How to wash vertical blinds at home

General tips for caring for blinds with fabric slats

In order for products made from fabric strips to retain their presentable appearance longer, the following rules for their use should be observed:

1. During the production process, fabrics are treated with antistatic impregnation, which helps prevent dust from settling on the lamellas. When washing, the impregnation is washed out, the material gets dirty faster. Frequent washing is contraindicated for him.
2. It is not recommended to expose fabric to hot soapy solutions. This causes the material to delaminate and lose its presentable appearance.
3. When exposed to water, lamellas with fiberglass reinforcement lose their shape and become covered with bumps. Such items can only be cleaned using dry methods.
4. In order not to bring the blinds to a critical state and need to be dry cleaned, it is necessary to clean them weekly of plaque with a wet sponge or vacuum cleaner.

After purchasing and installing sliding structures, you need to familiarize yourself with the recommendations for caring for them. And it is indicated in the instructions supplied with the product.

How to wash fabric slats by hand

Hand washing is more gentle than automatic washing and is suitable for slats made of all types of fabrics. But even for this you need to follow a few simple rules.

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The sequence of actions for hand washing is as follows:

1. The slats are removed from the cornice, rolled one at a time into loose rolls and placed in a container with warm (35-40 °C) water with a liquid gentle detergent pre-dissolved in it to soak. When soaking, the rolls should be completely covered with water.
2. After 30-40 minutes, unroll the rolls and see if the dirt has come away from them. Fabrics that have not been washed are soaked again in a fresh soap solution.
3. Clean lamellas are rinsed one at a time under running cool water, but under no circumstances are they wrung out. The easiest way to do this is to use a hose and shower head.
4. Dry the fabrics in the same way as after automatic washing: let the water drain and attach them to the cornice while still wet. Until the blinds are completely dry, the window should be closed.

Stubborn stains on the slats can be gently (without enthusiasm) rubbed with a soft sponge. It is prohibited to rub the fabric with a brush or washcloth. Otherwise you will ruin it.

How to remove vertical blinds for washing?

Cleaning suspended lamellas is not only inconvenient, but also dangerous. There is a risk of falling from a height or damaging the structure if you lose your balance.

If you choose the method of washing vertical fabric blinds without completely disassembling them under running water, then they are removed from the brackets entirely. To do this, you need to press on the body so that its grooves come out of the hooks. After this, the body moves forward and is completely disconnected from the fastenings. Then the product is transported to the processing site and hung on hooks.

To quickly and safely remove vertical blinds for washing, follow these steps:

• turn the device into a closed state so that the lamellas are distributed evenly along the entire length of the body;
• remove the lower connecting chain from the weight clamps;
• remove the weights from the grooves, place them in a bag or cardboard box;
• remove the strips one by one from the upper clamps;
• Remove the fastening strips from the pockets and place them in a separate container.

After washing and drying, the product is assembled in the reverse order.

Features of washing blinds made of different materials

Before you start cleaning, you need to know an important condition - manufacturers do not recommend frequent washing of products due to the presence of a special impregnation on their surface that prevents the settling of dirt and dust. With delicate exposure, the coating is washed out. As a result, the vertical slats will get dirty faster and lose their appearance.

How to tidy up blinds of different quality:

1. Made of polyester - they do not cause difficulties in washing, withstand external factors and loads, which allows them to keep their shape for a long time and not deform. Machine washable.
2. Made from fiberglass - cannot withstand wet cleaning. The dry method is suitable for removing contaminants.
3. Wood, bamboo. Fragile products that cannot withstand exposure to water. If intense friction occurs, the plates may break or be scratched.
4. Jacquard fabric, pleated with the addition of cotton and linen fibers. This type of blinds should be washed once a year. Be careful and maintain the temperature at 35-40 degrees, otherwise the material will shrink.
5. Polyester fibers. Easy to care for. Not afraid of mechanical impact. The optimal water temperature is 35 degrees.
6. Cotton. When in contact with moisture they shrink slightly. Clean manually or using an automatic machine, but in delicate mode.
7. Plastic. Strong, durable, easy to maintain.
8. Aluminum. This version of the material is used to make horizontal curtains. They quickly regain their lost shine and freshness under running water from the shower.

