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How to properly wash horizontal blinds. How to wash blinds at home: hanging and dismantled How to wash horizontal blinds without removing them

Horizontal blinds are an excellent replacement for classic curtains. The product is especially popular in offices and city apartments. Despite many advantages, from a simple control system to light adjustment, blinds also have disadvantages. The main one is a complex cleaning system. Horizontal slats need to be washed on both sides, which usually takes a lot of time. However, there are also ways to wash horizontal aluminum blinds in a short time.

Wet cleaning of horizontal blinds

Metal blinds are afraid of water, so it is better not to carry out wet cleaning. On the other hand, modern manufacturers produce lamellas with corrosion protection, so you need to build on the properties of the purchased model. You can fully wash:

products made from anti-corrosion aluminum alloys;
lamellas, which are covered with an additional polymer layer that protects against rust.

If the product is made of a standard, corrosion-sensitive alloy, but is covered with a protective layer of paint, you need to carefully inspect its surface. It is important that the planks are free of chips, scratches and places with loose pieces of paint. If the surface is perfectly homogeneous and the paint adheres well, then you can begin wet cleaning.

There is a simple way to wash aluminum horizontal blinds:

Raise the blinds. Remove them from the mount and take them to the bathroom.
Prepare a special solution for washing slats. You can dilute standard soap or dishwashing detergent in water. Window cleaning compounds work best for removing grease, so you can open the lid of the spray bottle and dilute a little product in a basin.
Place the slats in a basin and leave to soak for 30–60 minutes. During this time, all serious contaminants will be half dissolved, and they will be easier to remove.
After soaking, open the blinds by carefully pulling the rope, rinse in the shower and walk over the slats with a soft sponge to completely remove dirt.

You can soak the blinds not only in a basin, but also in a filled bathtub or sink.

Important! Before washing, be sure to remove the plastic plugs that are located on the top and bottom sides of the mechanism. Otherwise, metal corrosion will begin, as water will accumulate in the mechanism.

To prevent corrosion, it is important that the slats do not remain in the liquid for more than 1.5–2 hours. If possible, it is better to avoid soaking altogether and immediately rinse the product in the shower.

It is important to take care to dry the device. It must be wiped dry with a towel or a well-absorbing cloth.

Note! After washing, the lifting mechanism must be lubricated with silicone. If you forget about this procedure, it will stick or squeak heavily when used.

If the above method for quickly cleaning blinds is not suitable, you can do wet cleaning directly on the window. The slats will not have to be removed and placed directly into the water, so there will be less risk of corrosion. You need to understand that this will increase the procedure time: from 20 minutes to 1–2 hours. Cleaning algorithm:

Prepare a clean sponge, rag or cotton gloves. There are also special pliers for cleaning slats on sale; they grab the plank from both sides at once. But such tools are not very convenient. It is best to put on a glove soaked in detergent and simply grasp the lamella on both sides at once: this will reduce the cleaning time.
Dilute the cleaning solution. Effective remedies that can be used at home are listed below. In addition to them, products for cleaning windows, washing dishes and washing hands are suitable.
Close the window with blinds and turn the slats so that they are perpendicular to the glass. Go over each plank with the selected tool.
Dry the slats with a dry cloth to prevent soap stains from appearing.

Dry cleaning of horizontal blinds

There is no way to quickly wash blinds and avoid corrosion. The risk of rust is always present, so it is advisable to dry clean the slats. For it you will need:

ammonia (removes greasy stains);
two rags or a damp cloth to clean the screen;
pipidastr (dust brush) or similar tool.

Cleaning techniques may vary depending on the tools selected. But the first stage is always the same: you need to remove dust. To do this, you need to walk along the entire length of the blinds using a pipidastra or other soft brush with long bristles. If dust is not removed before further cleaning, it may create dirty streaks.

Next, you can use either ammonia or a damp cloth. A wet wipe for cleaning screens and office equipment is impregnated with a composition that effectively breaks down fat.

With its help, you can quickly restore all greasy areas. This method is quick and convenient: no additional detergents are needed, the napkin can be thrown away immediately after use. Other tools will have to be cleaned.

If you don’t have these wipes at home, ammonia will do. It effectively fights fat and leaves no streaks as it evaporates quickly. The owner of the apartment can only be put off by the pungent smell, but it quickly disappears after airing. Ammonia needs to be diluted in water (see proportions below), then moisten a rag in the resulting solution and walk it over all the blinds. The remaining ammonia is removed with a second rag.

