Caring for Your Blinds, Shades, and Shutters

What do you think of when we say housework, or chores? Is it sweeping, mopping, maybe even some dusting? All of these are correct answers of course but there’s one thing we see time and time again that slips folks minds – cleaning their window coverings! It’s not a very hard job but staying on top of it will do wonders, so if you fear you’ve been neglecting your blinds or shades read on!

Care and Cleaning for Blinds, Shades, and Shutters

There’s a bit more that goes into it than just dusting, but don’t worry! It is all incredibly simple, it just varies based on the type of coverage you have. Find the type you have and follow our steps to get your window looking fresh!

Vinyl, Aluminum, Painted Wood, and Faux Wood Blinds and Shutters

1. Close the blinds and shutters as flat as they go.

2. Holding the bottom of the blind in one hand, lightly wipe across each slat with a feather duster or dry cloth. If you prefer you can use a vacuum with a brush attachment and on a low-suction setting to remove the dust and dirt gently .

3. Start from the top! As you work, dust will loosen and fall down to the slats below so save yourself the headache of going up and down.

4. Work your way down until you’ve dusted all slats clean.

5. Rotate the slats to make the other side face you.

6. Repeat!

7. Make sure to clean the windowsill and any hanging components like the wand or cords.

8. For a final anti-dust finish, repeat the whole process with a dryer sheet as it works magically to repel dust.

In the case of more heavily soiled blinds, be sure to consult the manufacturer or your local Budget Blinds rep. We have the experience and know how to help you tackle any job.

Roman Shades

1. Lower the shades completely.

2. Use a vacuum with a soft brush attachment and a low suction setting, start from the top and work down, as dust from the top may settle on the lower parts.

3. Vacuum the back side of the shade as well.

Wood Blinds and Shutters

1. First, lightly dust with a dry cotton cloth.

2. Special care needs to be taken with wood blinds as wood may warp or discolor with harsh ingredients, and it can happen faster than you’d expect! Use lemon oil or a good-quality wood polish instead of harsh chemicals to protect the wood.

3. It’s important to not get wood blinds or shutters wet. Therefore, wipe blinds with a clean cotton cloth that is lightly sprayed with wood polish or lemon oil.

4. Flip the louvers to clean the other side.

5. Finish by lightly wiping the blinds with a dry, clean cloth to absorb excess product.

It’s important to follow manufacturer’s guidelines when cleaning your window coverings, after all they made the things they know the best way to approach cleaning them! While these tips can help with low level cleaning, anything more thorough and you’d want to consult the manufacturer like Norman or Hunter Douglas. 

Keeping clean window coverings will help improve the air quality of your home. Getting all the dust, possible pet dander or fur, removed from their hidey-holes will go a long way to giving you a good, clean breath of air. (Aside from any sneezing while dusting, it comes with the territory I’m afraid.)

So, go on and clean your shutters, blinds, and shades, it’s time for a good spring cleaning anywho! If you’d rather just replace your old dusty, dirty coverings with something brand new – give us a call! 

Schedule Your Free Consultation Today!