When you decide to clean your sun-protection window curtains yourself, be careful in determining the quality and choosing the cleaning method.

How to wash blinds at home?

You can wash vertical blinds at home by hand or in a washing machine. When choosing a method for cleaning the slats, you should carefully study the instructions for their use. Synthetic materials can be machine washed without any consequences. Some models made of natural fabric cannot be subjected to strong mechanical stress. After being in the drum, they may lose color and shape, stretch out or shrink.

In all cases, to prevent complications, you should choose the most gentle washing mode.

In a machine

When washing blinds in an automatic machine, you need to use a special mesh that protects the product from stretching.

The procedure is as follows:

1. Disassemble the structure and carefully lay out the strips on a flat surface.
2. Roll the sheets into rolls. This should be done so that there are gaps between the turns for access of the detergent. Plastic crosses for laying tiles can be used as spacers. Twisted rolls are tightened with an elastic band. The load does not need to be removed, since its absence does not affect the quality of washing.
3. Pack the rolled strips into a net and place it in the drum. Load detergent appropriate for fabric type. Turn on the machine in “hand wash” mode. The spin program must be cancelled.
4. After draining the water, take out the mesh, place it in a basin and wait until the water drains from the blinds. Do not wring out or shake the canvas.
5. Hang the slats in a shaded place on clothespins or directly on the curtain rod holders. The windows should be closed to prevent dust from falling on the wet cloth. To ensure that the strips take an even shape, additional weights of 300-500 g each can be hung from them.

It is not recommended to use an iron to remove wrinkles. It is better to eliminate this defect with the help of heavy oppression.

Manually

Hand washing of slats is more delicate than machine washing and is suitable for all types of blinds.

Fabric blinds should be washed by hand in compliance with the following rules:

1. The temperature of the water with the detergent diluted in it should be within +30...40°C. It is advisable to use liquid products that do not leave stains.
2. The canvases are soaked in the solution for 35-40 minutes. They can be in a curled or unfolded state, if there is a container of the right size for this. The fabric must be completely immersed in the liquid.
3. At the end of the control time, the strips are removed to check the quality of the result achieved. If dirt remains on the surfaces, soaking is extended for another 20-30 minutes.
4. The most stubborn stains should be struck by hand. To do this, use a soft sponge soaked in a concentrated detergent solution.
5. After cleaning, the strips are rinsed with clean cold water. After it has drained, the products are hung to dry in a dark and warm place.

It is not recommended to use brushes or abrasives to remove dirt.

Detergents for washing vertical blinds

Before washing your blinds, you should study the manufacturer's recommendations on how to clean them from dirt of various types and sizes. After this, you can purchase detergent or use liquids that are available on the farm.

There are the following options for washing fabric slats:

1. Factory stain removers. You need to choose powders or gels designed for delicate fabrics. Do not use substances that contain chlorine.
2. Dishwashing liquid. Excellent for removing fat deposits, tobacco tar and old dust.
3. Liquid laundry detergents. Designed to remove all types of contaminants. Depending on the chosen washing method, liquids for hand or machine washing are purchased.
4. Ammonia. Used to remove stains from ballpoint pens, felt-tip pens and markers. Strokes are removed with a soft sponge soaked in solution.
5. Lemon juice. Quickly and without consequences for the material erases traces of tea and coffee. Before using on colored canvases, it is recommended to test the reaction of pigments to citric acid on an inconspicuous area of ​​the canvas.



Machine washable fabric slats

If you have decided to wash vertical blinds in a washing machine, first prepare the machine itself:

1. To do this, empty the drum of dirty laundry.
2. The detergent tray is removed and washed thoroughly.
3. Start the washing machine with an empty tank in the rinse mode. This will help remove any residual detergents that are in the appliance system.

Then choose a detergent. It is worth noting here that blinds cannot be washed with regular washing powder. It spoils the impregnation of the slats and leaves stains and difficult-to-remove stains on their surface. The best choice for washing slats is a liquid detergent for delicate fabrics. However, for light-colored stripes, liquid detergent for white is suitable. If the slats are dark, choose the option for colored linen. A good choice would be liquid laundry detergent or gel for washing wool items.

The removed lamellas are rolled individually into loose rolls and secured with threads. In this form, the blinds are packed in special bags for washing delicate clothes and sent to the drum. The washing machine is set to one of the delicate wash modes.

