Blinds are made from different materials, they can be vertical or horizontal. Depending on this, the methods of cleaning them will also differ. So, in case of severe pollution, the horizontal blinds will most likely have to be removed, the first can be dispensed with without it. I will tell you about all the details in this article.
How to clean horizontal blinds
No matter what kind of blinds you use, they start attracting dust from the moment you hang them.
Do not hang horizontal blinds in the kitchen, they will quickly become covered with greasy spots. This look is more suitable for the living room.
How to clean horizontal blinds without removing
For everyday cleaning and for light dirt, the horizontal slats are cleaned without removing. For this, dry or wet cleaning is used, depending on the material, using various devices, a vacuum cleaner or a simple damp sponge, a rag.
Special brushes are available for cleaning horizontal slats. They are quite inexpensive, cost from 100 to 500 rubles, and are easy to use.
There are nozzles for a vacuum cleaner that capture several strips at once. They can be used not only for horizontal, but also for vertical blinds. But they are more expensive - about 1900 rubles.
If you don't want to waste, just dampen a cloth or sponge and wipe down your curtains. But this method is only acceptable for plastic, aluminum lamellas. You can use wet wipes for office equipment.
If the dirt is strong or old, then the blinds need to be removed, how to do it correctly and I will tell you in the next section.
How to remove horizontal blinds
Do not hurry! Shoot so that none of the lamellae are deformed.
To unfasten the cornice, you need to know some of the nuances:
- in most models, the fasteners on the brackets are quite simple to unfasten, usually with a slight movement to the side;
- in the case of tris latches, for the system to work, the latch must be slightly pushed;
- L-mounts require the first removal of the plugs.
How to clean horizontal blinds
To wash such blinds, you must first remove all plugs. Failure to follow this step can corrode metal components.
Washing steps:
- Soak blinds in soapy water for several hours, metal blinds for 10 minutes. Soaked dirt can be easily removed from the surface.
- Rinse off any dirt under a strong stream of shower, let the water drain completely.
- Hang back. The entire structure should dry completely within 24 hours.
- After 100% dry, replace all plugs and metal parts. Lubricate all mechanisms.
Features of cleaning horizontal slats made of different materials
For plastic blinds, water is not terrible, so soak them calmly for any period. It is difficult to remove dirt from them. Sometimes you need a grease remover.
It is not recommended to soak aluminum structures for more than 15 minutes in order not to cause corrosion. The advantage of such blinds is that they attract dirt less. If there are patterns, they can be cleaned with a soft brush.
Wooden structures are not compatible with water. When interacting, swelling and deformation begins. It is recommended to either use special furniture care products or wipe with a damp cloth.
The most finicky ones are woven fabric blinds. Use a vacuum cleaner or damp cloth to clean them.
Choose products without abrasive particles. Only with stubborn and greasy stains can lye be used.
A few more tips:
- Add polish to the water, this will create an antistatic effect;
- Dishwashing detergent can be used to remove stubborn grease stains from kitchen blinds;
- A solution based on mild cleaning agents that do not contain abrasive particles - a universal product.
How to clean vertical blinds at home
The choice of detergents for cleaning vertical blinds depends on what material they are made of.
General tips for cleaning vertical blinds of different materials
- anti-static treatment of the blinds will help get rid of some of the dust;
- using a special nozzle, the blinds can be vacuumed (it is better to do this as often as possible, with each cleaning);
- it is recommended to clean fabric blinds with a bristle brush;
- get rid of dust on smooth surfaces with a damp cloth.
Heavy-duty vertical blinds
For stubborn dirt, a steam cleaner will help you. There is no need to remove blinds and use cleaning agents. The jet of steam eats away all the dirt. If you do not have this appliance, the cleaning method will depend on the material. Planks made of metal and plastic, you need to wipe with a cloth soaked in soapy water. Add vinegar to soften the water. After processing, wipe everything with clean water. Then dry thoroughly. Polish curtains made of wood like any wood furniture.
Fabric vertical blinds
Fabric is the most difficult to clean material.
Fabric vertical blinds are removed and washed in the bathroom. Hard rubbing with brushes and constant bending of the blinds will result in poor penetration. Soak in soapy water, then wash off all impurities under the pressure of water.
Dry fabric blinds preferably in the shade. Do not bend over the rope, kinks will appear. Hook over the edges with a clothespin. Be sure to insert the weights before drying.
In the event that the folds have nevertheless formed, you should try to gently iron the lamellas. Set the iron to the lowest temperature setting. Iron across. Do not hurry! Otherwise, the material may deform.
Dry cleaning
To get rid of dust, use a vacuum cleaner and a silicone roller.
It is enough to clean the slats daily in this way, as a result, only after a few years you will think about washing.
Steam cleaning
The steam cleaner makes it easy to clean the blinds without removing them. For these purposes, there is also a special attachment.
Steam treatment is carried out from top to bottom. In heavily contaminated areas, it must be processed several times. The cornice is also easily washed with a steam cleaner.
The resulting contaminated water can be easily removed with a microfiber cloth.
This cleaning method is best used for stubborn dirt. With frequent use, steam breaks the protective layer.
Cleaning with detergents without removing
Clean each lamella with a sponge and soapy water. Then wipe everything first with a damp and then with a dry microfiber cloth.
Partial cleaning
If there is one small spot on the blinds, it is advisable to clean only this area. Rub the soiled area with a prepared soapy solution using a cloth, holding the tape. There is no need to remove the blinds completely. Wipe the treated area with a dry cloth and let dry on its own. As a cleaning agent, choose a mild one without abrasive particles (BioMio, Sadasan, Laska, Veronica, Help), liquid soap is perfect.
Do not use dishwashing detergent, it is of course easy to deal with even dried fat, but it will break the impregnation.
Manual washing method
First remove the weights, then remove the blinds. Having rolled up all the parts in the form of a roll, carefully place them in a basin and soak in soapy water for several hours. The time depends on how strong the spots are. It is forbidden to rub the strips, even with super soft brushes, this will entail severe deformation.
If some dirt remains after the first soak, soak the louver again. Before that, drain the dirty solution and make a new one.
After washing the stains, rinse the blinds well, shake a little, insert weights, hang up.Under its own gravity, the fabric will straighten, taking on the desired shape. Uniform drying is desirable.
Machine wash
Some fabric models are recommended to be machine washed. Remove all metal parts. Otherwise, you can be left without blinds. Put the rolled strips into a bag. Set the delicate cycle and wash at +30 ° C. Do not use spinning and drying modes. To avoid deformation.
If you do not have free time or you are afraid of damaging your expensive curtains, we recommend that you turn to professionals. There they will bring your blinds back to their original appearance without breaking their structure. Cleaning is usually done with ultrasound. There is no interaction with water, be calm.
