How to Clean Mini Blinds and Verticals

Whether mini blinds or vertical blinds rule your roost, dust leaves them somewhat less than lovely if left uncleaned for a while. The way used to clean either surface depends on what the blinds are constructed of: metal or plastic mini blinds gain from a gentle, damp cleaning, whilst wood mini blind or fabric vertical blinds fare much better with completely sterile procedures.

Wipe It Off

A feather duster, soft cloth or static dustcloth eliminates dust out of smooth mini-blind surfaces, such as wood, aluminum or vinyl. Close the blinds so the bottom of every slat faces you, then wipe from top to bottom. Open the blinds and shut them the other way, or so the very top of every slat reaches you, then repeat the process. This method does not work as well on fabric.

Suction Option

A vacuum cleaner removes dust, dirt and cobwebs from all types of mini blinds and vertical blinds. Use the crevice tool to reach into corners of the window frame, in which blinds match frame, then switch over to a brush attachment to clean the actual blind surfaces. Clean mini blinds by shutting the blinds in 1 direction, cleaning, then flipping them closed the opposite way, cleaning . For vertical blinds, work with the blinds open and vacuum every panel from top to bottom, covering both sides of every blind.

Wet Cleaning

Vinyl, painted or metal mini blinds or vertical blinds might be cleaned with a damp sponge and mildly soapy water, even if overly dirty. Cover the floor or windowsill under the blinds with a plastic tarp to catch dripping water. Add a squirt or two of mild dish soap to a bucket of lukewarm water, then dip in a sponge and wring it out. Wipe the blinds, 1 side at a time, beginning at the top and working your way down, with blinds in a closed place. Wring the sponge out frequently to avoid spreading dirt. Once completed with one side, flip the blinds the other way and wash them . With vertical blinds, each side of a vane or board can be cleaned simultaneously by using a towel or two sponges, holding one hand on both sides of each plank, working your way down. Dry any type of blind with a soft cloth afterwards.

Simple Tips

Keep the window sliding door closed while cleaning blinds to avoid dust or debris blowing around the room as you work. Wash the door or window screen before cleanup blinds by massaging the inside-facing surface with the brush attachment; a clean screen ends in blinds that remain clean longer. Spot-clean fabric blinds with a cloth dipped in a mild soapy solution; check with the manufacturer for cleaning tips specific to your brand and model of dividers to get optimum results.

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