How to wash blinds without removing them: simple tips and tricks

Nowadays, almost every home has blinds, but when buying these luxurious interior items, we sometimes don’t think about how to keep the product clean.

Fabric-based horizontal and vertical blinds are a modern alternative to primitive curtains. They provide ideal protection from light, are not picky during daily use and can decorate even the most boring interior.

Cleaning horizontal blinds

How to wash blinds without extra effort is one of the main questions of many owners when putting their house in perfect order.

When choosing curtains, it is advisable to first familiarize yourself with certain features of their cleaning. Removing dirt from blinds that have a horizontal direction will require special clamping pliers.

What types of blinds are there?

So, blinds are light-protective devices designed for installation on window and other openings . Blinds can be vertical/horizontal (according to the type of lamella arrangement). Even in modern blinds, the slats are stationary and rotate along an axis, so they can be adjusted to achieve the required level of lighting.

History of blinds

Note! There is a version that blinds first appeared in the 18th century in Philadelphia, USA. Although they were patented and put into mass production only 2 centuries later thanks to the industrialist J. Hampton. Tellingly, the word “blinds” is translated from French as “jealousy.”

Blinds are a type of curtain made from slats made from various materials. The slats are connected into a seamless system and typically rotate, move and change position to achieve optimal lighting in the home. They can also affect indoor temperature.

Window blinds

There are 2 ways to set the slats in motion:

manually (in this case, a special cord or cane fixed in the system is used);
automatically (via a switch, remote control or even a computer). These remote-controlled blinds are ideal for windows where access is limited.

Technologies that control the flow of natural light into the house

Wooden and bamboo blinds

This material is very noble and decorative. But it is afraid of water, so such “curtains” need to be cleaned only in a dry way:

close the blinds and vacuum their surface;
open the structure, go over hard-to-reach places with a feather brush;
close again and vacuum the “curtains” again.

I advise you to periodically treat the surface of each lamella made of natural material with a polished furniture care product. This will maintain the brightness of the accessory and help deal with stains.

I hope you liked my tips and practical methods for caring for blinds. Subscribe to my blog and recommend it to your friends on social networks - we have a lot of interesting topics ahead!

Classification of blinds

These window systems are diverse, despite practically the same manufacturing principle. The planks can be oriented in different ways, and different materials (both hard and soft) are used to create them. Let's look at the types of blinds to choose the most effective and easy-to-maintain option.

Blinds can even be made from wallpaper, as in this photo

Table. Types of window blinds.

Name, photo	Short description
Horizontal (they are also called Venetian)	The most convenient and popular ones are metal, plastic, and wood. The rigid slats are connected to each other by a thick thread, thanks to which they close/open when necessary. The width of one lamella on average ranges from 20-50 mm. The structure itself is fixed on the top of the window or on the ceiling. The option is simple, reliable and durable, plus it’s easy to maintain and clean. Sometimes such blinds are used as interior doors.
Vertical	They look less strict and can make the room cozy and comfortable. They are usually made from large slats that reach the length of the window sill or the floor. The controls are extremely simple, the slats are usually movable. These blinds are also more resistant to wind.
Pleated	This is also a very popular option now. Externally they look like horizontal blinds, but are made of solid dense fabric, which is assembled like an accordion. Design options and sizes come in a wide variety. The fabric is usually translucent, although you can often find very dense pleated fabrics that almost do not allow sunlight to pass through.

Note! A separate type are roller shutters, designed to protect the premises and installed outside the house. Such structures are assembled on a pair of guides, through which plates located close to each other move.

Roller shutters (roller shutters) for windows
Blinds come in other types. For example, mini-blinds, Roman blinds and others. There are many options, so you are sure to choose the most suitable one for yourself!

What are blinds made from?

History says that the first blinds were made of wood, but later they began to be made of metal. Today, when there are a great variety of available materials, they are made from literally anything. Each material used has its own characteristics, pros and cons.

Fabric. They are vertical and can be folded or screwed onto a special shaft. Made from polyester and jacquard.

