Caring for Blinds, How to Maintain and Clean Domestic Blinds

Tag : antistatic sponge
Caring for your blinds is not a process that begins only after theblinds are installed. You need to be aware that installation careis as important as maintenance. While modern innovations in blindtechnology has helped reduce the static cling in finishes and useof materials that have stain fighting abilities in blinds has madethe process of post installation care for your blinds a breeze, awrongly installed blind can reduce the life of the blind. Caringfor your blinds, must begin even before you get them installed.

While buying your blinds make sure that the instruction manual forinstalling the blind comes with it, or down load it from Made To Measure Blinds manufacturer's website. Follow the instructions carefully orensure that you follow the instructions while installing theblinds. The instruction manual should also be the first point ofreference when you take down the installation and move home. Abadly packed blind can be damaged in transit.

Does that seem like a lot of work? Well you should not baulk at it.Common sense and good practices should ensure that the life of yourblinds is prolonged. Awareness of the general and specific careinstructions for your type of blind will help you maintain themeffectively.

A pleated blind is actually a single layer of material that ispressed into crisp pleats to produce an accordion like look andfeel. Usually the fabric is 100% polyester with a scotch-guardcoating. It is fitted to a head-rail at the top and there aremounting brackets attached. At the bottom of the blind you willfind a rail which is intended to weigh down the blind and also easethe process of lifting and lowering the blind. You will also findthat the pleated blind has two cord strings that are threadedthrough the pleats and can be used for lifting and lowering theblind. The heavy duty cord lock mechanism connected to thehead-rail helps anchor the blind at desired heights.

To clean the blind post installation all you need to do is releasethe cord lock, pull the cord forward to lower the blind. Then dustit with a dry duster lightly or blow the dust off the blind usingthe blower of a hair dryer or vacuum cleaner. If the blind has adarkening fabric it is best not to use a magnetic cleaner like adust mitt on these blinds as the darkening fabric can get damaged.Do not press the pleats as that can damage the shape of the blind.If the blinds are stained, you can clean the stains using a dampsponge and mild detergent after laying them flat on the table. Putup the blinds immediately so that the pleats retain their shape.

Some pleated blinds allow immersion in water and gently cleaningwith mild detergent. You will have to check with the manufacturerscleaning instructions before you put your blind into the tub. Ifyou blind is of the variety that can be dipped in the tub andcleaned, make sure that you follow the instructions carefully.Normally, you will be instructed to dip the shade in lukewarm waterwith mild detergent and you will be required to wash the blindgently moving your fingers over the surface. You will then rinsethe shade with clear water and to fold it before you remove it fromthe tub. Then hold the rails till the excess water is drained. Youmust immediately reinstall the damp shade completely lowered topreserve the press of the pleats.

Make sure, the cords and chains of the pleated blind are kept outof reach of children.

Wooden blinds are generally made of Cedar, Basswood, hardwood orfoam-wood or a selection of lacquered, oiled or painted handcraftedwood.

Silicone based cleaning products can damage the blind. Real woodenblinds should not be cleaned with water. These blinds should bedusted with a soft, clean cloth after the blind has been lowereddown to its full length. If the blind has slats, tilt the slatswhile dusting. You can also vacuum clean them with the brushattachment or using a blow dryer with the setting at non-heat. Ifyou plan to use electrostatic dusting cloth to clean the blinds,you must ensure that the fibre from the cloth do not stick to thewood grains and cause splintering of the wood.

The finish of the wood blinds can be maintained by periodicallytreating them with lemon oil or any other wood preservative. Oilfinished timber shades should be oiled at least once in twelvemonths. Faux wooden blinds can be spot cleaned using lukewarm waterand mild detergent. If the slats are removable, you can remove theslats and clean them thoroughly using a duster. Furniture polishcan also be used to polish them. Professional ultrasonic cleaningof wood blinds must not be attempted and is not recommended.

Reverse titling of slats may be useful to even the fading processthat occurs due to the effect of sunlight on these blinds. Open theslats out while lifting or lowering the blinds. Support the lowerrail of the blind while lifting or lowering the blind.

Vertical blinds have easy to use controls that can rotateindividual slats 180 degrees. This makes it easy to clean andmaintain. If you want to lengthen the life of your vertical blinds,change the direction of your blinds every week. This will helpminimize the effect of sunlight on the blinds. Before operating theblind, tilt the blade to fully open and then move the blind acrossthe window. The drape of the blind will have to be preserved byensuring that no items placed next them spoil the fall or shape ofthe individual slats.

Spills on the blind slats cannot be cleaned with water and it wouldbe in your interest to check your instruction manual beforecleaning such spills. Solvent cleaners are likely to damage theblinds. Oil based lubricants should not be used on the track underany circumstances.

Venetian blinds made of aluminium are functional and enduring. Theyare easy to care for and clean. Do not push your hands through theslats to open windows. Lift the blind before attempting it. Do notuse harsh abrasive or solvent based chemicals to clean the blinds.A simple clean antistatic duster will make sure your blinds areclean. Use water with mild soap to clean grease stains. Dry theblind thoroughly before hanging them up.

Woven blinds and Roman blinds can be cleaned using a clean dusteror the brush attachment of a vacuum cleaner. If they have beenstained or marked, they can be cleaned use mild soap and water andspot clean them.

Whatever the type of blind you are using; please ensure that youhave the care instructions manual that comes with it in yourpossession. Read the instructions carefully and follow them. Incase of doubt call up the manufacturers or visit their website tolearn the procedure and the do's and don'ts of maintaining andcaring for your blinds. Do not attempt anything that canpermanently damage your blinds.