Cleaning window blinds is an important part of house cleaning, as they can carry a lot of dust and dirt. This can also irritate the humans living in the house, especially if they have asthma or other respiratory issues. Though cleaning the window blinds is an easy job, people could make some mistakes that may lead to their deterioration. Here are some of the mistakes people make when cleaning window blinds.
Using harsh chemicals
Some homeowners resort to using industrial power cleaners that remove the stain from the blinds and any scratches or discoloration that happens on the blinds. However, it is important to know that only a professional cleaner can efficiently handle the harsh cleaning chemicals that keep the blinds clean. Therefore, if the window blinds are stained or need deep cleaning, it is best to leave it to a professional to do the job properly.
Ignoring the instruction manual
Every manufacturer provides a user manual along with window blinds to help the user use the blinds effectively and maintain them for a longer time. These manuals contain detailed cleaning instructions, which makes it much easier for the homeowner to know how to maintain these blinds. They also provide information on how to clean stains and collected dust that may lead to discoloration in the blinds.
Using too much water
While water is necessary for properly cleaning the blinds, it is also important to know that too much water can damage them. Any sponge soaked in water used on the blinds for cleanup can easily leave stains on some fabric shades and cause discoloration in some cases. Also, in the case of wooden blinds, it can cause warping as the wood can soak up all the water used while cleaning with a sponge. So, it is advised to always wring out any excess water from cleaning rags or cloths before wiping these window blinds.
Taking too long to clean
If any liquid is accidentally spilled on the shades and is not cleaned immediately, it can lead to staining. The liquid can set in the fibers of the fabric and leave a deep-seated stain, which can only be removed by a professional cleaner. To avoid this, quickly try to soak up the spilled liquid with a cloth. Then, use a light cleaning solution to draw out the liquid that has soaked into the fabric. Some spot-cleaning treatments can also be used in such scenarios to ensure the staining is not permanent and can easily be removed.
Ignoring spot-treating
One of the first few steps to take after reading the instructions manual is to spot-treat the blinds before applying any cleaning solution. Spot treating means applying a cleaning solution to an area on the blind that is not easily visible. This is done to ensure that the cleaning agent does not leave any stain on the blinds. If, after the spot treatment, one notices any discoloration or fading on the fabric, wood, vinyl, or aluminum, then it means that the cleaning agent has not worked well for the blinds, and it is better to change it.
Closing the blinds completely
During the cleaning process, one may make the mistake of closing the blinds completely and wiping them clean with a cloth just like that. However, when one opens the blinds again, one will notice that there is still some dirt and dust on the parts of the slats that were hidden when they got shut.
Not vacuuming
One of the easiest ways to clean the blinds is to use the simple method of vacuuming first. This great hack can help one clean the blinds most efficiently. One doesn’t have to use the vacuum for the whole cleaning, but just as the first step. This way, all the dry and loose dust can easily be removed, and then one can use the appropriate cleaning agent to remove the rest of the grime.
These tips can easily be applied at home, but don’t forget that a professional cleaning service may come in handy when one needs to deep clean the house without taking too much effort. One can also schedule the cleaning once every couple of weeks to ensure there is not too much dirt accumulation.
