Tips for Cleaning Window Shades and Blinds

Window shades keep the sun out of our homes when we don't want it there, eliminating glare and excess heat. However, they also attract dust, and cleaning them can be a nuisance. Here are some tips on the best way to clean your blinds and window shades.

If you have mini blinds, wipe them down once a month by turning all the slats downward to face you. Spray a light terrycloth towel with an all purpose cleaner, then wipe them down, starting at the top. Reverse the slats, then pull the blinds away from the wall and repeat the process from behind them. This only takes a few minutes per blind. Doing the room every time you dust will cut down on the hassle of cleaning your blinds.

If you're beyond the point where a wipe down can do the trick, get a hammer and a pair of big nails. Measure the width of your blinds. Then, find an inconspicuous place that won't suffer from getting wet to hammer the nails in and hang up the blind. Once you have your blind suspended, turn the slats downward and spray a can of foaming bathtub cleaner from the bottom to the top. When you've covered the entire window shade, wipe it down with a large wet sponge. Reverse, as above, and repeat. Once the blind is dry, you can hang it back up.

If your blinds are made of wood, clean them the same way, but use a quarter cup of vinegar in each quart of water. It's important to clean these routinely, because dirt can destroy the finish, leaving your wooden window shades dull and lusterless.

Window shades made from fabric don't tolerate cleaning sprays or water well. They can leave stains and marks on the fabric surface. Instead, vacuum your fabric window shades and wipe the bristles of the vacuum brush routinely. You can also use dry sponges, now available in many stores, to pick up dirt that the vacuum leaves behind. If the dry sponge gets dirty, you can wash it in soapy water.

Another problem that fabric window shades can have is marks left by insects. Bugs will find their way into any home, leaving their droppings wherever they choose. If you see a stain on your window shades, first wet a cotton swab. Then, dip the swab in dish soap, and dab it on the stain. Wait half and hour, then blot the area lightly with a damp cloth.

If your window shades are vertical blinds, they can be difficult to care for. Use a lint roller, such as you'd use for clothes, to pick up cobwebs and dust that accumulate on your blinds. Doing this regularly will help you keep your window shades clean.

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