Fabric blinds certainly add an appeal to your interior until they get stained and dirty. Even though they are usually dust-resistant and may not require regular cleaning, they cannot be left unattended. Over time, dirt accumulation can cause rapid deterioration of these blinds before their lifecycle is up. For these reasons, it would help if you knew how to clean them and keep them in good condition. Here are a few ways to do so.
Brush Off Or Vacuum Dust Regularly
After long periods of use, dust accumulation is one of the first signs indicating that it’s time to clean those fabric blinds. It will be easier to clean if you remove the blinds and lay them on an entirely flat surface. That way, you can have full access to all parts of the fabric blinds as you gently vacuum the dust on both sides. Because dust accumulates more and hides in these blinds’ creased or pleated areas, please pay particular attention there.
People fail to notice that it is easier to spot dust inside creases after freshly vacuuming their fabric blinds. The reason this happens is quite simple. First and foremost, dust creates a layer of brown film which discolours the surface of blinds. This slightly alters the original colour of the fabric blinds. After vacuuming, the blinds return to their factory hues. However, failing to concentrate on the creases makes dust accumulation stand out and appear more visible and in sharp contrast to the freshly vacuumed surface.
An easier way to keep your fabric blinds looking clean is always to adopt a regular dusting routine. It can be once or twice a month. As a tip, set the vacuum cleaner to low suction. If your appliance comes with a brush attachment, that will clear dust even better.
Spot Cleaning
This type of cleaning works well when concentrating on parts of the fabric blinds. It could be a splatter, spill or a different kind of stain. Therefore, the objective is to clean that area only. To avoid damaging your fabric blinds, please consider conducting a spot check first. This means, apply your mild detergent to a discreet part only and gently clean with a sponge. After that, allow it to air dry.
Many use this trick to ensure that the mild detergent matches the cleaning job and will not cause fibre or colour damage. When the coast is clear, you can then begin with the actual spot cleaning. For starters, clean the affected spot with a clean sponge dipped into the cleaning solution and gently wipe the stains off.
Depending on the source of the stains, you may have to repeat the process until they disappear altogether. After which, you need another clean sponge soaked in clean lukewarm water to wipe the solution off. When this is done, please avoid using a hand dryer for the freshly cleaned spot. Direct heat to a wet surface can cause deeply ingrained stains. Instead, allow it to air dry.
Deep Cleaning
If vacuuming or spot cleaning doesn’t do the trick, then it’s time for deep cleaning. This requires submerging your fabric blinds into warm soapy water to dissolve dirt and stains. This can only be done after unstringing the fabric blinds. After washing, rinse the blinds in a clean bathtub and dry naturally in a ventilated room.
Precautions To Take Before Cleaning
Fabric blinds with intricate designs like pleats, layers, embroidery, etc., can be pretty tricky to handle initially. If this is your first-time cleaning fabric blinds embedded with details, it would be helpful to take extreme care to avoid causing damage. Better yet, a professional can be your best option for a thorough cleaning.
