The blinds in a home play many important roles. Not only do they help control light, but they also provide privacy, reduce noise, and maintain a comfortable temperature in the room. That’s not all! They also play a huge part in the overall design and aesthetics of a home.
Since blinds play so many vital roles, homeowners often choose to invest in custom blinds in Glen Carbon, IL. Not only do these products offer a better fit, but they can also complement a variety of interior styles.
Custom blinds come at a much higher price, though. In order to protect this investment and get the most use out of their new window coverings, homeowners should take special care to maintain them. To learn more about how to maintain custom blinds, Glen Carbon homeowners should keep reading this helpful guide.
Regular dusting keeps custom blinds looking fresh and extends their lifespan.
Use the Appropriate Cleaning Method for the Material
Much like other household belongings and pieces of furniture, blinds can accumulate dust and grime. Therefore, it’s important to make sure that they are dusted and wiped down regularly. However, the best method for keeping these window coverings clean can vary from one product to another. The following are just a few tips on how to clean different materials:
| Material | Recommended Cleaning Method | What to Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Wood | Soft duster or cloth; occasional lemon oil or wood-safe cleaner | Excess moisture or soaking |
| Fabric | Vacuum on low setting; damp sponge with mild soapy solution | Dry cleaning or full submersion in water |
| Vinyl | Vacuum or wipe down; warm soapy water is safe | Abrasive scrubbers |
| Aluminum | Mild soap and water; duster with metal-safe spray | Harsh chemicals or acidic cleaners |
| Sheer | Gentle vacuuming; damp sponge with a mild cleaner | Harsh cleaners or water submersion |
Wood: A soft duster or cloth can be run across wooden blind slats to remove dust. On occasion, homeowners may want to apply a lemon oil or another product that is designed to clean natural wood. For more specific guidance, check out our post on how to clean wooden blinds.
Fabric: Dust can cling to fabric blinds more easily, so it is recommended that homeowners use a vacuum on this material rather than a duster. A damp sponge may also be dipped in a soapy solution, but fabric blinds should never be dry-cleaned or fully submerged in water. Our team has put together a more detailed walkthrough on how to clean fabric blinds if you’d like to learn more.
Vinyl: Homeowners can vacuum or wipe down vinyl blinds. It’s also safe to wipe the blinds down with warm soapy water.
Aluminum: If blinds are made from aluminum, they can also be wiped with a mild soap and water solution. A duster and a metal-safe dusting spray can be used as well.
Sheer: Delicate sheer blinds should be handled with care, so homeowners should never use any harsh cleaners or submerge them in water. Instead, they should be vacuumed on occasion or wiped with a damp sponge and gentle cleaner.
Not sure which material is right for your home? Take a look at our guide on the top materials for custom blinds to compare your options.
Deep Clean Periodically
Though dusting is best done regularly, homeowners only need to deep clean their custom blinds on occasion. Again, it depends on the type and material of blinds, but in general, homeowners should expect to do a deep clean once or twice a year. If any materials are washed, they should be fully dried before they are hung back up. Otherwise, they could end up with mold growth!
The EPA recommends controlling moisture as the primary way to prevent mold in the home, so making sure blinds are completely dry after washing isn’t just about keeping them looking nice. It’s about keeping your indoor air quality healthy, too.
Pro Tip:
Pick a seasonal cleaning rhythm that works for you. Many homeowners find it easiest to deep clean their blinds in the spring and fall when they’re already doing other household upkeep. That way, it doesn’t feel like an extra chore.
Spot Clean Only When Necessary
On occasion, homeowners may find that sticky little fingers or pets have left behind spots or spills on their beautiful custom blinds. Glen Carbon blind installers recommend that these accidents be spot-cleaned right away.
It’s best to avoid harsh chemicals or rough scrubbing, but homeowners may find themselves needing to treat the affected area with warm water and a gentle cleaner. A sponge or soft cloth is best to help pull the stain from any fabric.
A vacuum with a brush attachment works well for fabric and sheer blinds without risking damage.
Rotate Blinds Regularly
In addition to cleaning, homeowners should also rotate their blinds every once in a while. Though this might seem like a tedious task, it can make a huge difference in the lifespan of custom blinds. Glen Carbon homeowners will notice that it distributes wear from the sun exposure more evenly so that the blinds won’t fade unevenly or warp.
If you’ve been thinking about how to keep your home cooler with custom blind solutions, rotating your blinds is part of that equation. It reduces the heat load on any single section and helps the blinds maintain their shape over time.
Check Cords and Mechanisms
Finally, it’s recommended that customers routinely check both the cords and mechanisms of their custom blinds. Over time, these parts can start to become damaged or malfunction. Repeated use will only make the problem worse. If homeowners are able to spot an issue right away, they could fix it before the whole blind becomes unusable.
Homeowners should also maintain any moving parts on their custom blinds by lubricating them. This can prevent any sticking or malfunctions, but the lubricant should be applied carefully to prevent staining the blinds. Motorized or cordless blinds may require more maintenance steps, such as battery replacements, but a user manual should provide insight into those steps. If you’re curious about what motorized options require, our comparison of motorized vs. manual blinds covers the key differences.
For homes with children, keeping cords and mechanisms in good shape is also a safety issue. Our post on child safety and custom blinds goes over some practical strategies worth keeping in mind. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission also provides important guidance on window covering safety around young children.
Find Out More About How to Care for Custom Blinds in Glen Carbon
Want to know more about how to care for custom blinds? Glen Carbon locals should contact BlindQuest right away. We specialize in custom window treatment installations, so we can provide plenty of information. Customers interested in designing their own custom blinds should also call to request a design consultation or to schedule a time to see our beautiful showroom.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I dust my custom blinds?
For most materials, a light dusting every one to two weeks is enough to keep dust from building up. Fabric and sheer blinds may need slightly more frequent attention since dust tends to cling to those textures.
Can I use a steam cleaner on my blinds?
It depends on the material. Steam cleaning is generally not recommended for wood or faux wood blinds because the moisture and heat can cause warping. For vinyl or aluminum blinds, a quick pass with a handheld steamer can work, but always check the manufacturer’s care instructions first.
What’s the best way to prevent blinds from fading?
Rotating your blinds periodically is one of the simplest ways to distribute sun exposure evenly and prevent uneven fading. You can also consider UV-protective coatings or window film to reduce the intensity of sunlight hitting your window treatments.
When should I replace my custom blinds instead of repairing them?
If cords are fraying, slats are cracked or warped beyond repair, or the operating mechanism no longer functions smoothly even after lubrication, it may be time for a replacement. BlindQuest can assess your current blinds during an on-site consultation and help you decide whether repair or replacement makes more sense.
