Vertical fabric blinds: operating features

In many homes, vertical fabric blinds can be found as window decoration. Despite the fact that they do not provide complete light isolation, many owners are attracted by their ability to create diffused light and a pleasant, intimate environment. However, in order for these unique curtains to serve for a long time and properly, it is necessary to adhere to certain rules during their operation.

Caring for fabric vertical blinds

It’s hard to imagine a bare window; it immediately looks lonely and unsightly.
The most common “clothing” for windows is, of course, curtains. But recently, the demand for vertical fabric blinds has begun to grow. They are easy to use and versatile. They are used everywhere: in offices, service premises, apartments and even in private homes. This is what vertical fabric blinds look like

Initially, fabric blinds are impregnated with special agents that prevent dust and dirt from settling on them. And the quality of such impregnation depends on the cost; it can be durable or not very durable. Therefore, if you have chosen this design, you need to clean it regularly.

Methods for cleaning fabric blinds:

It is most convenient to clean with a vacuum cleaner or a dry brush with medium-hard bristles. And don’t forget about the cornice of vertical blinds, it also accumulates a lot of dust, it’s better to wipe it with a damp cloth. Such simple actions are usually quite enough for a long service life of vertical blinds.

If they are very dirty or stains appear on some of the planks, such methods will not help. The easiest way is dry cleaning. But if you want to save money, you can clean them yourself. Naturally, during each wash, the impregnation will gradually be washed out and after time the lamellas will become unusable.

At home, vertical blinds are washed in an automatic washing machine or by hand. In order to wash the blinds, you must first remove the slats; to do this, disconnect the bottom chain and remove all the plastic parts. For washing, select the delicate cycle. Then carefully roll each lamella into a roll and place it in a laundry bag.

If the dirt is not particularly large, it is better to wash it with your hands. To do this, we also wrap them in rolls and lower them into a bowl of water at about 40 degrees, with the addition of washing powder. And let them soak for an hour. Remember - under no circumstances should the lamella be rubbed or squeezed during washing! We just wait until the stains disappear under the influence of the powder, then rinse them, again rolling them up. Fabric blinds should be collected wet, immediately after washing. They will dry and smooth out under their own weight.

Cleaning vertical blinds with a vacuum cleaner

But, in any case, you need to understand that due to frequent washing, the slats can lose their attractive appearance, even if they are made of high-quality and fairly dense fabric. Therefore, you can wash vertical blinds only once a year; more often it is not recommended.

How to wash and clean vertical blinds at home

To make cleaning easier, it is better to unhook and place the dirty strips horizontally. If you just need to wipe the surface, you don’t have to remove it. At the same time, disconnect the chains from the weights so that each strip hangs freely. To remove stains, use steam, dishwashing detergent, soda, and “White.”

Steam

If your home has a steam generator, perform a steam cleaning. It will delicately remove dust, grease, and traces of cigarette smoke from the surface. It is convenient to use a steam generator to wash the cornice from accumulated street dirt.

Some models include a special attachment for blinds. If it is missing, order it from the manufacturer. The nozzle wraps around the strips on both sides. Just turn on the device and swipe it across a vertical surface from top to bottom. Pause in areas with stubborn dirt for a few seconds.

It is recommended to clean with steam once a year when the vacuum cleaner can no longer cope. Just like water, steam has a detrimental effect on the impregnation of blinds.

Soda

Try washing white plastic with damp baking soda. This is an abrasive, so do not use dry.

How to cook:

1. Dilute baking soda with water until it becomes a thin paste.
2. Stir until most of the grains are dissolved.
3. Dip a damp cloth into the mixture.
4. Rub dirty areas.
5. Wash off the soda with a damp sponge.
6. Wipe dry.

Baking soda has a bleaching effect, so it is not recommended to clean painted parts.

