How to Clean and Maintain Window Blinds and Shutters

Oct 5

Window treatments protect your furniture and carpets from the effects of sunlight. They also add style to your home. But do you know how to take care of them properly?

Maintenance of shutters and blinds won’t be easy unless you know the right ways to do so. To that end here are some tips to clean shutters and blinds.

The Best Ways to Keep Your Blinds and Shades Clean

Here are some tips to quickly and easily clean your window treatments.

  • How to Clean Blinds

Blinds might look like simple window treatments but they’re difficult to clean. Since they’re made up of many small pieces, they attract more dirt and dust than other window coverings. This means that all the parts require different cleaning methods. Additionally, blinds on larger windows generally accumulate more dust and dirt than smaller windows, necessitating more time and effort to clean. So, you will need to use a variety of cleaning methods for blinds of different shapes and sizes.

Regular Cleaning

One easy way to cut down on your housework is by regularly cleaning your blinds. Doing so means they acquire only a small amount of dirt and dust so you spend less time and effort maintaining them.

  • Dusting

Dusting is the simplest way to clean your blinds and should be done weekly. When not dusted, window treatments become harder to clean. For this, you can either use a microfibre cloth or any other soft fabric. First, take the blinds off and dust through each slat. It’s vital that you flip them back and forth to ensure you get rid of all the dust.

  • Wet Wiping

Dip a microfibre cloth into slightly warm soapy water. Then, lower the slats and wipe them thoroughly, paying special attention to the corners. Flip the blinds and repeat on the other side.

If you’re looking to deep clean them, wipe each slat individually. Since cleaning them this way can be time-consuming, you can submerge them in soapy water. That is provided they’re not made of materials that can be damaged by water, such as metal or wood.

  • Vacuuming

Vacuuming is the simplest way to get rid of dirt on blinds. Use the specialized brush attachment meant for window treatments and upholstery.

  • How to Clean Shutters

Shutters offer great light control and can make you feel warm and safe while being a gorgeous addition. They’re also easier to clean and maintain than other window coverings such as drapes and curtains. Follow these basic tips to keep them looking great for years.

Regular Cleaning

All it takes to keep dust and dirt away from shutters is to wipe them with one swift motion. Be sure to choose appropriate cleaning products based on the materials used in your shutters so you don’t run the risk of damaging them.

  • Dusting

If you’re dealing with slatted shutters, open them as wide as they will go and use a feather duster or microfibre cloth to get rid of dust. For best results, start in the middle of individual slats and work your way towards the edges. If you mostly tend to keep your shutters closed, use a duster to wipe the slats while they are in the same position. Again, use appropriate cleaning products.

  • Wet Wiping

To get rid of dirt buildup, clean your interior window shutters with a damp or wet cloth at least once a week. If you live in an area that is particularly polluted, the hinges may accumulate dirt, preventing them from functioning properly. When dealing with stubborn dirt in the corners, scrub the area using a toothbrush dipped in soapy water. Additionally, place a drop of lubricant under the head of the hinge pin and one at the top.

If you’re dealing with a stained shutter, treat them as you would on any piece of furniture. For easier marks, use a damp cloth and the appropriate cleaning product. Remember, wood shutters should be allowed to dry completely to prevent them from warping.

  • Vacuuming

To prevent damaging their finish, use the special attachment in the vacuum cleaner meant to clean window treatments.

Follow these cleaning tips to increase the lifespan of your window shutters and blinds. Experts in our team have come up with several such posts to guide you on the cleaning methods suitable for different types of window coverings.