Once your beautiful windows coverings are installed, you will want to keep them looking crisp and clean to prolong their beauty. Most products simply need a light dusting – once a month, give them a quick once over. For deeper cleaning, you will need to take a little more care.
Venetian blinds – aluminum, wood or faux woods can be wiped down with a damp cloth. Tilt the vanes closed and wipe from side to side, reverse the vane direction and wipe the other side. If your blinds are heavily soiled, you can spray a mild cleaning solution on the vanes and allow the residue to drip off. Repeat with a rinse of warm water and wipe dry. Keep the water to a minimum for real wood blinds.
Many cellular shades can be immersed in cold water with a mild cleaning solution. Allow the shades to soak for a few minutes then rinse with cool water and stand on end to drain. One word of caution – never, ever soak black-out shades in water. These need to be professionally cleaned.
Most vertical blind vanes can be washed – always test one vane before attempting to wash them all. I once told a client of mine that she could wash her blinds. While at work, her husband took all the vanes down and put them in the washing machine. Not a good idea! They should be gently washed in cold water with a mild cleaning solution. The bath-tub works well. Rinse and hang them back to dry.
For your more delicate shades such as Hunter Douglas SILHOUETTE, PIROUETTE OR VIGNETTE shades, you will need to call a professional blind cleaner to do the job. Occasionally you will get a small fly or bug in your Silhouette shades. If the shade is not too wide, simply blow it out, or a quick spritz of canned air (used for cleaning computer key boards) will do the trick. Hunter Douglas LUMINETTE sheers need to be ultra-sonically cleaned. Again, be sure to use a reputable company for this job.