Aerosol for car showroom

Suitable for plastic. Contains gentle ingredients that dissolve dirt and nicotine stains. For example, matte polish ATAS STIL is suitable for cleaning and polishing plastic, leather, and wood. The composition includes an antistatic agent, which prevents dust from settling, and a fragrance. The liquid does not leave streaks and refreshes the color.

Easy to use: spray on the dirty area and rub with a dry cloth. There is no need to wash off the aerosol. For convenience, remove the blinds and place them on a flat, hard surface.

Before use, test the aerosol on an inconspicuous area to ensure the strength of the material.

Brush

Brush your blinds with a soft bristle brush to remove dust and hair. Carry out this cleaning at least once a week. Then the slats will remain clean. How to clean:

1. Remove the slats and move them to the bathroom.

1. Hold the strip over the bathtub.
2. Brush lengthwise, turn over and repeat.
3. Hang it on the window. Clean fresh stains immediately with an old toothbrush and soap. Also use wet wipes. After treatment, rinse with a wet sponge and then wipe dry.

Instead of a brush, clean with a portable vacuum cleaner on low power.

White

This is a strong product that contains chlorine. “Whiteness” can be applied to plastic and cotton slats in a diluted form. The liquid will whiten the blinds, but may leave streaks, so test on an inconspicuous area first.

How to clean blinds:

1. Pour water into a liter spray bottle.
2. Add a tablespoon of “White” and shake.
3. Remove dirty vertical slats and spray the surface.
4. Wipe with a damp cloth.
5. Wipe dry.
6. Turn the strip over and repeat the procedure.

Try not to drip only in one place, distribute the liquid evenly over the surface. This will protect you from whitish marks.

Soapy water

Use this method to clean plastic slats. Clean with any cleaning liquid that will not scratch or corrode the surface of the blinds. Hair shampoo or dish gel will do. These products dissolve grease well and remove food stains.

Features of washing blinds made of different fabrics

It is better to clean them with a vacuum cleaner, approximately once every seven days. This will help maintain their original appearance for a long time. If severe dirt or stains form, they can be washed no more than once a year and only by hand.

As mentioned above, any type of fabric blinds are treated with protective impregnations during production. To ensure that jacquard lamellas do not lose their original appearance and retain their impregnation, they should not be rubbed, twisted or squeezed. The water temperature for hand washing should be warm, no more than 40 degrees, and it is better to choose a mild detergent that does not contain chlorine.

After thirty minutes, the jacquard slats are removed, rinsed in clean water and left to drain. When the slats stop dripping, they can be hung on the cornice.

When purchasing blinds made from cotton fabric, you need to remember that they may shrink a little after washing. Therefore, it is recommended to take a little longer than the required length.

You can wash them by hand or in the washing machine on the delicate cycle. The lamellas are washed in the machine by first placing them in a washing bag. For brightly colored fabrics, it is better to use chlorine-free washing powder. And for light ones it is universal. The water temperature should be set to 30-40 degrees, and the automatic drying and spinning mode in the machine should be turned off.

This type of blinds cannot be washed, as there is a high risk of damaging them. The only cleaning options are simple vacuuming, or you can wipe them with a damp cloth.

Wash both by hand and automatically. The washing machine is set to gentle wash mode and a temperature of 40 degrees. It is better to dry them spread out.

No matter how carefully you care for your fabric blinds, the special impregnation will still be washed off sooner or later, which means they will become dirty more often. Therefore, if there are severe stains, it is best to take them to dry cleaning. And do not forget to carefully read the cleaning and operating recommendations from the manufacturer when purchasing. And if the blinds are very dirty, maybe it’s worth replacing them with new ones? At the same time, the interior will freshen up a little.

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Household chemicals for washing vertical fabric blinds

As already mentioned, vertical fabric blinds cannot be washed with regular powder. Small granules may remain in the material and cause streaking or discolouration of the material. You also need to forget about aggressive bleaches. It is not recommended to use various sprays that contain wax. Such substances give a temporary effect, but after a few days dust settles on the wax.