Important! The rinsing, drying and spinning modes are disabled.

If the washing machine does not have a single suitable automatic mode, the washing parameters are set independently in order to wash the blinds correctly. In this case, the temperature is set to +30 degrees, the number of revolutions is set to no higher than 500. Drying, spinning and rinsing are turned off. They also do not use additional options, such as bubble washing.

How to wash blinds without removing them from the cornice?

The decision to wash the blinds without removing them from the window allows you to save a lot of time and effort. In addition, there is absolutely no risk of breaking fragile plastic fasteners when disassembling and assembling the blinds.

The sequence of actions is as follows:

1. Remove dust from the strips using a vacuum cleaner and a soft-bristle attachment. You need to process both sides of the panels one by one.
2. Place cellophane or oilcloth on the windowsill to collect run-off liquid. Place some rags.
3. Apply detergent to the fabric. This can be done with a sponge or spray bottle.
4. Wash the most contaminated areas with a sponge. Rub carefully so as not to damage the outer coating of the material.
5. Rinse the strips of soapy water. Again the decision is made in favor of a sponge or a spray bottle.
6. After the canvases have dried, treat them with conditioner and antistatic agent.

Washing blinds can be speeded up using a washing vacuum cleaner. The solution is applied with a pump and removed with a tile cleaning attachment. There is no need to rinse the product, since the contaminated liquid is completely removed from the surface and from the fibers.

Removing the slats from the cornice

Washing fabric strips while they are hanging on the curtain rod is impossible. That's why they are removed from the window. This is how they do it correctly:

1. Using the control chain, rotate the slats until they open completely.
2. Disconnect the lower guide chain on both sides of the sinker for each strip of fabric.
3. Remove the weight strips.
4. Grasp the lamella with two fingers from above, next to the fastening clip, and, turning it to the side, at the same time push it up 5 mm so that a click is heard.
5. Turn the lamella towards the short part of the runner to increase the gap and pull it down.

To return the fabric strips to their place after washing, all steps are performed in the reverse order. The process of removing the slats is shown in more detail in the video.

How to dry clean curtains?

This option is well suited for synthetic material, in which dirt collects on the surface without penetrating inside.

For dry cleaning you can use the following products:

1. A broom for sweeping floors. First, the instrument must be thoroughly washed from dirt. The broom can only be used dry. Movements are made from top to bottom. The dust will collect on the broom and partially fall onto the windowsill, where it can be easily removed with a rag.
2. A brush with soft bristles. The strips are pressed against the glass, after which a brush passes over their surface.
3. Hand attachments. These devices can be purchased at hardware stores. The nozzles grab several strips at once and clean them of dust from both sides.
4. Vacuum cleaner. If you are using a hard nozzle, it is advisable to wrap it with cloth or put an old sock on it; they will collect all the debris without leaving scratches on the surface of the material.

Characteristics of different types of blinds

Vertical fabric blinds are not always suitable for washing, especially using an automatic machine. Therefore, when thinking about cleaning them, you should first find out what material they are made from.

Vertical blinds made from natural fabrics (mainly jacquard and cotton) require a careful approach. Such products are not intended for washing, especially in a washing machine. Neglecting the recommendation will provoke not only significant shrinkage of the lamellas, but also the loss of their original color. Blinds made from natural fabrics require only dry or wet cleaning.

Products made from polyester or other synthetic fabrics are easier to care for. It is permissible to wash them in an automatic machine, but subject to certain conditions. A careful approach at all stages of the washing process will allow you to avoid creases and other troubles, preserving the appearance of the lamellas in their original form.

Advice! When purchasing vertical blinds, pay attention to the contents of the label, which indicates the conditions for caring for the product. The lack of recommendations should be a signal to refuse the purchase, otherwise any attempts to wash the slats will lead to negative consequences.

How to steam clean?

Steam treatment of fabric blinds allows you to remove the most durable and persistent stains. The steam generator softens and dissolves grease droplets, nicotine tar, glue stains, stationery marks and stubborn street dust that has accumulated over the years. Processing of products should begin with the cornice and fittings. While performing this process, you can get used to the peculiarities of working with a steam generator.

