Window Treatments are one of the best home investments. They not only reduce your energy costs and provide privacy, but they also give your home its own unique style. In order to keep your treatments looking as elegant as the first day they proudly caught your gaze, we recommend setting aside 30 minutes every month for a quick cleaning.
What you’ll need:
- Hand duster (we prefer a microfiber duster)
- Sponge
- Bucket of warm water
- Large bath towel
- Vacuum with a low-power setting and hand nozzle
Notes: If your blinds are made with a special fabric (i.e. silk) contact the manufacturer for special care instructions. Also, treat the faux wood as if it were real wood. It’s always recommended to check with manufacturers before cleaning any window treatment.
Plantation Shutters & Faux Wood Blinds: These shutters give your home flair and save you cleaning time, but be sure to fully dry each slat to prevent spotting caused by cleaning residue. Follow these easy instructions to keep your friends complimenting:
- Open the shutters and, starting from the top, run your duster horizontally across the top and bottom of each slat to remove visible dirt and dust.
- Fill your small bucket with warm water.
- Dip your sponge or cloth in the water, then wring it out until it’s only damp. Again, starting at the top slat and working your way down, gently scrub the damp sponge on the top and bottom of each slat to remove excess dirt. Rinse the sponge in the bucket every few slats for best results.
- After cleaning each window treatment, use the large bath towel to dry each slat. Be sure to work quickly to prevent the moisture from air-drying and leaving a soapy residue.
- Repeat the process on each shutter.
Cellular Shades & Solar Shades: Cellular shades won’t just save money on energy bills, but they are also easy to keep clean and elegant.
- Begin by lowering your blinds as far as possible.
- Take your vacuum and attach the hand nozzle. Power your vacuum to the lowest setting and, starting at the top, give your blinds a quick once-over with the hand nozzle. Be sure not to hold the nozzle on one place too long because it could possibly cause damage.
- After gently vacuuming each blind, examine for minor dirt spots. If any remain, take the warm bucket of water and lightly blot the sponge on the spot to remove the stain. Repeat as needed.
See, it’s that easy! Just set aside 30 minutes a month and your window treatments will look showroom quality all year long. After all, what’s the point of investing in blinds if they’re covered in dirt?
