Blinds are one of the most effective and stylish ways to control light, privacy, and energy efficiency in your home or business. There are many types of blinds available. They can be made from vinyl, wood, aluminum, faux wood, or fabric, and come in a wide variety of colors, finishes, features, and prices. Although you can purchase ready-made, inexpensive blinds at some home stores, to look their best, they should be custom-sized and installed to make sure there are no gaps or problems with operation.
At Best Blinds & Awnings, with locations in Coeur d’Alene and Lewiston, Idaho, and Spokane, Washington, we offer a variety of blinds from several top manufacturers. Unlike online retailers, we provide professional installation services. We take pride in giving our clients beautiful and functional custom-measured blinds from top-rated companies. However, to keep them looking good and functioning well over the long term, cleaning and maintenance are key.
Here’s a quick guide to cleaning and maintaining the most common types of blinds.
1. Wood Blinds
Genuine wood brings warmth and elegance to any room but requires special care to preserve its finish. To clean wood blinds:
- Dust regularly with a soft microfiber cloth or vacuum with a soft brush attachment.
- Avoid water or liquid cleaners; moisture can warp wood.
- Use a wood-safe polish or conditioner a few times a year to maintain the sheen.
Pro Tip for the Inland Northwest: Dry, heated indoor air during winter and heat from the sun coming through the windows in summer can dry out wood. Consider using a humidifier to prevent cracking or warping.
2. Faux Wood Blinds
If you like the look of wood but shy away from the cost or maintenance burden, faux wood blinds are a great alternative. Many of them are hard to distinguish from the real things. Furthermore, faux wood may be a better choice than real wood in rooms like kitchens and bathrooms where high moisture levels are common. To clean faux wood blinds (which can be made of vinyl, PVC, or composite material):
- Dust weekly with a duster or vacuum attachment.
- Wipe the slats with a damp cloth and mild soap for occasional deep cleaning. Rinse and dry immediately.
Durability Bonus: Faux wood handles seasonal changes in humidity much better than real wood, making it an ideal material for busy homes and high-moisture areas.
3. Aluminum or Vinyl Mini Blinds
These blinds are called “mini blinds” because the slats are usually narrow, only ½ to 1 inch, although some blinds may have slats as wide as 2 inches. These blinds are lightweight, affordable, and come in various colors. Mini blinds are often used in rental properties, offices, or garages; their low cost, durability, and uniformity make them a quick, easy choice for providing privacy and shade. To clean vinyl or aluminum mini-blinds:
- Dust regularly.
- For a complete clean, take them down, soak in warm soapy water (in a bathtub works great), rinse, and air dry.
Take Care: Aluminum slats can bend easily. Don’t be too rough when cleaning; you can introduce permanent bends and dents. Vinyl blinds, on the other hand, hold up well to scrubbing.
4. Vertical Blinds
Vertical blinds are most common in sliding glass doors and large windows because they are great for controlling light in wide openings where horizontal blinds would be heavy. To clean vertical blinds:
- Dust fabric vanes with a vacuum brush.
- Vinyl or PVC vanes can be wiped with a damp cloth and mild cleaner.
- If vanes are removable, you can detach and soak them in warm water for a deeper clean.
Maintenance Tip: Check the track occasionally and remove any debris to keep blinds sliding smoothly.
5. Fabric Roman or Cellular Shades
These soft shades add texture and insulation, and they are ideal for bedrooms and living rooms where a more upscale look and feel are desired. Roman shades and cellular shades need a more gentle touch when cleaning:
- Use a handheld vacuum on a low setting or a lint roller to remove dust.
- Spot clean with mild soap and water—avoid oversaturating.
- For serious stains or overall refresh, professional cleaning may be necessary.
Energy Tip: Cellular shades provide great insulation during cold weather; just make sure they’re dust-free to maintain their thermal efficiency.
Keep Your Blinds Looking Their Best
A little maintenance goes a long way. Here are a few final cleaning tips for homes and businesses:
- Schedule a seasonal cleaning. Right before summer or winter is ideal.
- Check cords and mechanisms regularly to ensure safe, smooth operation.
- Consider motorized blinds if you want low maintenance and modern functionality with fewer moving parts to clean.
If your blinds have seen better days or you’re unsure how to clean them safely, Best Blinds & Awnings in North Idaho and Eastern Washington can help. We offer expert advice, professional installation, and a wide range of stylish, durable, low-maintenance blinds to fit your home and lifestyle. Contact Best Blinds & Awnings near you today to schedule a cost-free consultation to measure your windows, make expert recommendations, and provide a quote.