Steam cleaning of horizontal metal blinds

Steam effectively softens old stains. It is safer for aluminum blinds than water, because steam does not get under the plastic plugs and does not wash away the lubricant of the lifting mechanism. To carry out the procedure, you will need a steam cleaner. How to properly and quickly clean blinds with steam:

Move the blinds to the closed position, then rotate the slats 90 degrees towards the window.
Point the steam cleaner at the slats. Slowly walk it from one edge of the bar to the other. Repeat for all slats.
In places where particularly heavy dirt is noticeable, you need to leave the steam cleaner on longer.
At the end of the procedure, softened stains are removed with a dry cloth.

It is important to remove all moisture so that the corrosion process does not begin. If you hold the steam cleaner over the product for a long time, many drops of water may accumulate on it.

Effective folk remedies for washing horizontal blinds

Window cleaning products are not always kept at home, and regular soap cannot remove stubborn grease from blinds. You can clean grease stains with the means at hand: dish soap, vinegar and ammonia.

Vinegar is used to clean plastic and metal. It cleans effectively and gives surfaces a pleasant shine. To clean, you will need 250 ml of 9% vinegar, water, gloves (to protect the skin of your hands) and a piece of cloth. Procedure algorithm:

Mix 250 ml vinegar and 500 ml water. You can take a different volume of liquids, the main thing is to maintain the proportion of 1 to 2.
Wear rubber gloves. Soak the cloth in the solution and wipe the slats on both sides.
Dry the slats with a cloth.

Additional information: Experts advise treating blinds with furniture polish. This gives an antistatic effect, which means dust collects more slowly. The polish must be diluted in water in a 1:1 ratio.

Ammonia

Ammonia can be used if the owner is not bothered by the smell of the composition. It is diluted in water in a ratio of 1 to 1. You can pour the solution into a spray bottle to quickly treat the slats using a sprayer.

You can also moisten a well-absorbing cloth with ammonia. Then you won’t have to dry the blinds additionally, because the fabric won’t release excess moisture. A terry towel or microfiber cloth works well.

Detergent

You can clean any greasy stain with a detergent, because it contains additives for the rapid breakdown of lipids. The main thing is not to use compounds with a strong odor: it can remain on the slats for a long time.

The cleaning procedure with detergent is standard, using a sponge or rag and water. Upon completion of work, drying is carried out.

If the owner doubts that he can clean aluminum blinds on his own, he can take them to a cleaning company for processing. But home cleaning is faster and cheaper: just an hour of work and the slats will shine like new.

Nowadays, almost every home has blinds, but when buying these luxurious interior items, we sometimes don’t think about how to keep the product clean.

Fabric-based horizontal and vertical blinds are a modern alternative to primitive curtains. They provide ideal protection from light, are not picky during daily use and can decorate even the most boring interior.

Cleaning horizontal blinds

How to wash blinds without extra effort is one of the main questions of many owners when putting their house in perfect order.

When choosing curtains, it is advisable to first familiarize yourself with certain features of their cleaning. Removing dirt from blinds that have a horizontal direction will require special clamping pliers.

They are usually sold together with the paraphernalia necessary for washing. If you use the tongs once every 5-7 days, the slats will remain clean and no additional manipulations will be required during cleaning.

In cases where dust accumulates over several years, washing aluminum horizontal blinds is not difficult and will not distract you for a long time.

note

Manufacturers are often against washing blinds made of wood. It is not advisable to wet clean models that have a certain impregnation.

Water or various means for cleaning blinds, mixing with dust, will leave stains in the form of drops on the slats.

How to wash horizontal blinds without removing them from the windows?

There are countless options for washing products without the hassle of removing them from the window. Cleaning fabric strips should be carried out according to the following scheme:

We straighten all the slats and install them in a “closed” manner.
We clean the slats with a vacuum cleaner and a furniture tip.
We wipe the blinds with a cloth, preferably containing microfiber.

To wash horizontal, plastic blinds that have stubborn stains, apply a secretion, mix any dish soap with water and run a sponge soaked in it over each slate.

Blinds are widely used in homes, office buildings and industrial facilities due to a number of obvious advantages:

versatility;
quick installation;
small size;
possibility to choose color;
adaptation to the requirements of any plastic windows;
reliable mechanism for moving in space;
effective retention of dust and external pollutants;
protection from heat and prying eyes;
the material does not absorb dirt.

