1. Keep Them Clean
It sounds silly to say that the first step is making sure they're clean, but you'll be surprised how many people don't wash their blinds before using them. Dust builds up on blinds over time and can damage paint or stain fabric fibers, so give them a quick freshen-up every week with some window cleaner spray and rag by wiping off dust with a slightly damp cloth before closing them down again for the night.
2. Keep Them Up High
After cleaning, it's a good idea to store blinds away from other surfaces that can affect their cleanliness. By keeping them off the window ledge and higher than the sill, they won't be in contact with a significant amount of dust during the day when you're not using them. Keeping your blinds high also helps to keep them from getting long hair and dust stuck between their slats.
3. Protect Them From The Elements
Just like your windows, blinds are susceptible to damage from moisture and sunlight. If you live in a humid climate and use your blinds year-round, it's always a good idea to keep them covered when they're not being used. Ventilation is another important thing to consider when keeping blinds clean. Don't leave them closed when they're not in use, and make sure they have adequate ventilation. Otherwise, they can become very dusty and dry out over time, which can lead to problems with their operation as well as residue build-up on the slats.
4. Don't Use Vinyl Velcro On Blinds
Velcro is a great way to keep your blinds in place, but it's also a huge dust magnet. When you close the blind and get dust trapped between the Velcro strips, it can eventually coat all the gaps between the slats and get under them so they don't slide smoothly anymore. This creates problems with the operation of your blinds and can lead to issues with their cleaning.
5. Use A Lint Roller Instead Of A Duster
It's hard to believe but duster dusters are only for small spaces around furniture or other surfaces where you want to give everything a quick wipe down. It's even harder to believe that many people think dusters are good for blinds. If you look closely you'll see that duster dusters have lint on them, which means they can make a mess of your blinds if you use one to clean them. For the best results, use a lint roller instead.
6. Don't Wash The Fabric
Blinds are usually made with fabrics like canvas, corduroy, and linen, but if they're not treated properly things like mildew and mold can develop over time if water gets on the fabric. This can cause odors that are difficult to get rid of, and the fabric itself will likely become damaged from the moisture. If you can avoid washing blinds, it's better for your health for your house, and they'll look better when you use them in a month or two.
7. Use A Damp Cloth To Clean Dust
If you don't want to scrub your blinds with liquid, at least use a damp cloth to remove the bulk of the dust. Some of the dust that gets trapped between slats is the result of using a dry rag, and rubbing particles across fabric fibers can damage them over time.
8. Use Window Cleaner Spray
It's also a good idea to clean blinds with window cleaner spray every month or so, especially if you're keeping them closed for an extended period. With blinds open, they're more susceptible to damage from things like dust and dirt falling on them while they're being cleaned, but the same isn't true when they're closed down.
9. Make Sure Not To Use Too Much Force When Using The Levers
If you're vacuuming or dusting your blinds, make sure you're not applying too much pressure when pulling on the lever and that you give them every chance to open before putting extra effort into it. If you use too much force and the cord or pole detaches, your blinds could be damaged.
10. Don't Use A Cleaner That's Too Strong
There are plenty of cleaners on the market that are designed to clean blinds, but most of them are for cleaning carpets or fabric in general. They only work well on blinds if they have a high acid content, but the problem with this is that it can damage the fabric fibers over time and render them less durable. If you want to keep your blinds in great shape while keeping them looking good and working properly, it's important to find one that cleans both fabrics and blinds.
How Do You Maintain Outdoor Blinds?
The best way to clean up dust and dirt on blinds that are left outside all of the time is to use a gentle cleaner like Windex and a soft cloth. Make sure to use only a small amount in one area of your blinds and clean it up before moving them back out into the sun again.
How Do You Maintain Windows?
The same thing applies to cleaning windows, although it's more important with glass surfaces because they can easily get panes scratched or marred over time. Clean windows need to be protected with a screen, and you can get custom replacement screens made for your home easily in your area or online.
How Do You Remove Mold From Outdoor Mesh Blinds?
Mold can be removed from outdoor mesh blinds by simply wiping it off with a soft cloth and letting the surface dry before putting them back outside.
How Do You Clean Venetian Blinds?
The best way to clean Venetian blinds is to vacuum them gently, preferably with a soft bristle brush attachment that won't damage the surface. Then use a damp cloth to wipe down all of the surfaces or apply window cleaner spray to them and wipe off any debris or dust that's been loosened. Don't let water sit on them just in case they're not waterproof, but always make sure they're completely dry before putting them back in place.
Final Thoughts
The best way to clean blinds is to invest in a good cleaner that's specifically designed to clean both fabrics and blinds so you know they won't be damaged. It's also a good idea to find one that's made specifically for the type of blinds you have and get the right kind according to how often you use them and how soon you plan on putting them back into their original position. Happy Cleaning!
