How to Wash Plastic Vertical Blinds

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A common household item, plastic vertical blinds are both practical and aesthetic, providing privacy while enhancing the decor of a room. However, due to their structure and constant exposure to the environment, these blinds tend to accumulate dust, dirt, and stains. As such, knowing how to clean them properly can extend their lifespan and maintain their appearance.

To wash plastic vertical blinds, dust them regularly and clean using a mild soapy solution when needed. For deep cleaning, remove them and soak in a tub of warm soapy water, or consider professional cleaning services.

This article details these main methods of cleaning. Let’s take a closer look.

Cleaning Plastic Vertical Blinds In-Situ

Cleaning your blinds in-situ means cleaning them without taking them down, a quick and effective method when the blinds aren’t excessively dirty. Here’s a more detailed, step-by-step approach:

Prepare Your Tools: Gather a feather duster, a vacuum with a brush attachment, two soft clean cloths, mild dish soap, and warm water. Having your tools ready will make the cleaning process smoother.
Close the Blinds: To begin, ensure the blinds are fully extended and closed. This provides the largest surface area for cleaning.
Dust off the Blinds: Starting at the top, use the feather duster or vacuum with a brush attachment to dust off the blinds. Ensure you cover each slat thoroughly. Move from top to bottom to prevent dust from settling on the cleaned areas.
Prepare Your Cleaning Solution: Mix a few drops of mild dish soap into a bucket of warm water. This will serve as a cleaning solution for any stubborn spots on your blinds.
Spot Cleaning: Dip one of the soft cloths into your cleaning solution, wring out the excess water, and wipe over the slats paying special attention to any stained or sticky areas. Remember to be gentle as you don’t want to crack or damage the plastic.
Dry the Blinds: Use the second clean, dry cloth to wipe over the slats. This removes any leftover soap residue and prevents water spots from forming.
Rotate and Repeat: Once you’ve cleaned one side, rotate the blinds and repeat the process. This ensures all sides of the slats are equally clean.

Remember, while this method is efficient for light cleaning and dust removal, it may not be sufficient for heavily soiled or stained blinds. In such cases, you might need to take them down for a more thorough cleaning or consider professional cleaning services.

Tub Cleaning Plastic Vertical Blinds

If your blinds have accumulated significant dust or stubborn stains over time, you may want to consider a detailed tub cleaning. This method involves taking down your blinds and immersing them in a soapy water solution. Here’s a more detailed, step-by-step approach:

Prepare the Tools: You’ll need a bathtub, warm water, mild dish soap, a soft scrubbing brush, and towels for drying.
Remove the Blinds: Start by carefully removing the blinds from their brackets. You should consult your blind’s user manual to do this without damaging any parts.
Fill the Bathtub: Fill your bathtub with warm water until there’s enough to submerge your blinds completely.
Add Soap: Add a few squirts of mild dish soap into the water and stir until it’s well mixed.
Submerge the Blinds: Place the blinds into the soapy water in the tub, making sure all slats are fully submerged. For easier cleaning, you can extend the blinds fully before placing them in the water.
Soak the Blinds: Allow the blinds to soak in the soapy water for about an hour. This helps to loosen any stubborn dirt or stains.
Scrub the Blinds: After soaking, use a soft scrubbing brush to gently clean each slat, paying special attention to areas with visible stains or spots. Scrub lightly to avoid damaging the blinds.
Rinse and Dry: Once you’ve scrubbed all the slats, drain the soapy water from the tub and rinse the blinds thoroughly with clean water. You can use the showerhead for this. Make sure to remove all soap residue to avoid streaks and spots.
Air Dry: Spread out some towels and place the blinds on them to air dry. You can also hang them over a shower curtain rod or outside if the weather permits. Make sure the blinds are completely dry before hanging them back up to avoid water stains or mold growth.

Please note that while this method provides a thorough clean, it requires more time and effort. Make sure to handle your blinds with care throughout the process to prevent any damage.