The last point makes horizontal blinds both convenient and labor-intensive to clean. If the windows face a busy street, then within 1-2 months the outer surface of the product will be covered with an impressive layer of dust. Fat and steam in the kitchen can significantly speed up this process. Experience shows that in the kitchen, blind slats get dirty faster than from street dirt.

Cleanliness is the true guarantee of health, so you still have to wash your blinds at home. This must be done correctly, otherwise the well-known joke about the need to simply replace dirty blinds will become the harsh truth of life for a particular family. Before you start dealing with accumulated dirt, you need to carefully examine the window protectors.

Depending on the material used to create them, the level of humidity and temperature conditions, you will have to choose a cleaning agent. In such cases, traditional surface cleaning liquid is not always suitable. The elements contained in its composition can negatively affect the slats.

You should not immediately grab a washing vacuum cleaner, even if it has a delicate mode. A few careless movements can damage the blinds. Before starting work, it is recommended to weigh the pros and cons. This will help make the cleaning process quick and efficient.

To remove or not to remove the product from the window

An almost Shakespearean question sounds in the minds of those who decide to put things in order in their apartment. Common sense must be put at the forefront.

If you have enough time, it is better to remove aluminum blinds and wash them in the bathroom.

The product is carefully placed in the bath under strong pressure of hot water. For massive contamination that has accumulated for a long time, you can use a soap solution. You can add washing powder or dishwashing detergent to it.

In both cases, it is better to choose options without a persistent odor, otherwise the kitchen or living room will have a specific smell for a long time. Detergents are applied using a soft sponge, after which the blinds are left to get wet for 5-10 minutes. The duration of the water procedure depends on the degree of contamination.

After this period of time is over, thoroughly wipe the surface with a clean sponge. Cleaning is completed by using running water to remove the cleaning agent.

Blinds should be dried on the balcony. If the weather outside is damp, you can do this indoors. After this, they must be put back in their original place. This method really allows you to get rid of heavy dirt, but it has its drawback: not everyone knows how to easily remove blinds. The refastening procedure will turn into a real adventure for those who are not friendly with a screwdriver.

Experience shows that washing horizontal blinds can be much easier. It is not always necessary to remove them. Do not forget that not every type of dirt can be easily removed with foam, a sponge and running water. This method justifies itself when it comes to dust pollution. It is not absorbed into the structure of the material, so a water procedure of minimal duration restores the appearance of the blinds.

You can restore lost hygiene without removing the product from the window. Regardless of the chosen cleaning method, the slats are moved to a protective closed position. It is strictly forbidden to wash blinds in the open position. Just 2-3 minutes of water procedures in this mode guarantees the owners a trip to the store for a new window protector from dust and sun.

How to wash blinds at home? Exclusively on weight! Experience shows that in this case the effect of the cleaning agent is significantly increased. In this case, you need to follow a few simple recommendations. Small plugs located at the ends, located on the bottom strip and cornice, must be removed before starting water procedures. Otherwise, the water accumulated there will provoke accelerated corrosion.

After the first wet treatment, a certain amount of dirt will come off on its own, but this will only be a small part of it. In order to thoroughly wash the slats, you can use a soft sponge or rubber gloves. In the second case, the use of a sponge is not required. The further procedure will take a certain period of time. It is better to place a small container below where dirty water will drain.

Depending on the degree of contamination, the blinds should be cleaned 1 to 2 times. Water procedures are completed with a dry sponge. The blinds are carefully wiped and dried. When washing window protectors, you should avoid cleaning the windows. Drops will inevitably fall on the window. Before installing the blinds in place, you must return the plugs to their positions and lubricate the rotating mechanism of the slats. This will eliminate possible breakdowns in the future. Silicone-based lubricants are suitable for these purposes.

Using a soft brush

If the cleaning process does not cause unpleasant emotions in a person, the cleanliness of the slats can be restored in a more delicate way. To do this you need to use a soft brush. At the initial stage, you need to slowly brush off the accumulated dust. In order to remove dirt even from hard-to-reach places without removing it, it is better to choose a brush with long bristles. Before starting the procedure, you should open the window. It’s better to sweep the dust towards the street, then she won’t have to breathe.

The positive aspects of this method include minimal mechanical impact on the blinds and the elimination of chemicals. For example, if a person has allergies or hypersensitivity, there is no need to risk their health. In order for everything to go well, you need to assess in advance how to wash horizontal blinds:

use only a dry brush;
paint brushes are strictly prohibited;
It is allowed to use a sheep wool brush;
The brush must be new, otherwise during cleaning more dirt will appear than there was at first.

