The Best Method For Cleaning Fabric Blinds

If your home boasts fabric blinds, chances are there have been instances you've needed to clean them but found this task more difficult than with plastic or wood versions. Even if you don't own fabric blinds but are considering making the switch, it's wise to note how they are best maintained to save time and energy. This task might require a few more steps than wiping down solid materials, but by combining vacuuming, spot treatments, and air drying, they will remain in good condition for as long as possible.

Fabric-based window blinds offer numerous benefits, which is why they have become popular in home designs over the years. If the cleaning requirements put you off, it can help to know that these particular window covers can help reduce the amount of glare in your home during daylight hours while still letting a good amount of natural light come in. Keeping them dust and dirt free is important because stains can set in their fabrics if not dealt with quickly. Here's what to do during your next cleaning session.

The first step to getting your fabric blinds looking like new is to prep them (and yourself) for a good tidy. You can gather your materials, which include a vacuum, microfiber cloth, gentle dish soap, and a bowl of water for spot treatment. If your blinds run horizontally, pull them taught to open up the entire surface for the vacuum to reach. Run it across your slats, or throw on an upholstery attachment to help with dust collection. You'll still need to repeat across the backside, especially if the fabric is connected.

Avoid using too much force, as fabric blinds can be fragile. If your vacuum doesn't have the attachment and you're worried it might damage your blinds, you can clean each slat or the entire surface with a fresh microfiber cloth, which will still grab dust better than a paper towel or other scrubbing tool. Once you've wiped down the entire area from the top down, it's time to spot-treat tougher marks. Mix dish soap and water until you see bubbles, then dab the cloth into the bowl and gently rub stains with it.

As you clean, always make sure the blinds you are focusing on are supported by your other hand. This will prevent rips or breakage, and keep the fabric's shape. Don't apply the cloth if it is soaking wet — try to remove any excess moisture before working on a section that needs extra attention. Once you've inspected the blinds and can no longer see marks or dust, close all of the coverings you cleaned to allow them to air dry.

For the best results, and to keep your home free of allergens, it's good to give your fabric blinds a good clean at least once every two weeks. The more you do it, the less chance you'll have of seeing stains or dust accumulation. It will also keep window sills, curtain rods, and surrounding areas free of debris, too, since the fabric can collect and hold more detritus at times than other materials. By simply following these steps, your blinds will continue to provide protection and a nice aesthetic to your rooms.