Blinds are used to adjust the lighting of your indoor area whilst enhancing it’s beauty. In any case, it’s crucial to keep them neat and tidy.
So, how do you do that if they’re made of faux wood? Well, hold your horses, and let’s take a closer look at how to clean faux wood blinds in this extensive guide.
What Makes Faux Wood Blinds Dirty?
Before you ascertain the best way to clean your faux wood blinds, it’s essential to pin down the reason why they’re so dirty. The method you should choose depends on the following reasons:
Dust Accumulation
No matter where you live, dust will inevitably accumulate between your blind slats.
Pet Fur and Dander
If you have pets scurrying around in your home, it’s likely that your blinds are going to be covered in dander and loose fur.
Spills and Splatters
Accidents can always happen no matter how careful you are. Sometimes, you might inadvertently spill your drink or drop a wet piece of food on your blinds. These cause stains that can be a nightmare to get off.
Touching with Hands
The mere action of touching an object can stain it, too. Your hands excrete natural oils that you might transfer to your blinds when you subconsciously touch them while looking out of your window.
Environmental Factors
The environment can also be responsible for dirt buildup. Since blinds are usually exposed to the outdoors, dust can sometimes collect in it’s slats. Smoke can also cause yellowish marks, while a high level of humidity could form clumps of mold on your blinds.
Preferred Ways to Clean Faux Wood Blinds Without Damaging Them
Window treatment is an essential part of keeping your house looking as neat and tidy as possible. That includes your curtains, drapes, and blinds too. At first, cleaning blinds might seem like a hassle, and understandably so.
But don’t worry, this section will answer all of your questions as succinctly as possible so that you use only the most effective methods to keep your faux wood blinds looking as new as ever!
Getting Rid of Dust
If you’re tackling dust, there’s no need to worry. Those minute dust particles don’t stand a chance against you!
1- Dusters or Microfiber Cloths
For the most part, a microfiber cloth is all you’ll need. Starting from the top and working your way to the bottom, wipe each slat as gently as possible. Alternatively, using a feather duster could be a great option, too.
2- Vacuuming
If those methods don’t work, whip out your vacuum cleaner instead. Using one with a brush attachment is preferred, mainly because it’s most effective against surfaces that are generally hard to reach.
3- Dryer Sheets to Prevent Dust Accumulation
To prevent dust from coming anywhere near your blinds, wipe the slats with a dryer sheet. The coating of these sheets allows them to keep dust at bay and prevent static.
Dealing with Pet Hair
Now, let’s deal with your furry friends’ hair. Your pets can leave behind an absurd amount of fur and dander which can be an allergen for many.
Thankfully, loose fur is easy to clean if you have a lint roller. Simply run it horizontally across your window blinds. Don’t forget to pay close attention to your furniture and any other place you suspect is frequented by your cat.
Alternatively, you could use a damp cloth to wipe off the dander. A quick swipe across your blinds is adequate, as the moisture will help the fur stick to the cloth easily.
Removing Stains
Now, it’s time to shift your focus to the stains on your blinds. When dealing with stubborn spots, it’s crucial to act fast. I mean, a stitch in time saves nine, doesn’t it?
Again, a damp cloth is a brilliant quick fix. If the stain persists, use a mixture of mild detergent and water instead.
But for the most obstinate of stains, a paste of baking soda and water would be necessary. Simply apply it to the stained area, let it sit for a while, and scrub the stain away as gently as possible with a cloth.
If you’re dubious about any of these methods, contact the blinds’ manufacturer. They should clear up any doubts you may have and recommend ways to clean your dirty blinds.
The Cleaning Process
Sometimes, a regular wipe-down or vacuuming session won’t be enough. The gunk and dirt buildup on your blinds might be so severe that a thorough cleaning session would be required.
Start by dusting the blinds to remove any loose dirt and grime. Once you’ve done that, prepare a soapy solution of some lukewarm water and dish soap in a bucket, mix it up, and dip a clean cloth or sponge into it. Wring out any excess water and start cleaning your blinds as scrupulously as you can.
If you see any stubborn spots standing their ground even after the deep clean, don’t fret. Create a baking soda paste or a diluted white vinegar solution and apply an appreciable quantity of it to the area before letting it sit and rinsing it off.
A Step-By-Step Guide to Deep Cleaning Your Faux Wood Blinds in the Bath
There are several approaches you can take when it comes to deep cleaning anything. If you find the aforementioned method a tad bit difficult to follow, I’ve got a much easier way to make your blinds look spotless.
Since faux wood blinds are not made of real wood, they’re less likely to be affected by water. This is why you shouldn’t rule out the possibility of washing your blinds in the bathtub. Here’s a detailed guide on how to do this the right way:
Fill your bathtub with warm water, as it’ll make lifting oil stains and grime so much easier. Although they’re waterproof, it’s imperative that you use water that’s neither too hot nor too cold.
Pick a mild and non-abrasive detergent and add some drops of it to your water. Before you proceed to this step, make sure to have it approved by your blind manufacturer.
Let the blinds soak for short, 20-minute periods. Don’t forget to check whether the stains have disappeared every now and then.
Once you’re confident they’re completely clean, drain the murky water and transfer your blinds to a dry cloth or towel.
Say Hello to Grime and Stain Free Blinds That’ll Turn Your Windows Into The Stars That They Are!
Now that you’ve learned how to clean and maintain faux wood blinds, it’s time for a quick summary. If you’re dealing with dust buildup, vacuuming, wipe-downs, dusting, and dryer sheets can be your go-to methods. For stain removal, prepare the aforesaid solutions depending on how stubborn they appear to be. Use lint rollers and damp cloths to clean up your beloved pets’ fur and dander, and for a productive, deep clean experience, follow the previous two guides as diligently as possible.
So, whether you’ve installed blinds in your kitchen or living room, these methods can work exceptionally well if performed the right way. Remember, it’s important to clean blinds regularly and ensure they’re well-maintained. I assure you, your hard work will soon pay off!
