The warmer spring temperatures prompt many of us to look at the state of our homes and begin our annual spring cleaning. When so much of the last 6 months have been spent inside, it can be hard for some to create an effective spring cleaning plan. The collection of clutter, dust, and minor repairs can be somewhat overwhelming to those who are quick to be distracted. If you don’t attack your cleaning logically you can find yourself absorbed with the obvious tasks, while letting more significant (yet less apparent) chores go unattended.
The most crucial thing that many people ignore in their spring cleaning is their window coverings. Often, once blinds are installed, homeowners forget that they require a little bit of attention now and again. But consider this. During the winter, you likely spent the season with your windows shut firmly to keep the precious heat inside. While furnaces blasting to combat the frigid temperatures outside, they also circulated dust throughout your home. While it’s obvious to see the build-up of dust on flat surfaces like tables, bookshelves, and mantles, it’s not always as noticeable on your blinds; but it’s there.
Dust — while unattractive — can be a lot worse than just unsightly; it can be unhealthy too. If you have a severe allergy to dust, excess amounts can trigger asthma-like symptoms such as difficulty breathing and coughing. To protect yourself and your family, you must clean your window coverings of any dust or dirt that has collected on their material. Many people avoid cleaning their blinds because they think it’s a difficult or long process. Compared to the easy swipe of a cloth against a coffee table, it can seem like blinds are the Mount Everest of cleaning. With proper knowledge, however, cleaning your blinds can become a simple routine that you add to your monthly cleaning schedule.
First off, you should start by vacuuming your blinds. With a brush attachment, go over your blinds in the direction of the slats. This means if you have vertical blinds, run the vacuum up and down; if you have horizontal blinds, follow them left to right. If you don’t have a vacuum with an appropriate attachment, you can easily substitute it for a microfibre cloth and still effectively rid the surface of dust. Regardless of your method, be sure to clean gently so as not to disrupt the slats.
Second, you should consider going for a deeper clean. Depending on the kind of blind you have, this step is different for everyone. For those of you who have aluminum, wood, or plastic blinds, you can use another microfibre cloth that’s been dunked into hot, soapy water. Pinch the cloth around the blinds and wipe in the direction they hang, just as you did with the vacuum. Working top to bottom if you have horizontal blinds, or left to right if you have vertical blinds, repeat this until each blind has been cleaned, rinsing the cloth between each blind.
For those of you who have fabric blinds, a wet cloth isn’t the best method. Instead, using a dry or rubber sponge, you can remove any remaining dirt from the material that your vacuum has left behind. Once again, only have wipe in the direction that your blinds hang and be careful not to put too much stress on the fabric.
If, during your spring cleaning, you discover any substantial tears, rips, or stains, consider this an opportunity to invest in new window coverings. A new set of vertical blinds can complement a house freshly worked over and clean. Our design consultants can help you pick the blind that’s right for your tastes and light controlling needs. Setting up an appointment is as simple as calling us or sending us a quick email.
By following these steps, you can tick off another task off your spring cleaning to-do list. With clean (or new) blinds, you can crank open all your windows and let the crisp, fresh air flow throughout the space you call home and enjoy spring for all it’s worth.