Venetian blinds can be an ideal window decoration choices for your home. This style of blind tend to be made from wood or synthetics, and hangs in vertical and horizontal directions. However, Venetian blinds can get dirty and grimy in a relatively short amount of time, and particularly if they are hung in kitchens and bathrooms. In this context, it’s important to have a clear idea about how best to clean and maintain Venetian blinds. Moreover, it’s important to take into account different kinds of Venetian blinds, and how to deal with more serious mould problems, as well as how to avoid damage during cleaning.
cc licenced flickr photo from Anthony Kelly
Maintenance
You can avoid more serious problems with Venetian blinds by keeping a regular maintenance schedule. Even though blinds will need a full clean every now and then, it’s important to wipe down and dust blinds on a weekly basis, and if you notice any gradual buildup of grime. The easiest way to achieve this task is to use a cloth and duster, as well as polish, to keep Venetian blinds clean. It’s also worth using the soft brush end of a vacuum cleaner to lightly dust blind slats.
Removing for a Full Clean
You may find that it’s sometimes necessary to remove your Venetian blinds altogether for a full and deep clean. To do so, you’ll need to unscrew your blinds, ensuring that the main assembly and rail over a window is kept intact, and that louvres or slats do not get tangled. One option is to then soak blinds in a bathtub of warm water, and to use a mild cleaning liquid to scrub off any marks. This approach can also be varied by removing blinds, and laying them on a sheet with a bucket for scrubbing. Once clean, ensure that Venetian blinds are thoroughly dried off before being replaced on a window, as failure to do so can lead to problems with damp and mildew.
Different Kinds of Venetian Blinds
It’s also important to consider how different kinds of Venetian blinds will present slightly different cleaning challenges. Blinds made rom wood may tend to require more careful cleaning than those made from aluminum or UPVC, which can be wiped down and dried more easily without significant risk of mildew. Another option is to take on honeycomb and cellular blinds, which are dust resistant, and can be vacuumed regularly to reduce the spread of mould and other stains.
Dealing with Serious Mould Problems
There may be times when older Venetian blinds start to show serious signs of mould. This can be the case during the winter months, and in older homes. Blinds in kitchens and bathrooms are particularly susceptible to this kind of problem. Once mould spreads, it can be difficult to clean. White vinegar and lemon juice should be sprayed onto a removed set of blinds, and left to soak before being rinsed and dried. Avoid using strong bleach, though, as this can create permanent stains.
Avoiding Damage
Use dry gloves when wiping down blind slats to ensure that streaks are not created. Similarly, tie back any curtains, and mask wallpaper that might be stained as the result of cleaning products. Check your vacuum cleaner instructions to find out what the best attachment should be. It’s also worth remembering that Venetian blinds, and particularly wooden ones, can become very heavy when wet, so be careful with small children and moving them around a house.
Matt Mynors is a freelance copywriter specialising in different types of interior design and decoration, such as customising and cleaning your venetian blinds, or choosing the right furniture for your style of home.