How to clean blinds at home

Curtains and curtains are a thing of the past, they are replaced by blinds. They are much more convenient and practical, since they not only allow you to adjust the lighting, but are also an interesting piece of furniture. The main disadvantage is that they begin to get dirty quickly, and washing the blinds is a very difficult process. Let's take a closer look at how to wash the blinds and what pitfalls can be encountered in the process.

Why are blinds on the windows

The main task of this device is to control the daylight that will enter the room during the day. Window blinds are used to protect the room from hot sunlight and create some coolness. Products do not deteriorate under the influence of high temperature and ultraviolet radiation.

In addition, the blinds create a barrier that protects against the ingress of rain, snow or other precipitation when the window is open. Certain environmental phenomena can adversely affect furniture and other furnishings. For example, rain that can enter the room when the window is open can damage the parquet floor.

With the help of blinds, it is possible to adjust the brightness and shadow in the room. If necessary, the room can be made lighter, or vice versa, hide in an artificial shade from the hot sun in the summer.

Why is it worth choosing blinds, and not ordinary and such familiar curtains? The fact is that when the wind blows, the curtains are easily inflated. They can knock figurines or family photos off the tables. In addition, curtains are a large dust collector, which is not very good for human health.

Another very important function of this device is protection from prying eyes. At night, when artificial lighting is turned on, everything that happens in the house can be publicized. That is why blinds are used that hide privacy from public viewing.

The functions of the device may vary depending on the type. The following varieties can be distinguished:

• Horizontal.
• Vertical.
• In the form of a roll.

It is also worth paying attention to the material from which the blinds are made. Metals (aluminum), plastic, fabric, jacquard, wood, bamboo are commonly used.

General tips for cleaning blinds

The choice of means and method of cleaning depends on the type of blinds and the materials from which they are made. However, general recommendations can be distinguished that greatly simplify the cleaning process.

These include:

1. For convenience, close them and wipe them with a wet sponge or rag. You can use a spray bottle with cleaning solution.
2. To remove stubborn stains, you will need more aggressive products. But you need to be careful, as some materials do not withstand aggressive cleaning.
3. After the cleaning agent, wipe the device with a soft cloth. Microfiber is great.
4. Window cleaners work well for removing stains.
5. Never use hard, coarse sponges or abrasives. This can cause damage that can be very difficult to fix.
6. For a lasting cleanliness effect, you can use an antistatic agent or polish.

Special wet wipes that are designed for technology are excellent for cleaning. They have a good composition that does not damage the product.

Note! It will not be possible to achieve ideal cleanliness with such methods; for an ideal effect, you need to remove the blinds and rinse thoroughly with special products.

How to remove blinds for washing

To keep the blinds perfectly clean, they must be properly removed and thoroughly rinsed. Each type has its own characteristics in removal, since the attachment methods differ. Let's take a closer look.

Vertical

This is a fairly simple process, and anyone can handle it. The main thing is to carry out all the manipulations as carefully as possible so as not to break off the fasteners.

To remove vertical blinds, follow these instructions:

1. Open the blinds.
2. Remove the chain for guiding from both sides.
3. Remove the sinkers.
4. Peel off each strip separately. To do this, grab the slider and turn it up half a centimeter. There should be a click. Now pull the strips down, but before doing that, fold back the clip.

The strips should come off easily. Carry out all the manipulations carefully so as not to break the structure. How to clean vertical blinds will be described later.

Horizontal

In this case, the strips are located horizontally to the floor and are attached to each other at both edges. Dismantling will take more time and effort, since the connection is much more difficult.

The removal process depends on the type of device, more precisely on the type of attachment:

• Plastic holders. They are used for small size blinds. To remove, you just need to move the clasp.
• Inverted D clamps. Fit on both ends. To remove it, you need to bend the cornice. A screwdriver can be used to simplify the work.
• Twist holder. It is usually quite narrow. This holder slides to the side, preferably clockwise.
• Twist holder. In this case, a wide type is considered. Its removal is carried out in the same way as the narrow one.

Remove the plates and lay them out on a flat surface. How to clean horizontal blinds will be described below.

Roll

This type of device is collected either in a roll or an accordion. They are usually attached with adhesive tape, self-tapping screws or springs. Therefore, first of all, you need to rely on the type of attachment.