After cleaning the hard parts, you can move on to the panels. Processing should begin from the upper parts so that dirt does not flow onto a clean cloth. During the steam supply process, deposits on the material mix with condensate and form a liquid substance. It must be collected immediately with fiber or a sponge.

It is not recommended to use a steam generator frequently, as exposure to high temperature and moisture negatively affects the quality of the fabric. This cleaning method is used in cases where the dirt is so strong that it is not possible to remove it by washing.

Handwash

The best way to care for fabric blinds at home is hand washing. This method allows you to avoid deformation of components and efficiently remove all contaminants. Of course, when washing such products, you should take into account their characteristics and treat them with care.

Stages of work:

1. As in the case of machine washing, the first stage involves removing the strips of fabric from the fastener and getting rid of all components.
2. The fabric is then rolled into rolls and soaked in water. Use only warm water to minimize damage to the protective coating. When soaking, use liquid detergent or powder completely dissolved in water.
3. After soaking the fabric, rinse it under running water until all foam is removed. It is important to avoid bending or twisting elements.
4. If you notice stains that remain on the product after washing, repeat the procedure from the beginning.
5. After completing the procedure, you must immediately hang the curtains to dry. Drying should occur naturally; the use of heating elements to speed up the process is unacceptable.

It is advisable to wash the structures no more than once a year, therefore, in order to avoid unnecessary surface contamination, you should regularly get rid of dust on the curtains.

How to dry vertical blinds?

After soaking and rinsing, a large amount of moisture remains in the material. The appearance of the lamellas after a wet wash depends on how competently the drying process is carried out.

You can dry the sheets in the following ways:

1. Iron. This approach applies only to products made from natural fabrics. The strips must be ironed in a mode appropriate to the type of material.
2. Install the strips into the cornice. This solution saves effort and time. The disadvantage is that wet products are difficult and inconvenient to work with, and there is a risk of dropping them and getting dirty on dirty floors and walls.
3. Hang on the dryer. For this purpose, ropes, insulated steel rods and clothespins are used. You need to hang it so that the stripes are straightened along the entire length. Folding the panels is not allowed, since after drying, curvature remains.

The general rule for all types of fabric is the absence of uneven thermal effects on the slats. Sun rays and heat from the battery cause the stripes to deform.

Drying rules

When the washing is finished, the lamellas are removed from the drum, unfolded and hung out to dry. They are placed vertically, attached to a rope with clothespins. The lamellas need to be dried in air, positioned so that they are not exposed to direct rays of the sun. Another suitable placement option is in an apartment above the bathroom, so that excess moisture can drain there.

It is recommended to hang blinds on the window while still damp. In this case, weights are placed immediately in the lower part for weighting. This will make it possible to adjust the length of the lamellas if some strips stretch out during washing.

Preventing contamination of fabric blinds

In order for fabric blinds to retain their presentable appearance and performance for as long as possible, you must adhere to several mandatory and simple rules:

1. Dry clean the fabrics every week. This will avoid the accumulation of a thick layer of dust, which over time penetrates deep into the fibers.
2. Use only those substances for cleaning fabrics that are recommended in the product’s instruction manual.
3. Treat the material with fabric softener monthly. This product will help solve several problems at once - give the fabric a pleasant smell, rid it of static electricity and create a layer protecting it from contamination.
4. Do not smoke in the room where the blinds are hung.

You should use a mosquito net on your windows to reduce street dirt getting on your blinds.



Removing heavy soiling

It’s easy to remove sawdust and light dirt from the slats, but it’s not possible to remove stubborn stains this way. In this case, you will need to purchase special stain removers or use folk remedies.

Important! But before using any substance, its effect on the fabric must be tested on an inconspicuous area. Do not use products that contain chlorine.

To remove stubborn stains from fabric blinds, use:

1. Industrial stain removers choose those designed for thin and delicate materials. They are used in strict accordance with the instructions.
2. Ammonia is diluted half and half with water, a sponge is moistened in the solution and stubborn stains are scrubbed with it. If it is an ink mark, add a little baking soda to the solution for better results.
3. Lemon juice is used if you need to remove traces of tea. They are used to wipe difficult areas on light-colored fabric strips. If the slats are dark or colored, this cleaning method will not work.
4. Marks from felt-tip pens can be removed with nail polish remover without acetone.