Fabric blinds are a type of vertical
Wooden. Structures made of wooden planks connected with rope (the dimensions of the latter may vary). Such blinds are usually horizontal, but there are also vertical options with wide slats. Initially they were made from natural wood, but now an alternative option is used - artificial wood, combining synthetic and natural components. Such modern blinds can be used in rooms with high humidity levels.

Wooden window blinds
Aluminum. These are horizontal type structures, lightweight, but holding their shape well. Such blinds, made of a special aluminum alloy, are coated with fade-resistant paint. They are extremely easy to care for, ideal for a high-tech interior.

Aluminum blinds
Bamboo, plastic, etc.. The most popular are plastic ones, because they are inexpensive, moisture-resistant and easy to clean. The disadvantages of plastic blinds are that they fade in the sun and can become deformed under certain conditions.

Plastic blinds are affordable

Key rules for caring for horizontal blinds

Such structures are usually made of metal or plastic. However, they are easy and convenient to use, and they are resistant (to a greater or lesser extent) to external influences.

Regardless of the material, the blinds are attached using the same technology (only minor aspects differ). Manufacturers claim that the structures have a long service life and can withstand up to 1000 openings/closings.

Features of caring for horizontal blinds

Note! It is difficult to damage horizontal blinds; they are environmentally friendly, durable and reliable.

Such structures must be cleaned regularly. But you can’t just take them off and throw them in the washing machine like regular curtains, and dirt, dust and grease residue accumulate on them no less than on fabric curtains. What to do? The answer is simple - clean it periodically, and often without removing it from the windows.

These blinds require regular washing.

Step-by-step instructions for cleaning these blinds

They can be cleaned either dry or wet. Fortunately, they are usually made from materials that are not afraid of moisture. Below is the complete cleaning process using both methods.

Step 1. Start with dry cleaning, i.e. simply remove dust from the slats. Try to do this at least once a week. Use a feather duster (for light dirt) to work, moving it between the slats. You just need to fully open the blinds first. You can also use a damp cloth or vacuum cleaner . Another option is to use special brushes and pliers; they are good for cleaning each plank on both sides at once.

Blinds are cleaned of dust

On a note! When cleaning, you must act carefully, without pressing too hard, so as not to damage anything.

Step 2. You can wipe the system with a wet cloth without removing it, or use a special cleaner. In the second case, use a rubber glove and an old sock.

Old sock and rubber glove

Step 3: Dilute the cleaner according to the manufacturer's instructions.

The cleaning agent is diluted in water

Step 4: Put on a glove, an old sock over it, soak it in the cleaning solution and run two fingers along each strip, as in the photo below.

Cleaning blinds using a wet method

Step 5. It is convenient to clean the blinds with a vacuum cleaner. But you also need to act carefully, running a hose along the lamellas. The vacuum cleaner should operate at medium power.

Conveniently clean blinds with a vacuum cleaner

Step 6. The structure can be washed without removing it using a sponge, having first moistened it in a soap solution. Push the sponge between the slats, moving it, for better cleaning.

Washing blinds with a damp sponge

Step 7. However, it is more convenient to clean by removing the blinds from the window. In this case, they can be hung over the bathtub and washed in the shower. You can use metal S-hooks to hang the structure.

S-hooks

Step 8. After wetting and lightly rinsing the blinds, wipe them with a damp sponge.

Washing with a sponge soaked in soapy water

Step 9. It is better to remove heavy dirt with a brush. When finished cleaning, rinse the structure with clean water.

Blinds are rinsed with clean water

Step 10: Then take the blinds out to dry.

Blinds drying outside

Step 11. By the way, the blinds can be washed folded, but it will be more difficult.

Washing folded blinds

Interesting! Structures made of natural wood or treated with special impregnations are not allowed - they can only be wiped. As for metal structures, they can be washed rarely, only when they are heavily soiled. If you don’t know how to remove blinds, then it’s better not to try to do it.

Video - Washing horizontal blinds

Cleaning thin metal blinds

So, you already understand the principle of how to clean blinds at home. Now all that remains is to start the process

to finish it quickly.

