Some hacks to keep your residential blinds, curtains and shutters immaculate
Household blinds, curtains and shutters are a great way to enhance the curbside appeal of any home. However, it is important to keep them looking fresh and clean to ensure they do their job whether aesthetically or functionally. Here are care and cleaning tips to help spruce up blinds, curtains, and shutters.
Blinds with Slats
Blinds are easy to clean. Whether they are Venetian or vertical blinds, one can clean them using a vacuum. Simply put on the brush attachment and clean the slats one by one. After vacuuming, wipe them down. Rather than spending on an expensive stain detergent or blinds cleaner, use a microfibre towel and warm, soapy water.
No vacuum or microfibre towel? No problem. A feather duster is an excellent substitute for the vacuum, and a single clean sock will work just as well as a microfibre towel. Stick a hand inside the sock and run it along the blinds to pick up dust.
Important: Don’t use soap and water on fabric-covered blinds. Just spot-cleaning will do.
Roller Blinds
Roller blinds are one of the most common window treatments in Australia. They are practical and cost-effective, and cleaning them can be done in three simple steps.
- Make sure that the full length of the fabric is extended by rolling the blinds down. This makes sure that no area of the fabric is left unclean.
- Wipe down the surface gently with a wet cloth. Make sure to wipe both sides of the fabric and allow the blinds to dry completely before rolling them back up to avoid mould.
- Wipe the areas surrounding the blinds, as dust can easily accumulate around the corners of the fixture.
Aluminium and Vinyl Blinds
The good thing about vinyl and aluminium blinds is that they can be given a bath. Whilst this may require taking them down from the windows, this is the best way to clean these grimy blinds if vacuuming or dusting is not enough. Here’s how to do it.
- Lay the blinds flat in the bathtub and cover them with water. Put two to three cups of white vinegar and a squirt of dishwashing soap. Mix carefully and let the blinds soak for at least five minutes on each side.
- Wipe both sides of the slats with a sponge. Use a small paintbrush or an old toothbrush to deep clean.
- Rinse in clean water. Let dry on a towel rack or hook or lay flat on a clean floor.
- Dry them up using a clean cloth or chamois.
It is also a bright idea to take advantage of good weather. If it is warm and sunny, why not take the cleaning outside? The process is basically the same as the bathtub – the only difference is that one has the added benefit of soaking up the sun while doing the chore.
Plus, instead of soaking the blinds in a bathtub, use the garden hose to rinse the soap off. Then, lay the blinds on the driveway or hang them on a clothesline to dry.
However, some blinds cannot be soaked or submerged. In that case, just clean them with a warm water and mild detergent solution, and then blot dry.
TIP: How to extend the lifespan of blinds
Don’t leave blinds permanently up or down. Leaving blinds in one position too long will force them to retain a memory of that position. This can cause the blinds to get stuck in a raised or lowered position or not rotate properly.
The frequent movement will prolong the lifespan of these blinds and keep them working like a well-oiled machine (figuratively). So, make sure to pull fabric blinds up or down, and rotate the louvres of shutters, Venetian, or vertical blinds in every direction every so often. Always use the control chain, cords, wands, and other operating devices to keep them functioning seamlessly.
How to Clean Curtains
Should curtains be taken down to get cleaned? Not exactly. Busy homeowners who dread the idea of taking down curtains to clean them can relax. People have been known to vacuum their curtains whilst they are hanging on the rod. Steam cleaning is another option, which works exactly as a vacuum cleaner does. For best results, start from the top of the curtains.
How to Clean Shutters
Dusting shutters regularly is one sure way to prevent backbreaking work later. Here are some cleaning tips that will help spruce up every home’s window treatment.
- Wrap a clean cloth or sock around a ruler. This can be used to clean spaces easily and is ideal for metal blinds that bend easily.
- Rubbing a fabric dryer sheet onto both sides of the slats can keep dust at a minimum. Whilst this will not prevent dust, it will lessen the amount that sticks to your shutters or blinds.
- A sock slipped onto each hand is quite handy when a quick dusting is needed. Simply rub hands between each slat to clean both sides of the shutters simultaneously. A microfibre dusting glove can do the job if you have no socks to spare.
- Use a clean paintbrush for extremely dirty plantation shutters and blinds. Dip the brush into oil soap, warm soapy water, or plain water for easier cleaning.
Tip: Rotating shutters in the morning can keep a home comfortable and help every household save on energy bills. So, don’t forget to tilt shutter blades up before going out for the day to provide extra insulation to a room.
Find All Kinds of Blinds at Blinds Quickly
Homeowners and interior designers who are looking for blinds will have a grand time shopping at Blinds Quickly. We offer a wide range of blinds for both residential and commercial applications. Our products are designed to complement any property, and customers across Sydney, Newcastle and Canberra agree.
Come to us for roller blinds, Venetian blinds, roman blinds, outdoor blinds, temporary blinds as well as panel glides. Call us at 1300 112 333 to learn more or request a free quote today!
