Mini blinds are an inexpensive and attractive addition to any home. Horizontal mini-blinds can collect a lot of dirt and grime if left hanging neglected in your windows too long. This, combined with the fact that they stand in the hot sunny windows only bakes that dirt on, making it even harder to get off. That may leave you wondering if those dirty mini-blinds can be saved. Of course they can! But there is no quick fix to remove the dirt and dust that has been allowed to accumulated over the years. The good news is that you don't need to use a special (or expensive) service to clean your mini blinds properly. Mini-blinds take time to clean, but cleaning is relatively easy if you use the proper techniques. Besides, it is well worth it if you have allergies or just want your home looking and smelling clean and fresh. Here are the tricks of the trade to get your mini blinds looking brand new and that will save you time and make the job as simple and effective as possible.

So, let's get busy cleaning! Horizontal mini-blinds that are not made from wood can include, but are not limited to: metal, aluminum, vinyl, PVC and faux wood. These materials are easy to clean and don't require an in depth or specialized process. Tip: Collect used fabric softener sheets in a small box next to your dryer and use them to wipe off dust. This will create an anti-static reaction on the blinds so dust will not settle or stick. Taking the blinds completely down and cleaning them in the bathtub is the most thorough way to clean them. Water sodden blinds are heavy, so take care to let water drain from them as much as possible before moving them carefully. If you have been dusting your mini blinds regularly, cleaning will be much easier. If you don't want to take the blinds down to do the bathtub method above, you can use the following method. This will not be as thorough as taking the blinds down and cleaning them in the bathtub, but it is much less labor intensive.

If you have real wood mini blinds in your home, you have to handle these a bit differently. You shouldn't use a lot of water or other liquid to wood mini blinds. This can cause the wood to warp and will ultimately ruin them. Start by using a high quality furniture polish as directed, or you can make a homemade furniture polish. In a spray bottle mix the cleaning solution. You can use baby oil in place of plain mineral oil to add that baby fresh scent. Do not use vegetable oil or olive oil as these oils will oxidize and get rancid (and stink!). It's as easy as that! Fabric mini-blinds are the most difficult blinds to clean. You should not apply any water to them, especially if they are silk. Check with the manufacturer for specific cleaning instructions by fabric type. When in doubt, contact a professional. Now you have some excellent, money saving alternatives to taking your horizontal mini-blinds to the professionals, while still achieving professional results.

Be sure to dust and clean your mini blinds regularly so that they are always looking their best! Image Courtesy of Bach Tran, CC BY-SA.Window blinds are an extremely popular decorating option. But for blinds to look their best, they require regular care and maintenance, and some very definite “dos and don’ts” govern their cleaning. Sure, some cleaning methods can be used on all types of blinds, but there are in fact different ways to clean blinds depending on their construction. national duct cleaning services reviewsFollowing are some general cleaning tips as well as techniques for cleaning blinds of made of various materials:best streak free hardwood floor cleaner • Regular dusting with a microfiber duster, feather duster, or soft cloth is a benefit to all blinds. best way to clean hardwood floors australia

For best results, make sure the blinds are fully extended and that all of the slats are closed and facing the same way. Dust lightly, moving in the same direction as the slats, then turn 90 degrees and dust again. Tilt the slats in the opposite direction, then repeat. • For heavier dust, use the small brush attachment of a vacuum cleaner to go over the blinds, working in the direction of the slats. When using the vacuum, make sure that the suction is on its lightest setting to avoid twisting or warping the slats.ac duct cleaning india • Blinds will need a more thorough cleaning once or twice a year. best steam vacuum cleaner ukTake a microfiber cloth, terry towel, clean sock or cotton gloves and gently rub each slat from end to end, making sure to clean top and bottom. dell laptop fan cleaning

To remove heavier dirt and stains, you can lightly moisten the cleaning cloth with plain water or with a mixture of 25% white vinegar and 75% water. • Specialized dusting tools are available; most feature “fingers” that enable simultaneous cleaning of multiple slats. These dusters (also known as “trickets”) are typically constructed of microfiber, soft cloth, or sponges, and they are found in many hardware stores and home improvement chains. • These types of blinds can be cleaned with warm, soapy water; liquid dish soap works well. Remove the entire blind from the mounting hardware and place it in a bathtub or similar vessel (a kiddy pool in the yard, perhaps). • Use a soft brush, sponge, or soft mop to go over both sides of the slats with warm, soapy water before rinsing thoroughly. A hand-held shower attachment or spray nozzle on the hose is ideal for rinsing. Make sure to rinse away all of the soap suds to avoid spotting. • Dry the blinds with towels and re-hang.

Make sure the blinds are open so that air can circulate between the slats. • After drying, wipe each slat with a fabric softener sheet to help repel dust. • For exceptionally dirty blinds, especially those in kitchens, use a degreaser, such as Fantastik, Simple Green, or 409. • Most wood blinds are treated with a special finish to repel dirt and stains. Wood blinds can be cleaned with a good quality furniture polish and a soft cloth or clean sock. Spray the furniture polish on the cloth and wipe each slat individually. Avoid touching the cords. • For heavier cleaning, you can use plain water, but be careful not to saturate the wood. Wipe excess water immediately to prevent spotting, discoloration, or warping. • Fabric blinds can be tricky to clean. For regular dust and dirt, use a vacuum cleaner, compressed air sprayer, or hair dryer. • For heavier dust, wipe each slat gently with a dry sponge. • If there are stains on the fabric, you can try sponging on warm water or mild liquid soap.

Blot, don’t rub, because rubbing can damage the fabric. (Always test any cleaning product in an inconspicuous area before proceeding.) • Extremely soiled fabric blinds may need professional cleaning. A few things to watch out for when cleaning blinds: - Be careful not to press too hard on metal blinds to avoid bending or damaging the slats. - Don’t let water pool on blinds—this can cause spotting. - Avoid using furniture oil on blinds; it can leave streaks and actually attract dust. - Protect blinds when cleaning windows by spraying the glass cleaner onto a cloth rather than onto the glass. - Never use abrasive cleaners or harsh chemicals on blinds, because these products can scratch, discolor, or warp the slats. - Do not use alcohol, baby wipes, or alkaline cleansers, as these contain harsh compounds that can stain or destroy the finish on the blinds. Remember, regular dusting is key—taking a proactive approach to cleaning blinds will keep your window fashions looking fabulous!