Professional Cleaning Plastic Vertical Blinds

Professional cleaning is a great option if your blinds are heavily soiled, have stubborn stains, or you simply don’t have the time or inclination to clean them yourself. This method involves hiring professionals who have specialized equipment and solutions to give your blinds a deep clean. Here’s a more in-depth look into this process:

Research Cleaning Companies: The first step is to identify a reputable cleaning company that specializes in cleaning window treatments. You can do this by asking for recommendations, reading online reviews, or contacting local cleaning services directly.
Inquire About Their Process: Once you’ve found a potential company, inquire about their cleaning process. Some professionals may clean the blinds at your home, while others may prefer to take them to their facilities. Make sure their process suits your needs and schedule.
Get a Quote: Ask for a cost estimate before making a decision. The cost can vary depending on the size and condition of your blinds. Don’t forget to compare prices from different companies to ensure you’re getting a fair deal.
Schedule a Cleaning: After deciding on a company, schedule a cleaning at a convenient time. The professionals will usually remove the blinds, clean them, and then reinstall them. Some may also offer additional services like repair or maintenance.
Professional Cleaning: The professionals will typically clean your blinds using commercial-grade cleaning solutions and equipment. This method can effectively remove dust, dirt, stains, and even allergens, making your blinds look almost as good as new.
Aftercare: Once your blinds are clean and reinstalled, ask the professionals for tips on maintaining them. Regular maintenance can prolong the time between professional cleanings.

Remember that while this method is typically more expensive than cleaning the blinds yourself, the results can be well worth the cost, especially for high-end blinds or those with stubborn stains. Plus, it’s a hassle-free method that allows you to enjoy clean blinds without investing time and effort.

FAQs

Can I clean plastic vertical blinds without taking them down?

Absolutely, you can certainly clean your plastic vertical blinds without taking them down. For light cleaning, use a feather duster or a vacuum with a brush attachment. These tools can dislodge and remove dust without damaging the blinds. For slightly more stubborn dirt or stains, a soft cloth dampened with a mild soapy solution can be used to spot clean the affected areas. Be sure to dry the slats afterward to avoid water spots. This method is ideal for regular maintenance and quick clean-ups, ensuring your blinds remain in good condition with minimal effort.

How often should I clean my plastic vertical blinds?

To maintain a clean, dust-free environment and keep your blinds looking their best, it’s advisable to dust your blinds at least once a week. This can be done using a feather duster or a vacuum with a brush attachment.

For a more thorough cleaning, consider washing your blinds every few months, or when they start to look noticeably dirty or stained. This frequency can change depending on the environment around your home. If you live in an area with high dust levels or have pets, you might need to clean your blinds more often.

What is the best way to remove dust from plastic vertical blinds?

The best way to remove dust from your plastic vertical blinds is through regular dusting or vacuuming. Using a feather duster, start at the top and work your way down, ensuring you cover each slat. Alternatively, you can use a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment on a low suction setting.

Vacuum each slat from top to bottom, paying attention to areas where dust may have settled. If the dust layer is stubborn, you can use a soft cloth dampened with warm soapy water to gently clean the slats, then dry them with a clean cloth.

How do I remove stains from plastic vertical blinds?

Removing stains from plastic vertical blinds can be achieved with a gentle approach. For small stains, make a solution of warm water and a few drops of mild dish soap. Apply this solution with a soft cloth and gently scrub the stained area. Rinse the cloth, wring it out, and wipe the area again to remove the soap.

Dry the slat thoroughly afterward to prevent water spots. If stains are stubborn or widespread, consider removing the blinds and washing them in a tub with soapy water, or hiring a professional cleaning service.

Are cloth vertical blinds machine washable?

While this question is more applicable to cloth vertical blinds rather than plastic ones, it’s still worth addressing. The answer is, it depends on the specific blinds. Some cloth vertical blinds can be machine washed, while others may require professional cleaning or specific spot-cleaning methods.

Always check the manufacturer’s instructions or labels on the blinds. If machine washing is permitted, use a gentle cycle and mild detergent to prevent damage. Always air dry the blinds; do not put them in the dryer.

Summary

Keeping plastic vertical blinds clean can significantly improve their lifespan and aesthetic appeal. Whether you choose to clean your blinds in-situ, give them a thorough tub wash, or hire professionals, remember that regular cleaning is key. Be sure to also check our FAQ section for specific queries.