How to clean blinds

wazza

I have vertical blinds fitted to the windows. They are made from a stiff cloth material. Rang the supplier regarding how to clean them. He suggested two options:-

1. soak them in a bath using a bit of washing powder and warm water

2. place them in a pillowcase and put it in a washing machine.

The washing machine option appeals to me but he is uncertain on what setting to use.

How do you clean yours? If using a washing machine what setting do you use?

TomsMom

I'm very surprised at the suggestion to put them in a washing machine.

Think what a washing machine does to a pillow if you let is go through the spin cycle. It twists the inside up and the pillow ends up out of shape and possibly useless. Last time I washed a pillow I ended up unpicking the cover, taking the fibre out, refolding it, put it back in the case and re-sewed the cover.

If you do go down this route I would suggest a low temperature and no spin but I would be inclined to check again with your supplier for exact instructions, preferably written ones from the manufacturer, and ask if he will take responsibility if you follow his advice and the blinds are ruined.

Personally I would soak them in the bath, but how dirty are they? I've had vertical blinds up in my bathroom (pale aqua colour) and at my back door (cream) for over 10 years and I've not had to wash them. If they look a bit dusty I give them a gentle wipe with a damp cloth.

wazza

TomsMom, sorry my mistake. My post should have read pillowcase and not pillow. My blinds are white with pattern in them. They have been up for 6 years and are dusty. I think i will pay a visit to the blindshop and ask them in person what is the best way to clean them.

doelani

I washed mine in pillowcase last week. Washed on a 30degrees short cycle and as soon as they finished lay them flat on kitchen counter then rehung them while still damp.

One word of warning though, make sure the turns in material are stitched and not glued:eek: I remember years ago doing teh smae and they were only glued and all opened up lol

TomsMom

You didn't make a mistake Wazza, my reference to a pillow was really saying think what a washing machine does to a pillow, then think what it might do to your blind, i.e. make it all creased and twisted. I should have made it clearer what I was thinking - maybe it's time for bed :rotfl:

If your blind ended up all creased I doubt you'd be able to get the creases out, that's why I'd put them in a bath - lie them down, swish the soapy water about a bit, rinse, drip dry, no creases!

If they're only dusty, maybe the little brush on your vacuum cleaner, hold each slat and gently go over them. I occasionally vacuum my curtains.

Inactive

I clean mine by running them from end to end through a kitchen sink of warm soapy water, I then re-hang them wet with a towel under to catch any drips.