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How To Clean Shutters And Blinds

How To Clean Shutters And Blinds - Image
March 26, 2021

As warmer weather starts rolling in, summer is on the horizon, which means it’s time to do some spring cleaning. However, you do not need to wait for spring to clean your window treatments. Think of it this way, the more you maintain your shutters and blinds, the longer their beauty shines in your space. 

Cleaning shutters and blinds varies based on their materials. Do not clean real wood materials the same way as vinyl because you risk damaging them. Nobody needs to be a window treatment expert and surf the web when they already know that Best Buy Shutters is here to help. Our shutters and blinds cleaning guide takes you through a few simple steps to do upkeep on windows all year-round. When it’s time to upgrade, schedule your consultation with us and we’ll find a new and perfect fit. 

But for now, let’s get your current treatments back to looking new. 

Plantation Shutters

Plantation shutters are fairly easy to maintain. Dust is inevitable and it is drawn to essentially any surface available, including your window treatments. The best way to maintain plantation shutters is by regular dusting. We recommend using one or more of the following:

  • Microfiber cloths
  • Dry cloths
  • Feather dusters
  • Vacuums 

Dust through each slat from top to bottom moving side to side to get every crease of your shutters. Don’t forget to rotate your shutters and blinds over to get both sides. As you work your way down, finish off with the windowsill as that’s where the majority of the dust accumulated. 

 

When the dust and dirt don’t sweep away with ease, wipe your shutters down with a damp cloth and follow closely behind with a dry one. Time flies and buildup happens, so wiping shutters down at least once a month prevents grime from sticking to the surfaces. 

Aluminum, Vinyl, Faux-Wood Blinds and Shutters

Aluminum, vinyl, and faux-wood materials have  maintenance properties similar to plantation shutters. Dusting regularly with a dry or microfiber cloth, feather duster, and/or a vacuum helps blinds and shutters maintain their dazzling looks. Start from the top and work your way down, moving side to side on each slat. Flip the louvers over, repeat your dusting steps, and finish the dusting process with the windowsill. Vacuuming should be kept at a low setting and be done delicately on blinds.  

For dust and dirt buildup, use a damp cloth followed by a dry one to the stuck filth off. When water does not do the trick, invest in a cleaning solution to easily wipe your blinds and shutters clean without causing any damage. Keep in mind, blinds are more fragile than shutters, so be weary and avoid heavy-handed cleaning.

Real Wood Shutter and Blinds

The last thing you want to do is to destroy your real wood shutter and blinds while attempting to clean them. Real wood materials are not cleaned the same way as other shutter and blinds. Using too much water will damage the wood and warp it. 

Think of real wood window treatments as a custom wood piece in your home or office. It is well-crafted from the finest pieces of wood available and manufactured especially for you. The product deserves the best of care and treatment:

  • Dry microfiber cloth 
  • Damp microfiber cloth
  • Furniture polish 

Your real wood shutters and blinds will naturally shine. Keep them looking sharp with regular dusting from top to bottom, side to side, front, and back. When using a damp microfiber cloth, do not let excess water accumulate on the wood. Instead, wipe closely behind with a dry microfiber cloth. As their look starts to fade, coat the shutters and blinds with a quality furniture polish to get their radiant glow back. 

Vertical Blinds

Vertical blinds are made for large windows and patio doors. They have great ceiling to floor lengths and are very functional yet stunning. Like all window treatments, periodic cleaning helps them look their very best. You do not need to remove your vertical blinds to clean them, instead avoid taking the slats off their hooks by taking your time while cleaning them.

Maintain vertical blinds by following these three steps: 

  1. Attach an upholstery wand to your vacuum cleaner and vacuum each slat as best and as gently as you can. We recommend going slowly and not rushing this process. 
  2. After vacuuming, dust with a feather duster or microfiber cloth to get any additional dust and dirt you might have missed. 
  3. Wash or spot clean remaining dirt

 

Be sure to always follow the length on your vertical blinds, meaning don’t clean across, go up and down instead. Cleaning your vertical blinds takes time and speeding through cleaning can lead to damage, so take your time and be gentle.

Best Buy Shutters 

The easiest way to keep your window treatments looking brand new is with regular maintenance. Follow our cleaning guide when you are looking for ways to maintain your blinds and shutters and keep their beauty shining brightly. Your window treatments last for years when you keep them up, so take the necessary steps to maintain them.  When you’re ready for something new, contact us, the best Las Vegas local shutter factory, Best Buy Shutters.

To schedule your free design consultation, call (702) 710-3004.

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