In some cases, you can get by with small losses

: Aluminum shutters need to be opened and the slats turned to the “closed” position. Then thoroughly vacuum the surface, otherwise dust will roll onto the surface when cleaning with a damp cloth. Now you can take a rag soaked in plain water and walk along the slats, moving from top to bottom. Please note that the rag must be washed and cleaned several times.

If the roller shutters are heavily contaminated with drops of grease and other substances, it is still better to vacuum them and remove them in order to subsequently soak them in a special solution. You can do this as follows :

We prepare a wide basin into which we pour warm water and add a little washing powder or dishwashing detergent. We straighten the roller shutters removed from the window frame and lower them into the prepared liquid. Just be careful: if possible, it is better not to soak the upper and lower strips, since these elements are most susceptible to corrosion
. Only the blinds need to be soaked.
We leave our curtain for 20-30 minutes in the soap solution.
After the time has passed, you need to take it out and rinse it with water under pressure.
Clean blinds must be dried thoroughly. To do this, wipe all the slats with a dry cloth and hang the open curtain on the balcony or in the yard in the fresh air, if possible.

After drying, the roller shutters can be assembled and installed in the window opening.

Step-by-step instructions for cleaning vertical blinds

They are usually made of softer materials, and therefore it is recommended to first disassemble them before cleaning. They are easy to remove and usually no difficulties arise. On the other hand, cleaning can be carried out without removing the system.

Step 1. First of all, inspect the blinds to determine the degree of contamination and decide on the cleaning method.

First, determine the degree of contamination

Step 2. Place a sheet on the floor under the window to catch debris and dust. This way, subsequent cleaning will be noticeably simplified.

Place a sheet on the floor

Step 3. You can remove dust from vertical structures using the same feather brush. Go over it, removing light dirt.

Light contaminants are removed first

Step 4. You can dry clean with a vacuum cleaner, but only at minimum power so as not to damage the blinds. Go over each side of the slats with a brush.

Dry vacuuming

Step 5 : Another option is a dry cloth. Fabric blinds must first be cleaned of dust, and only then wiped with a wet cloth. But not the other way around, otherwise the dirt will be absorbed into the damp fabric.

Wiping the slats with a cloth

To carry out wet cleaning, the slats need to be removed, placed on a sheet and cleaned individually. After removing the dirt, dry them.

Note! You can also disassemble fabric blinds, roll them up and put them in a bucket of water, adding soap or washing powder. Then you need to rinse them with water and dry them. You cannot use a washing machine - after it the material will lose its former appearance.

Fabric blinds are rolled into rolls.
You can remove grease stains from fabric blinds with a mixture you prepare yourself from warm water (200 ml), hydrogen peroxide and baking soda (100 ml). Apply the finished mixture to the stain with a brush. What is typical is that only white blinds can be cleaned with this composition. For colored people, use a different product - mix water (400 ml), laundry soap and soda (about 200 g). Be that as it may, before using any product, first vacuum the blinds to remove the bulk of dirt and dust.

Video - Caring for vertical blinds

How to wash vertical blinds

As a rule, the slats of office window fixtures are located vertically, but the material also varies. The most popular are fabric doors.

How to wash vertical blinds at home? They are much easier to remove, but what kind of cleaning do they require? It all depends on the material.

How to wash properly:

The fabric is ordinary. A regular wash with soaking will do. How to wash this type of blinds? Very easy - in the bathtub or bucket. For washing, you can use soap or powder, and a soft brush or a non-hard sponge will also come in handy. Is it possible to wash blinds in a washing machine? Yes, but on a delicate mode. Drying should be done by hanging each strip directly.
Impregnated fabric. This material cannot be washed. Any contact with water may leave a stain. How to wash the capricious material in this case? It is better to take such curtains to dry cleaning.
Plastic. You can’t wash plastic slats in a machine. But they can be easily washed on both sides in the bathroom, with any detergent and a soft sponge.
Bamboo. It is not advisable to wash vertical or horizontal bamboo curtains in water. Therefore, it will be enough to regularly wipe the product with a damp cloth on both sides.

You can also quickly clean slats made of bamboo or fabric, even with impregnation, without the use of water using a household steam generator. It will not only make the material clean, but also eliminate unpleasant odors.