When cleaning becomes a hobby

Another way to properly wash blinds, which requires frequent washing of window glass, is to use a damp cloth or sponge. The outer and inner surfaces of the blinds should be wiped 1 to 2 times a month. After this, a similar procedure is repeated, but with a dry cloth in hand. This should be done carefully so that there are no streaks left.

Upon completion of the water procedures, window protectors should dry within 2-4 hours. Only then can you start cleaning the windows. Many people will not like this option. In this case, cleaning lasts for several hours. Other, less popular techniques for cleaning blinds at home include:

1 Prepare a soap solution in a basin in advance. Wet a soft sponge and wipe the slats on both sides. Then the blinds are wiped with a dry sponge. It is better to use mild detergents that do not cause an allergic reaction.
2 A large, clean, dry rag must be divided into 2 parts. The size of each of them should not exceed 10-15 cm. The slats are switched to closed mode. Spray on top with traditional window cleaner. Pre-prepared pieces of rag are taken into hand. Move from top to bottom to remove dirt. In this case, it is necessary to hold the lamellas themselves with the other hand so that they do not break. Wipe clean with a dry cloth.
3 Pour warm running water into a small basin. A polish with an antistatic agent is added to the liquid. Before work, hands should be protected with rubber gloves. Using a sponge soaked in the solution, wipe each lamella. This process is labor-intensive and requires careful handling so as not to break anything.
4 You can use regular wipes used for cleaning computer equipment. Before starting work, the blinds are moved to the closed position. This method allows you to speed up the process, avoid staining the window and completely get rid of stains. Unfortunately, it can only be used with minor contamination.

To prevent tidying up from becoming a real nightmare, it must be done regularly. It is recommended to wipe the blinds with a damp cloth at least once a month. If the windows face a polluted or dusty street, then it is better to wipe them 2 to 3 times a month. In this case, you can avoid the accumulation of dirt in hard-to-reach places. If a person decides to wash the blinds in the bathroom, then before doing this it is necessary to remove them correctly. It is better to remember the position of all fastening parts. This will help you return everything to its place after cleaning without the risk of forgetting anything.

Blinds provide better protection from the sun's rays than traditional curtains and drapes. They are compact, easy to use and fit into any interior. The disadvantage of a useful invention is rapid contamination. Dust settles on horizontal slats every day, so alternative curtains should be washed every 2-3 weeks. What methods should you use to make cleaning quick and not time-consuming?

Paint brushes and vacuum cleaner

Wet cloths used to wipe off layers of dust from plastic or wooden strips often leave dirty streaks. You have to change the water several times, wipe the horizontal blinds with a dry cloth, and only after all the manipulations do they begin to delight you with perfect cleanliness.

You should arm yourself with a spray bottle with clean water and a fluffy brush. Such cleaning accessories are loved by maids from TV series about the rich and the hapless. A brand new paint brush with long bristles or a piece of sheep's wool that, for unknown reasons, ended up in the kitchen cabinet will do.

Use a brush to brush off a layer of dirt from horizontal blinds and at the same time moisten the air from a spray bottle so that dust particles floating in the air settle with droplets of water on the floor and do not return to the slats.

A simpler option is a vacuum cleaner with a small attachment for caring for upholstered furniture. You can use your husband’s accessory that he bought for his favorite car. The vacuum cleaner should move from the upper slats to the lower ones, gradually removing dirt. There is no dust in the air, and cleaning with such a unit will only take a few minutes.

Making work easier
You will need several pieces of soft fabric that you don’t mind throwing away or using a floor rag. If you don’t have anything old or unnecessary at hand, wipes designed to combat dust on various surfaces will come in handy.

Pour soap solution into a bottle equipped with a spray bottle. It is prepared from detergent, powder or shavings from laundry soap. Combine any ingredient with water, chop thoroughly and use to wash blinds. An alternative is to not bother and buy a special product designed for windows.

Blinds should be set to sun protection mode to make cleaning the slats easier.
Spray a small area with a spray bottle until it is slightly damp, but not wet.
Walk over the plastic or wooden strip with a prepared cloth. The fabric cannot be washed or wet, so you should use it sparingly so that there is enough for all the windows or several.
When one side of the blinds becomes perfectly clean and slightly dry, they are turned over and the manipulation with the spray bottle is repeated.

It is recommended to finish cleaning by washing the window, because droplets of the solution fall on the glass, forming stains. You can use the same solution and a rag intended for blinds, so as not to complicate your life.