Preference is given to liquid detergents for washing clothes or detergent gels for washing dishes - they are quickly washed out with water and do not leave streaks. You can use the substances to clean carpets or upholstered furniture. Experienced housewives sometimes choose ordinary powder, but first dissolve it in warm water and wash strips of fabric with the resulting solution.

Every housewife should know how to clean fabric blinds from stains. Contamination can be removed with alcohol-based wet wipes. However, you don’t need to rub the stain too hard - you need to move from the center to the edges of the stain, pressing lightly.

Blinds are a good alternative to conventional curtains, but they cannot be quickly machine washed. The products require careful care; it is recommended to wash them no more than several times a year. The rest of the time, the slats are cleaned with a damp cloth.

Features of caring for fabric blinds

The specifics of caring for vertical fabric blinds are largely determined by the type of fabric used. It can be natural or synthetic. Often the slats are impregnated with additional compounds that prevent contamination, remove static charge and simplify cleaning of products. Therefore, before choosing the means and method of caring for the product, pay attention to the manufacturer’s recommendations.

There are two main cleaning methods: DIY and professional.

Self-cleaning of blinds from gnawing

The first stage of self-care for the product is cleaning the slats and components from dust. At the same time, you should not use wax-based products - it collects dirt really well, but at the same time partially remains on the canvas and worsens its appearance. There is also no need to remove dust with brushes: it will quickly settle back.

Lay oilcloth on the floor to protect the flooring or carpet from dirt. Use a vacuum cleaner to remove accumulated dust from the blinds.

Take a sponge or rag soaked in water or a special cleaner suitable for fabric blinds. Wipe the slats from top to bottom, first on one side, then on the other. Rinse the rag (sponge) as needed. If dirty liquid drips from it, don’t worry, it will end up on the pre-spread oilcloth.

If there is relatively little dirt on the blinds, this light cleaning will be sufficient. It is recommended to carry it out 1-2 times a month.

Removing stains

Sometimes blinds lose their appearance due to stains appearing on them. If the dirt is strong and persistent, regular wiping will not be enough to remove it. In this case, we suggest using the following scheme:

Apply a soap solution or a special cleaning agent to the stain using a spray bottle or a rag soaked in liquid. Do not use bleaches or stain removers: they can dissolve not only dirt, but also the protective layer and lead to discoloration of the lamella. Leave the product on for 5-10 minutes. Rinse off the solution with water.

Also, in some cases, using fabric softener is a good way to clean. Apply it with a paint brush: it will remove stains and will not harm the canvas. To keep your blinds clean longer, you need to periodically treat them against static charge. It is this that is the main reason for the “attraction” of dust. You can remove static tension by wiping them with fabric softener or using special antistatic aerosols.

Washing fabric blinds

To preserve the brightness of the color, it is recommended to wash fabric blinds periodically. Washing is carried out if you notice that regular cleaning no longer gives the expected effect. In this case you will need:

Remove the blinds: Pull out the bottom chain, this will allow you to carefully remove the slats without damaging the plastic parts. Soak the slats in a warm soapy solution (or in water with added powder). Some manufacturers first recommend rolling the fabric strips into rolls - this makes it easier to place them in a basin. Once the fabric has soaked, go over the slats with a stiff brush, paying particular attention to any stains. Rinse the slats in plenty of clean water.

If you don't want to wash your blinds by hand, you can use a washing machine. But this method has some disadvantages. Firstly, the canvas may shrink and the product will lose its original appearance. Secondly, there is a risk of completely washing off the protective impregnation. The structure of the fabric may also suffer: the lamellas will lose their rigidity and density. Therefore, many manufacturers recommend avoiding machine stripping.

But if you realize that there is no other way to clean the blinds, follow these rules:

Use delicate mode. Turn off the spin function. The water temperature should not exceed +35?. Before washing, roll the slats into rolls and place them in a special bag (for washing delicate items) so that they are not damaged by the drum.

To dry the slats, hang them flat. Since the products cannot be ironed, it is very important that they dry without creases or twists - otherwise visible marks will remain on the strips.

