Proper Steps To Wash Your Vertical Blinds

Vertical blinds are more than just pieces of long, floating pieces of plastic or fabric that hangs from the top of windows. They are pieces of art in and of themselves. Not only do they provide cover against the unwanted light and views from outside entering the room, but they also enhance the entire space’s look and appeal to a whole other level.

And like anything that faces the outside air for long periods, vertical blinds also gather plenty of grime, dirt, and other nasty stuff that needs to be gotten rid of. One good way to clean them is with a washing machine or a large enough sink/basin, by following steps that explain how to wash vertical blinds in the proper way.

The Best Way to Wash It All Away

Blinds are not your typical piece of cloth that can simply be chucked into the rolling tumbler that is a washing machine or beaten with a bat, like the good old days. They are, many times, not made of cloth at all, but plastic or vinyl. Learning how to wash vertical blinds the right way will make them clean while not damaging them or the equipment used.

Preliminary Cleaning

First things first, the superficial dust settled on top of the blinds must be removed. This can be done with a simple duster or microfiber cloth that makes the dust stick onto it. If required, a vacuum cleaner with a suitable attachment can suck away the harder to remove particles. This makes it easy for the detergent/ cleaner to act on the more deeply embedded dirt during the wash.

Unhooking It from the Rail

Removing blinds from their rails/hooks is an art onto itself. Any cover that the blinds might have must be removed first to access the rail mechanism.

Usually, two chains are fixed with weights which guide the slats. Disconnect the chains, and remove the weights too if required. Every lamella must have its eave tilted and unhooked from the mechanism, which will release it into your hands.

Inspection for Information

Before washing, the blinds must be fully inspected for all the types of dirt and messes it contains. Some will have to be dealt with differently than just the normal wash cycle.

Also, remember to check for washing specifics mentioned on any label/description on the blind. Some materials need specific types of washing methods or detergents, which will be mentioned there. If not, it’s always good to check with the manufacturer/dealer and do as instructed.

The Main Washing Course

Blinds can be either washed by hand using a bathtub or large washbasin or be put in a washing machine. Each of them has different ways to go about them.

• Hand Washing: Put the slats in the basin or tub. Close the drain and fill it with water such that they are fully immersed. Add cleaner liquid/detergent of the recommended variety and let it mix fully with water, turning it soapy. You can leave them soaked in the water completely for about an hour.

Otherwise, put each slat between your hands such that each of your palms holds one side of the blind. Gently rub your hands with the blind still underwater. Proceed vertically from the top. You could use a soft brush or cloth to do this too. Repeat for every slat until they are all done.

• Machine Washing: Fold the slats in half midway, stuff them together into a bag or pillowcase, and seal them tightly shut. If they are made of cloth, you can just put them in the machine as is. Pour the detergent/cleaning liquid into the machine directly to load or into the purposefully made box in case of the front load.

Set the mode to delicate/gentle wash and the water temperature to warm but not hot and run the machine till the wash cycle completes. The bag or case prevents the edges of the slats from causing damage or getting stuck inside.

Drying Them Up

Once the washing is done, spread out the blinds individually on dry towels or surfaces. Leave them out that way till they dry up. You could use a fan if available to hasten the process or blow hot air over it with a hairdryer, which could take some time.

If they are moderately dry, you could hang them up back in their place to complete their drying, but they could collect more dirt due to the moisture in them.

Vertical blinds can be the ideal solution to your window covering needs. Learning how to wash vertical blinds well will keep them in that perfect condition for years to come.