Option for lazy housewives

You don't have to spend half a day getting alternative curtains looking clean. There is always a pack of wet wipes or baby wipes in your handbag. Suitable varieties for household appliances or telephones.

It is advisable to vacuum, and then arm yourself with napkins and carefully wipe each lamella. The blinds must be open so that the strip can be captured from both sides at once. This will speed up the cleaning process.

Move from the cornice to the window sill, trying not to leave streaks. If necessary, you should finish the mini-cleaning with a piece of dry cloth so that the surface of the blinds becomes perfectly clean, without the slightest hint of dust.

Does it seem like a wet wipe wasn't enough? The slats look terrible, so why not use a soap solution and a sponge? You'll have to put on rubber gloves, get a basin and a couple of fleece rags.

You can prepare a solution from dishwashing detergent, which will remove grease, dirt, and stains of unknown origin. Dilute a few drops with water, stir thoroughly to form foam on the surface, and begin cleaning. Additionally, you will need a bucket or other container with clean liquid without additives and a napkin.

Blinds must be closed.
Using a sponge soaked in a soapy solution, carefully walk over the surface of the lamellas, removing dirt.
Get rid of soap stains with a damp cloth, which is dipped in clean water.
Walk over the blinds with a dry cloth, blotting off any remaining liquid.

Important: It is not recommended to leave the slats wet. The metal parts on which they are supported become covered with rust due to water, so the blinds open and close poorly and quickly fail.

After the procedure, you will definitely have to take care of the windows, because the soap solution leaves cloudy stains on the glass, from which an ordinary rag will not help.

Water treatments for blinds

If the slats are covered with a thick layer of dirt and grease, which soap solution and a sponge cannot remove, you can take alternative curtains to the bathroom. Warm water and strong pressure are an excellent remedy for dust and other delights.

To separate the blinds from the window, press on the brackets and then pull the plastic or wooden device down. The slats must be closed. Carefully straighten the alternative curtains so that they do not bend anywhere. Remove plugs, weights and other parts that are afraid of water.

Hang a plastic sheet over the bathtub, directing a strong stream of water at it. You can gently run a sponge over the slats to remove dust. The next step is to prepare a soap solution from powder or detergent. Dirty blinds are soaked in it for several hours, then washed a second time with tap water.

Wipe alternative curtains with a dry cloth so that no water stains remain on the surface. Hang and straighten, it is advisable to use a hair dryer to speed up the drying of the slats. Return the plugs to their place, install the blinds back on the windows, not forgetting to wash the cornice and window sill.

Tip: You should not use this method too often, otherwise the metal parts will become corroded and the service life will be reduced.

The rotating mechanism of the slats should be treated with silicone lubricant after bathing so that it functions better.

Preventive measures

To avoid having to wash dust from the blinds every week, after washing, alternative curtains should be treated with an antistatic agent. A special product or a few milliliters of fabric softener will do. Dilute the polish and antistatic agent in equal parts in a small amount of water, pour the liquid into a spray bottle and be sure to wear rubber gloves.

A soft cloth or sponge will come in handy. An alternative is cotton gloves worn over rubber ones. The solution is applied either to the lamellas or to a napkin. The product is evenly distributed over the entire surface of the blinds, and then thoroughly rubbed until the plates are dry. The antistatic agent does not allow dust to settle, so the useful invention will remain clean for a long time.

How to wash wooden or fabric blinds

Plastic slats look ordinary, somewhat reminiscent of an office, so some people prefer to decorate their windows with wooden or fabric varieties. They should not be bathed in the bathtub or treated with soapy water or cleaning products.

Fabric options should be vacuumed or brushed off dust. Jacquard varieties or with photo printing are trusted only by professionals. If the instructions say that the blinds can be washed, you should carefully remove them from the window, free them from the fittings and roll them up. Fill a basin with water and dilute a little soap there. Dip alternative curtains in the liquid for a few minutes, then rinse with warm water and dry on a flat surface covered with cloth. Be sure to shake and straighten after bathing. It is recommended to wash fabric blinds no more than once a year so that they do not lose color.

Wooden varieties are vacuumed or wiped with damp wipes. No water, otherwise they will become deformed.

Fabric blinds can be treated with a steam cleaner wrapped in a sheet. This method is suitable for varieties that are allowed to be washed. High temperatures disinfect, and steam cleans the slats from dust particles.

Caring for blinds is easier than it might seem at first glance. It is enough to wipe them with napkins and vacuum them so that you do not have to remove them from the windows, wash them and soak them.