Dry cleaning of fabric blinds

If the dirt is persistent, then cleaning fabric blinds yourself is impossible. In this case, it is better to turn to professionals and use dry cleaning. Many modern salons accept lamellas from both natural and synthetic fabrics and select cleaning compositions that are as gentle as possible on the structure of the fabrics. The advantages of such cleaning are obvious:

Removes even stubborn stains. Color protection. There is no risk of twisting the fabric or allowing creases to form on them.

However, not all materials can be chemically cleaned. In addition, frequent processing damages the fibers, making them brittle and thin. Therefore, it is better to take a number of measures in advance that will help preserve the product in its original form.

How to maintain fabric blinds?

To ensure that fabric blinds serve you as long as possible, experts recommend:

Immediately after installation, clean them from construction dust and treat the canvas with antistatic spray. It can be used regularly: due to its special formula, it prevents static charge from accumulating, therefore, less dust accumulates on the product. The use of a spray is especially important during the heating season, when the indoor air is dry. Remove dust regularly using a vacuum cleaner or a fluffy cloth (dry). This will significantly reduce the likelihood of color fading and protect the item from developing permanent gray stains. Periodically wipe the slats with a cloth soaked in soapy water or wash them. But you shouldn’t do this too often, otherwise they will lose their rigidity and won’t look so impressive.

First method: blind brush

In fact, this method is not “washing” - it does not involve the use of water and, unfortunately, is not suitable for blinds placed in the kitchen (especially near the work area). In any other room, you can safely use this method - the brush will cope with most household stains perfectly.

This simple device is very easy to use:

• pull the bottom bar of the horizontal blinds and place the cleaning surfaces of the brush between the slats (there is no need to “pull” the vertical ones);
• Move the brush left and right (up and down) several times.

Carefully monitor the cleanliness of the fleecy part of the brush - if it gets dirty, wash it with soap and warm water. If there are “non-washable” stains on the slats, add a little cleaning agent (choose it based on the material of the blinds).

Features of caring for fabric blinds

Features of caring for fabric products depend on the fabric that was used to create them. The canvas can be made of synthetic or natural material. The surface is impregnated with special compounds that prevent the formation of dust and dirt, which greatly facilitates the care of products. Before cleaning the slats, be sure to read the manufacturer's recommendations. You can remove dirt and refresh the appearance of fabric blinds yourself or with the help of professionals.

Cleaning blinds yourself

First you need to clean the slats from any dust that has formed. A regular vacuum cleaner is suitable for this. You must first lay an oilcloth on the floor to protect the surface from dust. After this, you need to treat the slats with a vacuum cleaner. Do not use wax-based products or brushes, which can damage the fabric.

To remove dirt, take a soft rag or sponge, which is soaked in water and a cleaning solution. Before using the product, you need to check its safety on an inconspicuous part of the lamella. The cloth should be wiped from top to bottom; each panel should be cleaned on both sides. To achieve real cleanliness, periodically rinse the rag or sponge in water. To avoid the appearance of stubborn stains that are difficult to clean, it is recommended to carry out this procedure monthly.

Removing old stains

If you need to wash away old stains, ordinary wet cleaning is not enough. To remove stains, we recommend using the following method:

You can also remove stains using fabric softener, which is applied to the dirty areas using a paint brush. The product will not only remove dirt, but will not have a negative effect on the material. After washing, the slats can be treated with special antistatic agents. This will avoid the accumulation of dust and dirt on the canvas. To treat fabric blinds, you can use an antistatic aerosol or fabric softener.

