Vertical blinds are still extremely popular despite some people thinking they look like office blinds or that they are old fashioned. They have a lot of plus points that make them a timeless solution for many windows so they will be around for a long time to come.
They will last even longer if looked after properly so here are some tips on cleaning and taking care of them.
The first thing to consider is what are the slats or louvres / louvers made of?
PVC slats are rigid and do not have chains at the bottom so in theory they should be the easiest to maintain and keep clean.
They should only need a wipe with a soft cloth to keep dust at bay.
If there are stains such as those left by insects etc then mild soapy water can be used. Use a cloth with clean water to remove any soapy residue. PVC slats have one weakness - they have a hole in the top for the clip on the header track - this can break if the slats are twisted or handled roughly. Once broken there is no way to repair that properly and a replacement slat will be needed. Care should be taken to keep them aligned with the top clip when gently cleaning.
Fabric slats are a bit more complicated as materials vary. Usually the more expensive they are, the longer they last and the easier to maintain.
Here are some tips to help you maintain and clean vertical blinds effectively:
Regular Dusting: Dust your vertical blinds regularly to prevent the buildup of dirt and dust. You can use a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment or a duster to gently remove dust from the slats.
Spot Cleaning: For minor stains or spots, spot clean the affected areas using a soft cloth dampened with mild soapy water (a gentle dish soap works well). Gently wipe the stains away, being careful not to saturate the fabric or vinyl slats.
Deep Cleaning: For a more thorough clean, take the chains and weights off the bottom and remove the vertical blinds from the window. Keeping them flat, lay them in a bathtub or large basin with warm water and mild detergent, and soak the blinds for several minutes. Gently scrub the slats with a soft brush or sponge to remove any stubborn dirt or stains. Rinse them gently with clean water and allow them to air dry completely before reinstalling. Do not clean this way more than a few times as the fabric stiffener may be affected making the slats floppy and less effective. (This should only be done with fabrics that are suitable to get wet, test an inconspicuous area first)
Dry Cleaning: If your vertical blinds are made of fabric that should not get wet, you may need to have them professionally dry cleaned to remove stains and refresh the fabric.
Avoid Excess Moisture: Vertical blinds can become damaged if exposed to excess moisture, so it's essential to avoid saturating them with water when cleaning. Always dry them thoroughly after cleaning to prevent water damage and mildew.
Inspect for Damage: Periodically inspect your vertical blinds for any signs of damage, such as bent or torn slats, damaged tracks, or worn-out components. Replace any damaged parts promptly to ensure the blinds continue to function properly.
Lubricate Tracks: If you notice that the tracks of your vertical blinds are becoming stiff or difficult to operate, you can apply a small amount of silicone-based lubricant to the tracks to keep them operating smoothly.
Protect from Sunlight: Direct sunlight can cause fading and damage to the slats of vertical blinds over time. Consider installing UV-blocking film on windows to protect the blinds from excessive sunlight.
Professional Cleaning: If you're unsure about how to clean or maintain your vertical blinds, consider hiring a professional blind cleaning service to ensure they are properly cared for without risking damage.
By following these tips, you can keep your vertical blinds clean, well-maintained, and looking great for years to come.
As always, thank you for reading our articles. We hope you have found this helpful. Our aim is to try and be as helpful as we can. Please click the like button if you enjoyed reading this, it assists other people finding the information. If you have any questions then get in touch at https://www.countryhomeshutters.co.uk or comment in the section below and we will get back to you.
#harrogate #knaresborough #shutters #windowshutters #plantationshutters #shuttersharrogate #windowsharrogate #blindsharrogate #newbuildshutters #shuttersyorkshire #yorkshireshutters #verticals #verticalblinds #louvreblinds
Comments