the best way to clean timber blinds

Parts VinegarVinegar And WaterWhite VinegarH20 VinegarDistilled VinegarVinegar GrabSock VinegarVinegar ScentVinegar WarmForwardKeep Home Simple: How to Clean Dirty Blinds (so thankful we have wood shutters, but dealt w/blinds for years)User ReviewedHow to Clean a Venetian Blind Six Methods:PreparationLight Cleaning Version 1 - Clean with Your HandsLight Cleaning Version 2 - Clean with the Vacuum CleanerFor Sunny DaysCleaning Metal Venetian Blinds EasilyDeep Cleaning (Metallic and Synthetic Polymer Blinds Only)Community Q&A Venetian blinds range from the older versions made of metal or plastic (synthetic polymers) or the newer, more funky modern wooden versions. Both attract dust and both need regular dusting and periodic cleaning. Venetian blinds can be tricky to clean though, so it's important to care for them according to the amount of cleaning required and the type of material that the blinds are made from. Various methods are suggested here; select the one that fits with the particular needs of your Venetian blinds.

Before cleaning with any of the suggested light cleaning methods, check for problem spots. Tie back any curtains or other soft furnishings around the blinds. This method is suitable for regular cleaning. Place the blinds in the shut position. Obtain a soft cotton glove. Keep the glove dry for wooden slats. Run your fingers lightly over the slats. Open the blind and shut it back the opposite way. Change or dust off the glove or cleaning sheet regularly to prevent creating further build-up on the slats. Prepare the vacuum cleaner. Hold the blind with one hand to prevent it banging as you move the vacuum nozzle over it. Vacuum from the center outwards, both left and right. Repeat until blind is finished on one side. Fill a bucket with warm water and 1/4 cup dish detergent. Hammer 2 nails into your fence (choose a shaded area) to temporarily hold the blinds. Open and raise the blinds; remove from the window, and take outside to hang onto the fence.

Lower and close the blinds. Generously spray with mild spray cleaner and let set for 1 minute, then scrub by dipping the broom into the bucket of soapy water and scrubbing side-to-side. Close the blinds, and reopen in the opposite direction and repeat the cleaning with mild spray cleaner. Use the garden hose to thoroughly rinse all surfaces, and let dry outdoors. Remove the metal Venetian blind from window. Lay the blind down on clean pavement. Spray the metal blind with Windex outdoor surface cleaner. Using a soft broom, scrub the blind gently to remove dirt and stains. Hose off gently with fresh water. Hang out to dry. When dry, take inside and re-hang. This method is for deep cleaning, when the grime build-up has become overwhelming (usually in kitchen or bathroom areas). Do not use this method on wooden Venetians, however. Try to avoid this more strenuous cleaning routine by cleaning more regularly, using lighter cleaning methods.

One with ammonia, or cleaning solution and the other dry. Wash the blind with the wet sock, and dry with the dry sock on the other hand. Do not toss away old socks, as they make great slat cleaners. Just put one on your hand, slide the blind between your thumb, and and wipe the slat back and forth, cleaning both the top and bottom of the blind at the same time. Use the dry cotton glove method or a small woolen duster weekly to prevent build up of dust. Use a step stool or small stepladder to provide you with balance for the light cleaning methods. If you are cleaning many blinds and you do not have good upper arm strength, removing the blinds may be the best option even with the light cleaning method. If desired, ask at your local window furnishings store for suggested cleaning products if you are using the soak-in-the-bath method. There are some products that will reduce or eliminate the need for scrubbing and will also ensure that the cords are clean. Check that these products are not harmful to you or your family, however.

Do not deep clean wooden Venetians - it may warp the wood through dampness.There is nothing like waking up to a soft morning glow. With warm sunlight peeking through the blinds, you know you have a brilliant day ahead. Oh, the glory of opening freshly cleaned blinds to greet the day instead of inhaling a puff of dancing allergens. It’s time to ask yourself: When was the last time you slid a white cloth across your wood or plastic panels? Afraid to see the amount of grime and dust firsthand? Window blinds are household furnishings that seem to get cleaned only when a sudden rush of energy takes over or when the sea of dust they emit becomes unbearable. However, the task isn’t as bad as it’s made out to be. Cleaning the blinds requires few materials and only takes a few minutes. Trust us, when you notice that your allergies have lessened and there aren’t as many dusty particles floating in the air, you’ll be grateful you spent the time to do a good clean. As with most household items, regular dusting will decrease the need for an annual hose down.

Simply put a clean soft cloth over your hand and dip your covered fingertips into a bowl of vinegar. Swipe your hand across the top and bottom of each slat and voila! For vinyl, faux wood, and other less sensitive materials, run a microfiber cloth across each blind to reduce static cling and minimize the mess. Blinds with layers of neglect need a little more elbow grease than a simple wipe down. Start by reading the maintenance literature that came with the blinds. Wooden, fabric, and other types of blinds need to be handled more carefully than other materials. And don’t worry about removing your blinds from the hinges. Wood, faux wood, woven wood (such as bamboo), and fabric blinds do not need to be removed for routine cleaning. All they need is routine attention, and they’ll be good to go. We know you don’t have blinders on when it comes to the dust, so we at The Maids put together some pointers to help you clean all types of blinds! For the best way to clean blinds, follow this rule: Damp is okay, wet is not—especially when it comes to wooden blinds.

Always remember that excess moisture can warp and discolor the wood. After performing the wipe down, use a vacuum brush attachment to eliminate excess dust and dirt. For stain-finished wood blinds, consider using lemon oil or wood preservative to give it extra shine. Close to let dry and enjoy those freshly cleaned blinds in less than an hour Faux wood blinds are enormously popular, and rightly so! They provide a pretty view without costing an arm and leg. To clean them, remove excess dust and dirt with your trusty vacuum brush attachment. Then, mix together lukewarm water and a mild detergent. Dampen a soft cloth and swipe across the front and back. Be sure to blot dry and then close. You have to give woven wood blinds a little more love and care when it’s time for a clean. Vacuum them with a brush attachment, holding it an inch away from the material to not create suction that could damage the material. Warning: What works for many blinds—damp cloths, paper towels, or microfiber sheets—will shed and get caught in the weave of the bamboo and similar woven woods.

Be sure to avoid wiping anything across the surface and just use a vacuum to clean them. Venetian blinds, which are often broader than most blinds, tend to get quite dusty compared to other varieties. However, since they are often made of faux wood, cleaning them is as easy as a wipe. Simply combine a drop of mild detergent to a damp cloth and swipe across the blinds. Blot dry and close. You can enjoy your stylish blinds, sans the dust. In serious cases, a dry cleaner can handle fabric blinds but they are easy to clean at home as well. Start by gently vacuuming the blinds. Then spot clean with a soft clean cloth and mixture of mild detergent and warm water. Be careful not to crush or crinkle the fabric, blot gently, and let dry. For more adamant stains, use your favorite household stain fighter. Do a test patch first and let dry for 24 hours to make sure the fabric doesn’t fade. Giving your blinds a serious deep clean is a great rainy day project. Sometimes it’s those little things around the house that really add up when you haven’t cleaned them in a while.