Why Clean Mini Blinds?
Mini blinds get dirty over time from dust, grease, smoke, pet dander, and other contaminants in the air. Cleaning them regularly keeps them looking fresh, allows natural light into the room, and improves indoor air quality. Here are some key reasons why it’s important to clean mini blinds:
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Lets light in – Over time, dust and grime accumulation on mini blinds can block outside light from coming into the room. Cleaning them helps restore their ability to let light in.
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Looks better – Freshly cleaned mini blinds simply look nicer and feel cleaner than dirty, dingy blinds. It improves the aesthetic of the room.
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Reduces allergens – Mini blinds trap dust, pet dander, pollen, and other allergens. Regular cleaning helps reduce allergy triggers in your home.
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Removes odors – Smoke, cooking odors, and other smells get trapped in mini blinds. Cleaning helps freshen the air.
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Extends lifespan – Allowing dust and dirt to build up can damage mini blind slats and hardware over time. Cleaning helps them last longer.
Supplies Needed
Cleaning mini blinds thoroughly involves a bit of elbow grease. Gather the following supplies before you start:
- Microfiber cloths
- Stiff nylon brush
- rubber gloves
- Dust mask
- Spray bottle with glass cleaner
- Rags
- Protective mat or plastic sheeting
- Soft cloth
- Vacuum with brush attachment
Step-by-Step Cleaning Process
Follow these steps to thoroughly clean your mini blinds:
Remove from window
The first step is to take down the mini blinds from the window. Remove any clips holding them in place. Carefully detach any string connectors. Place the blinds flat on a clean surface.
Protect flooring
Spread mats or plastic sheeting on the floor where you will be working to catch drips and debris. Wear the rubber gloves and dust mask for the messy cleaning steps.
Vacuum
Use the vacuum with brush attachment to suck up loose dust from both sides of the blind slats. Run it along each slat top and bottom to dislodge embedded dirt and dust.
Spray down
Fill the spray bottle with glass cleaner. Mist the solution liberally over the front and back of the blinds. Avoid excessive dripping. Let the cleaner soak in for 2-3 minutes.
Scrub
Using the stiff nylon brush, scrub each slat thoroughly on both sides. Apply moderate pressure to dislodge stuck-on grime. Re-apply cleaning solution as needed.
Rinse
Take the blinds to the sink or outdoors. Use a gentle spray of cool water to rinse off all cleaning solution. Make sure no suds remain. Allow blinds to air dry completely.
Wipe down
When fully dry, use a clean microfiber cloth to buff both sides of the slats. This polishes them to a streak-free shine.
Re-hang
Carefully re-hang the freshly cleaned blinds in the window using any hardware or string connectors. Attach any clips to secure them.
Admire results
Stand back and admire how fresh and bright your mini blinds now look! Enjoy increased natural light in the room.
Cleaning Tips
- For really dirty blinds, let the cleaner soak for 5 minutes before scrubbing
- Use an old toothbrush to get into corners and crevices
- Rinse the nylon brush during scrubbing to avoid re-depositing dirt
- Alternate spray cleaner with water to thoroughly rinse
- Dry the slats with a chamois cloth to prevent water spots
Thoroughly cleaning mini blinds takes some work, but restores them to a like-new condition. The brightened appearance and sunlight flooding into the room makes the effort worthwhile. Just be sure to clean them regularly going forward to maintain their beauty.