Wash

To return fabric products to their original color, you need to wash them. The procedure is also indicated if it is not possible to wash the slats using the methods indicated above. Washing is carried out in several stages:

You can remove dirt and dust using a washing machine, but this method has its drawbacks. You will remove the stains, but the fabric blinds will lose their color. As a result of machine washing, the protective impregnation will be washed off, and the structure of the material will also be damaged. As a result, the lamellas may become less dense and rigid, and lose their antistatic, dust-repellent, and fire-resistant properties. Therefore, manufacturers do not recommend washing fabric blinds in a machine. However, in some cases this method may be the only possible one. If you still need to wash the slats, follow these simple recommendations:

Following these recommendations will preserve the color and wash the fabric. The blinds must be dried before installation. This should be done in a straightened form, otherwise the slats will take on a sloppy appearance. Let us remind you that ironing fabric slats is not recommended.

Professional cleaning of fabric blinds

If you cannot remove stubborn stains yourself, you must contact a dry cleaner. Professionals have special products that will gently and effectively remove any stains. The dry cleaner accepts fabric blinds made from synthetic and natural materials; they know exactly how to work with them correctly. The benefits of professional cleaning include:

However, even professional cleaning can damage the fibers and make them more fragile. In addition, not all fabrics can be chemically cleaned. If you want to maintain the original appearance and characteristics of fabric blinds for a long time, we recommend that you regularly care for the product.

Regular care of fabric blinds

To avoid the need to go to the dry cleaner or machine wash your blinds yourself, you should properly care for the product. Experts recommend adhering to the following rules:

Following simple recommendations will preserve the spectacular appearance of fabric blinds and extend their service life. You just need to regularly vacuum the canvas, and sometimes wipe it with a damp cloth. If you don’t want to bother yourself with regular maintenance of structures, we recommend paying attention to metal and plastic products that do not require washing. Any types of blinds can be purchased from our company at the best prices. Consultants will help you choose the right product, tell you about the features of the product and the nuances of caring for it.

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Features of care

There are many ways to wash aluminum and wooden blinds and fabric roller blinds. In most cases, regular wiping is sufficient. But periodically you need to wash the products or rinse them in a bowl of water to remove all types of dirt and restore their beautiful appearance.

To ensure that your curtains and blinds are always clean, you need to remember the following rules:

You can wash blinds made of fabric, metal, or plastic using special cleaning agents. But no aggressive chemicals are used. At home, a soap solution is often used.

Second method: sponge or napkin

Vertical and horizontal blinds can be washed with an ordinary napkin or sponge soaked in warm water with powder or dishwashing detergent diluted in it.

A simple and affordable method will help you deal with almost any kind of dirt (soot and grease are no exception), however, foam (white traces) from household chemicals will have to be washed several times with a soft, lint-free material.

If you wash metal blinds, be sure to dry them!

How often should I clean?

If you have blinds or roller blinds in your home, you need to know not only how best to wash them, but also how often to do it. The slats need to be wiped clean of dust weekly, and vacuumed once every 2 weeks.

Metal and plastic blinds can be rinsed in water when they become dirty. Fabric products should be washed as rarely as possible, wooden products should not be immersed in water at all.

Washing is a global procedure that can be carried out 2 times a year or even less often. As a cleanser, you can use mild soap dissolved in water.

It is enough to use dry cleaning services once a year. Protective coatings on products, as a rule, are good at preventing the appearance of stains and various contaminants, so there is no need to clean the blinds often.

Do not hang fabric curtains or plastic slats close to heaters or air curtains. High temperatures can damage the impregnation and deform the plastic.

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Cleaning horizontal blinds – plastic and aluminum

Most often, dry and wet methods are used to clean metal and plastic horizontal models, which can be accomplished with a brush specially designed for this purpose. This is a worthy alternative to fiber cloths, wet wipes or soft cloths. It has a special shape. The design includes a convenient hand holder and teeth (from 2 to 7), on which fabric or fur is wound. A big plus is that cleaning is carried out directly on the window opening.

How to quickly wash horizontal metal and plastic blinds without removing them from the window, using this special device:

1. Brush teeth with dry or moistened cloth are placed between the slats. The fabric should not be wetted too much as it will leave streaks on the surface.
2. The brush is carefully guided along the lamella. By slightly turning the teeth, the pressure on the strips can be slightly increased.
3. To clean kitchen models, dissolve liquid soap and a grease remover in warm water.

