than their natural counterparts, improper cleaning can still pose several risks. These window covering options can be damaged by harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaning tools.

Soaking faux wood blinds in water is also not advised; even though they are more moisture-resistant than real wood, prolonged exposure to water can lead to warping or bending of the slats.

Additionally, improper cleaning can lead to the buildup of grime and dust, which not only looks unsightly but can also become a breeding ground for allergens and bacteria. Regular, gentle cleaning with the appropriate tools and solutions is key to maintaining the durability and appearance of faux wood blinds.

What Is The Best Way To Clean Automated Wooden Blinds?

Motorized blinds offer convenience and energy efficiency. Caring for them helps them last long and serve you well.

Regular Dusting

Regular dusting for motorized blinds is vital to retain their beauty. As you clean your home, run a duster or soft vacuum brush across the slats. You will want to be sure and use your remote to position the blind slats closed for cleaning, as moving the slats manually could damage the mechanism that controls the automation of the blind.

What Is the Best Way to Clean Blinds Without Taking Them Down?

Always dust your wooden blinds as you clean your home.
Wipe real wooden blinds with wood cleaner and use a cleaning solution for faux wood.
Avoid dipping your blinds in water. Wipe with a damp cloth instead.
Use a vinegar solution for blinds in kitchens.

What's the Best Thing to Clean Blinds With?

Generally, wooden blinds have thinner slats and are lightweight. They require careful handling to prevent damage. It's also best to avoid using harsh cleaners directly on your blinds.

The best "how to clean blinds" tip is to do the regular dusting. It removes any allergens and keeps your window blinds clean. You can use a soft cloth, microfiber mitt, or a vacuum with a dust brush attachment.

You can also use a wood cleaner to condition your wooden blinds or a wood soap cleaner to remove stubborn dirt. Use a microfiber towel and keep it damp instead of wet. Run the fabric across each slat to ensure maximum cleanliness. It's best to flip the blinds and wipe the other side to remove all the dust and dirt.

Can You Clean Wooden Blinds with Vinegar?

While vinegar is an excellent cleaning product for faux (PVC) blinds, it is not recommended for wooden blinds. However, it works best, if you mix it with water first.

Mix one-part vinegar and one-part water to clean your blinds. Before wiping any slat, wring the sponge or cloth thoroughly, you want to use a damp cloth.

Conclusion

A clean window blind preserves the quality of air in your home. It also creates a nice environment for your family and shows that you care about your home. Incorporating regular window blind dusting and cleaning is the best way to reduce your workload. Keep your window blinds in top shape for the best performance.

If your blinds still look dingy or yellowed no matter how often or how hard you clean them, contact Budget Blinds for new custom blinds for your windows. Your local design expert guides you through a broad selection of faux and wooden blinds, explaining their unique differences and helping you select the right product and style for your home. In the end, you'll find the perfect blinds to upgrade and refresh any room.