How to Clean Blinds, Shades, & Curtains
I think we can all agree that cleaning is one of the most important, yet often overlooked aspects of owning a home. While some of us find it therapeutic and comforting, others would do anything possible to avoid it.
But whether you like it or not, it’s something that needs to get done – if not often, then regularly.
And we’re not talking about one of those lazy, half-effort cleanings that’s hastily completed in a matter of minutes. We’re talking about a thorough, detailed, exhaustive deep cleaning of your entire household.
One of those cleanings that leaves no stone unturned.
Or, at least in this case, no blind or curtain unturned.
According to a 2023 survey by affresh® appliance care, 86% of us clean the shower often and 64% clean the oven often, but the windows (29%) were often overlooked, put off for another day, or forgotten about.
And if the window isn’t getting cleaned, then the window treatment probably isn’t getting cleaned either.
Benefits of Cleaning Your Blinds, Shades, & Curtains
Like anything else in your home that doesn’t get used or touched often, window treatments (like blinds, shutters, shades, curtains, and drapes) are breeding grounds for dirt, bacteria, dust, debris, and bugs.
They also receive a lot of direct exposure to sunlight, which can damage your window treatments.
Maybe it’s just us, but dirty window treatments make us nervous – especially when you consider how dirty blinds, curtains, and shades get over time. Even when they don’t look dirty, chances are they are dirty.
But don’t worry – that can all be saved with a little microfiber cloth, vacuum, water, soap, and patience.
The truth is there are a lot of benefits of cleaning and maintaining window treatments.
It removes dirt and debris, masks lingering odors, prevents the growth of mold and mildew, protects the material from sun damage, improves the overall look of your home, and prolongs the life of the material.
It’s not the first thing people think of when cleaning the house, but it definitely shouldn’t be forgotten.
The 5 Most Practical Ways to Clean Window Treatments
Before you can start cleaning your window treatments, it’s important to understand what type of treatment it is, what material it’s made out of, and what the most effective method is for cleaning that exact material.
After all, not cleaning it properly could end up damaging or destroying the material.
The good news is most window treatments can be cleaned using just one of six methods – a feather duster, a vacuum, a damp cloth, a washing machine, the bathtub, or a combination of those five.
Let’s take a closer look at those methods, and when they should be utilized.
5. Feather Duster or Microfiber Cloth
One of the easiest ways to maintain your blinds and shades is with a feather duster – which can be substituted by a microfiber cloth, though a feather duster makes the job so much easier on yourself.
These can be used on anything with vertical or horizontal slats, whether it’s made of plastic or wood.
The dusting should be completed at least once every two weeks, though most people opt to do it once per week for best results – keep in mind that dust only takes a couple of days to settle before growing worse.
4. Vacuum With Brush Attachment
A handheld vacuum with an upholstery attachment is another effective way of removing dust, debris, pet dander, and dead bugs from your window treatments – even moreso than its feather duster counterpart.
The vacuum attachment is best reserved for curtains, drapes, and other fabric blinds that attract dust.
Much like the feather duster, you should vacuum your curtains and drapes at least once every two weeks – but once per week is even better. Just make sure you’re extremely careful and gentle when vacuuming!
3. Soap, Water, & Cloth
There’s no need to spend $10+ on a fancy multipurpose cleaning solution when maintaining your blinds, shades, or curtains. In fact, all you need is a gentle mixture of warm water and a mild soap or detergent in a bucket.
You can use it to wipe the blinds down or for spot cleaning blinds and fabrics – ideally once per month.
If you’re cleaning wood blinds (not faux wood blinds), we suggest using a wood spray polish instead of soap and water – but make sure you use a feather duster first and foremost. Once the dust is removed, give the wooden blinds a good wipe down.
2. Washing Machine
The washing machine is always a sketchy place to wash your window treatments. It’s obviously not going to help clean your blinds and shades, but can be a good option for some curtains, drapes, and other fabrics.
The most important thing is that you confirm the fabric is safe to be used in a washing machine.
If so, we recommend washing it on the gentlest cycle you have – and pair it with cool or lukewarm water and mild detergent. If not, then wash it in the sink with your hands. Either way, avoid the dryer at all costs.
1. Give Them a Bath
If you’re dealing with long curtains and drapes, or are looking for an effective way to wipe down your vertical blinds and horizontal blinds, then you might have to bypass the sink and use your bathtub, instead.
Just make sure the water isn’t too hot or cold – a bathtub filled with lukewarm water and mild dish soap is preferred.
You can let the blinds or curtains soak in the soapy water for a few minutes before wiping them down with a soft cloth. When done, wipe them down with a dry towel and hang them up until they’re completely dry.
Arizona Blinds Company: Are You Ready for an Upgrade?
With regular cleanings and weekly maintenance, homeowners can keep their window treatments looking fresh for up to 10 years – maybe even longer, if you take all the necessary precautions and preventions.
But there comes a time when every window treatment needs to be replaced.
Whether you’re dealing with damaged or broken window blinds, curtains or drapes that are losing their color, or a window screen arizona that fell out of style – Arizona Blinds Company can help you transform your space.
From repairing them to installing them, our team of experts will help you pick out the perfect design for each room – even if that means designing you a custom, never-before-seen treatment specifically for you!
Contact us today at 623-900-1316 to claim your free consultation with one of our team members!