Contaminated tooth covers can be washed well from dirt in soapy water. If necessary, they can be easily removed and replaced with new ones.

Dry cleaning can be done using a vacuum cleaner in low suction mode, which prevents damage to the slats. Nozzle – for upholstered furniture. To clean the product, close it and vacuum it from the outside. Then the structure is turned over to the other side and the cleaning is repeated.

If the slats are too dirty, they will have to be dismantled. How to remove horizontal blinds from a window to wash them:

1. Place the slats in the “closed” position.
2. Remove the decorative element.
3. Open the clips that secure the lamella structure and remove it from the plank.

In order to wash horizontal blinds made of plastic and metal materials at home, you need a soft cloth and warm water in which liquid soap is dissolved. It is best to dry them by laying them on several towels.

How to remove vertical blinds?

Design of vertical blinds

Before washing vertical blinds, they must be removed. To do this correctly, follow the instructions below:

1. First, understand how the blinds of your model work. At first glance it may seem that everything is quite simple, but it is not so. In fact, vertical blinds consist of an impressive number of different parts: cornices, runners, chains, ropes, weights. You can read more about this in the article on our website “Vertical blinds: device and installation.”

Study the design carefully and find out how everything functions there.

Components of vertical blinds

Wooden vertical blinds

Remember that removing vertical blinds is quite easy, it is much more difficult to install them back. Therefore, read and remember all the assembly steps so that the installation is carried out efficiently and quickly, without unnecessary questions.

How to wash vertical blinds - detailed instructions

Caring for vertical fabric blinds

After removing the blinds, we begin cleaning:

There are three ways to clean them:

If you chose the latter method, then:

1) Carefully and evenly, so as not to form kinks, roll the slats into a roll and lower them into a basin with warm and soapy water for 1 hour to unlock.

2) Drain the dirty water and add new water to rinse the slats. But please note that it is strictly forbidden to wring them out and throw them over a rope, and it is also better not to iron them.

3) After you have washed your fabric vertical blinds, hang the slats on the curtain rod and leave them to dry.

4) Place the chain and bottom weights back on the blinds and leave to dry.

Also keep in mind that there are some types of fabric for which only dry cleaning is acceptable! If your fabric vertical blinds are very dirty, then it is better to use the services of ultrasonic cleaning or dry cleaning.

Caring for vertical plastic blinds

If you have vertical blinds made of plastic or aluminum, then questions about how to wash vertical blinds should not arise, because everything is quite simple here:

However, there are nuances here:

Firstly, you cannot wash the slats of plastic vertical blinds with hot water - no more than 40°C.

Secondly, it is strictly forbidden to wet the metal elements of the cornice.

And thirdly, wipe the slats of aluminum vertical blinds carefully and without pressing hard. Otherwise, there will be dents on the slats, which will ruin the appearance of the blinds.

If you have vertical wooden blinds, wipe them with a cloth or vacuum them from time to time.

If you regularly take care of your blinds, they will last you as long as possible and bring comfort to your room.

How to clean vertical blinds without removing them

Clean dusty slats without visible stains without removing them from the windows.

For convenience you will need:

• vacuum cleaner with a short nozzle;
• brush;
• special sponge for vertical blinds;
• a bowl of soapy water;
• sponge.

Start with dry cleaning. Clean dusty surfaces with a brush or vacuum cleaner. When you have swept away most of the dust, soak a sponge in soapy water and wipe each strip from top to bottom. Immediately wipe with a special sponge for blinds, which resembles a trident with soft pads. The device wipes two strips at once. Don't forget to clean the fasteners. A large amount of dust usually collects here.

Choose a cleaning method according to the material from which the blinds are made. To ensure a gentle effect, test the product on an inconspicuous area. Do not rub the slats too much, even with plain water. After wetting, wipe immediately with a dry cloth.