The nuances of cleaning wooden structures

Obviously, you should not wash such blinds under running water. Instead, use polishes or other special products. Although you can use a damp cloth to wipe the slats.

Step 1. First of all, clean the blinds from dust with a vacuum cleaner. Instead of a vacuum cleaner, you can use a soft cloth or brush.

Cleaning wooden blinds from dust

Step 2: Prepare a cleaning solution. It is better to use special means. Wring out the dampened cloth thoroughly before use to prevent water from dripping from it.

Preparing and Using the Cleaning Solution

Step 3: Gently wipe down the blinds, paying attention to each slate. It is advisable to first walk through the closed ones, and then through the open slats. Thanks to this, you will get rid of dust as efficiently as possible.

Blinds can be wiped with a damp cloth

Step 4. With a relatively clean structure, you can do without wet cleaning. Remove individual stains and prevent dust from accumulating on the slats.

Drying open blinds

If the blinds are relatively clean, then you should not resort to wet cleaning. It is best to simply remove specific stains and ensure that large amounts of dust do not form on the structure

Regardless of the cleaning method, work with wooden blinds with care and precision. They cannot tolerate excessive humidity and can swell due to it. From this point of view, metal blinds are more convenient, but wooden blinds, of course, look more attractive.

How to wash blinds in the bathroom?

In the bathroom, the panels can be washed using ready-made alcohol solutions for glass. The aerosol can be sprayed onto a rag or directly onto the lamella. This method can be used for regular cleaning.

If it’s time to wash the blinds using a cleaning agent, then the structure is removed. The sequence of actions will be the same as for other types. Particular attention is paid to drying the structure. To do this, the blinds are hung on coat hangers and left in the open air.

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Good advice on caring for blinds

To ensure that your blinds last longer and do not lose their original appearance, follow the recommendations below.

Wipe off dust periodically.
To dismantle the structure, it is better to fold it first.
To remove grease stains, use special products, since a regular soap solution most likely will not cope with them.

Methods for installing horizontal blinds Methods for installing protective roller blinds
Before removing the blinds, find out what type of fastening is used. It can be standard (that is, with clamps that need to be bent to remove the cornice) or in the form of a cornice with overlays, screwed to the frame (the overlays must be removed and the cornice must be unscrewed with a screwdriver).
It's best not to remove the blinds unless you know how to put them back on.
About once every 3 months, clean the slats with special care so that old dirt does not increase in size. With regular cleaning, the structure will be neat and easy to clean.
Wash metal blinds carefully, as they usually have sharp edges that can easily cut you.

Tips to make cleaning blinds easy
Remember the importance of pre-dry cleaning. Only after this can you begin wet cleaning.

What can be used to clean blinds:

dishwashing gel;
clean water;
special composition with antistatic agent;
soap solution.

Washing blinds is not as difficult as it may seem.
In the end, we note that cleaning blinds is not difficult at all; problems may arise only with removing and putting them on. And remember: despite the identical cleaning principle, each type of design has its own characteristics that must be taken into account .

What not to do when cleaning fabric blinds

When caring for curtains, you need to clearly understand that some actions cannot be performed with them in order to avoid damage to the product:

The most important prohibition is cleaning in a washing machine. This method is not suitable for any material from which curtains can be made. Such rash actions will hopelessly damage the fabric. It will become wrinkled and faded, and its decorative properties will be hopelessly lost.
Processing the material with aggressive chemical products (acetone, gasoline, solvent, etc.).
Sometimes you can hear advice about cleaning curtains with steam. This method is not always acceptable, since the flow of hot air can damage the water-repellent and antistatic coating.
After the cleaning procedure, the curtains should be dried unrolled and neatly straightened. It is unacceptable to bend them. After such manipulations, it will no longer be possible to make the blinds look beautiful.
Ironing fabric slats usually does more harm than good. If some areas are very wrinkled after washing, then you can iron individual parts of the fabric with the corner of the iron, acting very carefully. In this case, you need to use the minimum temperature, as well as wet gauze, which is used as a layer between the iron and the curtains.

The above actions are prohibited when processing blinds with woven parts.

Thus , we found out how to properly wash blinds. To do this, they can be removed or cleaned right in place.