First you need to roll the blinds into a roll, and then move aside the plugs that cover the sides. Remove the gears from the edges, and then move the curtain rod to the side. Now remove the roll from the shaft. Ready. For more convenience, you can remove the bar.

Cleaning of various types of blinds

After all stripes have been removed, you can start cleaning. But here, too, there are nuances and peculiarities. Separate cleaning methods are used for each type of blind. The classification is carried out on the basis of the materials from which they are made.

Tissue

Usually these are vertical or roller blinds. They look elegant and even luxurious. The fabric is quite dense, so you need to thoroughly clean each strip.

You can use a vacuum cleaner or a fluffy brush for washing. This will effectively get rid of dust and some stains.

Note! When using a vacuum cleaner, you need to be as careful as possible so as not to damage the material.It is best to give preference to the washing model.

For stubborn stains, you can wash the strips. To do this, pour water into a basin or bathroom and dilute the detergent in it. Soak a cloth in water and let sit for a couple of hours. Then rinse with warm running water.

It is best to dry them on a flat surface, placing a terry towel in advance to absorb excess moisture. It is not recommended to wash the blinds too often, as this can severely damage the material.

The steam cleaner is no less effective. But the strips must first be wrapped in gauze or sheet. This will help protect against damage. The steam cleaner will destroy germs and harmful microorganisms that live on the surface.

In some cases, you can even wash in a washing machine, but only with a delicate cycle. To do this, you need to put the strips in a special bag for things. Spread or hang them after washing.

Plastic

It is very easy to wash them. This will be enough for a regular wet rag or sponge. A mildly concentrated soap solution can be used. When using harsh chemicals to cleanse grease and stubborn stains, you must first test the substance on an inconspicuous area of ​​the product.

Metallic

Aluminum acts as a metal, since it is quite soft and light. Blinds are usually treated with a special solution that protects them from corrosion.

It is best to use a soapy solution for cleaning. If you have to deal with difficult-to-remove stains, then you should turn to more effective methods. These can be ready-made chemicals.

Note! When choosing chemicals, you need to focus on the methods of application. That is, it must be suitable for metal structures.

To work out inaccessible areas, you can use an old toothbrush and cotton pads. To add shine to the garment, it is recommended to treat the garment with fabric softener. Finally, wipe the strips with an antistatic agent to reduce the amount of dust.

Wooden

Wooden structures are quite popular, since it is a natural material and its advantages are difficult to overestimate. Their cleansing must be carried out with the utmost care, since the tree does not tolerate brute physical strength and high humidity. It is best to wash them off with slightly damp wipes or towels.

The best option is to use a vacuum cleaner that effectively removes dust and some dirt. At the end, be sure to use a wood polish. This will not only protect the material, but also make it shiny and smooth.

Detergents

A variety of products can be used to clean the blinds. These are folk or chemical remedies. Let's take a closer look at each of them.

Vinegar

This method is effective for removing grease and stubborn stains that can accumulate on kitchen structures. It is recommended to wear gloves when cleaning to protect the skin of your hands.

It is necessary to make a solution: dilute vinegar with water in a 1: 2 ratio. Use a sponge or spray bottle to clean the surface of the blinds. Then wipe with a clean damp towel and then wipe dry.

Ammonia

This method is not suitable for wood and fabric structures, as they absorb odor. Ammonia works best on plastic and metal. To cleanse, you need to blot the towel and wipe the product. Finally, be sure to wipe it off with a clean towel.

Important! In order to get rid of the unpleasant odor, you need to rinse the product with a detergent with a pleasant smell or powder.

Detergent

A greater effect can be achieved by using more active funds. These are dishwashing gels or washing powders. They quickly and efficiently allow you to get rid of even the most stubborn stains.

Is it possible to wash the blinds without removing from the windows

If there is no time or desire to remove the structure, then you can clean it like that. But it must be borne in mind that ideal purity cannot be achieved in this way.

To clean the blinds without removing them, it is best to use a vacuum cleaner or steam cleaner. There are also special magnetic brushes that can be attached between the strips and washed.

You can also use a spray bottle, but no soap solution. At the end of the blinds, you can dry them with a hairdryer or leave to dry on their own.

Blinds on windows accumulate a large amount of dust and dirt, so you need to regularly clean them at home. For this, it is important to rely on the material from which they are made. To achieve a greater effect, it is better to detach the structure, but if this is not possible, then it can be cleaned without removing it.

Video: how to wash horizontal blinds