Read on for our tried and tested professional advice, plus a few handy tricks of the trade for easy cleaning of blinds for all types, including vertical, aluminium, wooden & fabric blinds.

How do professionals clean blinds?

So just how do professionals clean blinds? How should look after your new blinds and what cleaning techniques can you use, since blinds in general aren’t the simplest of things to clean.

“The Good news is that with regular dusting and deep cleans as-and-when necessary, you can ensure your blinds stay looking good as new.”

How To Clean Aluminium and Faux Wood Blinds

These materials are quite hard wearing and so you need not feel timid when cleaning them. As these materials are often used in slatted Venetian blinds, the process is a bit different to cleaning your usual flat surfaces. There are three main methods you can use to clean such blinds:

1. You can use a regular feather duster to brush off the build-up of dust on your slats. Simply close the blinds and run the duster across the surface then orient the blinds so the slats are facing the other way and dust down the other side for an effective light clean.
2. For easy yet powerful dust busting, you can use your vacuum on aluminium and faux wood blinds. Use the brush attachment and a low suction setting to ensure you don’t scratch or disfigure the slats, and then just run the vacuum across your blinds to give them a good refresh.
3. To thoroughly lift away dust from your blinds without spreading it around your room, use a clean sock over your hand. This trick is very easy, yet effective; open your blinds and then, holding a slat between your fingers and thumb, run your hand across it to collect up all the dust and repeat for each slat. For a more in-depth clean, dampen the sock with a 50/50 mix of white vinegar and water and use the same method – this will clean away any accumulated grime.

How To Clean Wooden Blinds

Elegant real wood blinds have slightly different requirements to their faux wood counterparts. Often, they will have been pre-treated with a finish to repel dust and dirt but, over time, they will still require some cleaning attention. Wooden blinds should be dusted with a feather duster, microfibre cloth or using to clean sock method, as described above.

To give your blinds a spruce up and get them looking good as new, you can buff them using a high-quality furniture polish. Should you need to clean away grime,

it is best to wipe them with a damp microfibre cloth. However, it is important not to use too much water as the blinds shouldn’t be allowed to get wet – this can lead to the wood warping.

How To Clean Fabric Blinds

Fabric blinds – from Romans to rollers – can be easily dusted down using the brush attachment of your vacuum cleaner on a low suction setting. Alternatively, for a quick and easy refresh, you can use a lint roller to whisk away light dust.

 Should you encounter any stains during your dust, light spot cleaning can be carried out by dabbing at the mark with a cloth dampened with warm soapy water. Don’t be too heavy handed though as this may affect the colour of your fabric on the patch in question. Make sure the spot is left to dry before retracting the blind to prevent mould.

Free Measuring & Fitting – Only at Leamington Blinds

Leamington Blinds have a wide variety of beautiful blinds, ready to be tailored to your home. With a large selection of styles and fabrics on offer, we have blinds to suit any interior style and requirement. Our well-trained experts offer a high quality, made-to-measure free installation service, ensuring your new blinds operate seamlessly. For friendly advice or further information regarding our services, don’t hesitate to contact our helpful team today – we operate in and around Leamington Spa.

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How To Take Down Roller Blinds

Roller blinds are a staple in many homes, offering total privacy and light control with little to no maintenance throughout the years. They can be paired with a variety of styles, from minimalist living rooms to retro kitchens, roller blinds are always a great choice. Removing them from the window takes only three simple steps:

1. Put the roller blind into closed position, so the fabric no longer covers the window and remove any child safety locks from the blinds cord.

2. Depending on the bracket type, you’ll either have to turn the clamp anticlockwise and release the blind or swing open the clamp supporting the blind.

3. If you need to remove the brackets themselves, all you’ll need to do is unscrew the screws supporting the brackets. Make sure to do it gently  so you don’t cause any damage.

How To Take Down Venetian Blinds

Venetian blinds have existed since the 16th century and are still a popular choice for many homeowners today. Versatile and suitable for all window sizes, Venetian blinds are affordable and can last for decades with proper care. They can be styled to suit any room, so are suitable for those who like to redecorate frequently, therefore you may need to take them down a lot. Here are a few easy steps for you to follow when removing Venetian blinds:

1. Lift the blind slats all the way up using the cord.

2. Now lift the brackets clipping on both brackets to release the blind.

3. Then slide the blind out of the brackets. Be sure to place the Venetian blinds somewhere safe to avoid any damage to the slats.

4. If you have spring loaded Venetian blinds then follow the steps as normal except instead of releasing the clips, push the blind inwards and turn it down toward you to release it from the bracket.

How To Take Down Vertical Blinds

Vertical blinds are a timeless addition to any home, as they are incredibly easy to operate and clean. After removing the upper valance to reveal the top rail, follow these steps:

1. Rotate the blinds in a half-open position.

2. Next, open each clip at the top of each slat, then pull each blade upwards and twist it free.

3. If you need to remove the brackets as well, take a screwdriver and gently remove the screws from the wall until you can pull the whole panelling track away from the window.

How To Take Down Roman Blinds

Roman blinds are a classic blind style that never goes out of fashion. If you’re taking down roman blinds for decorating or cleaning, then here are the steps you need to follow:

1. Push the headrail back to release it from the brackets.

2. Next, tilt the headrail, moving it away from the brackets, and pull the blinds forward.

3. If you also need to remove the brackets themselves, just take a screwdriver and unscrew from the wall.

Here at Leamington Blinds, the team are always happy to answer any queries you may have about blinds and shutters, for your home or business. For more information on any of our products or services, please don’t hesitate to fill out the form below or get in touch with us today!

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How To Ensure Your Blinds Are Safe For Your Children

Choosing The Right Blinds

If you are renovating a child’s room or simply changing the blinds, when you order a blind with a child safety device, it is the law that it must be fitted. Furthermore, there are cordless and electric blinds available which are remotely controlled – however, cordless blinds still have cords, so it’s important to remember to tuck the cords away to ensure children cannot reach them or tug them down. Some blinds come with a chain break connector, so when they are placed under pressure, they break – but can easily be re-connected if the situation arises.

Safety Devices Available

If you have looped blind cords, it is important that you either cut them into two separate cords or attach a cleat or hook onto the wall. A cleat is a fixture in which you can wrap excess cords around it to keep the cord tightly out of reach. A hook is more suitable for continuously looped cords, where you fix a hook to the wall, you can ensure your cord is fixed to a certain spot, thereby stopping children from getting tangled in the string.’. By using these three simple techniques, you are able to safeguard your children from reaching the cords or pulling them down.

Extra Steps You Can Take

Children are notorious for being able to quickly climb onto furniture within seconds, so removing any furniture which may enable children to get close to the cords reduces the risk of injury massively.

Being wary about blind cords as parents will enable you to create the safest environment you can for your children – giving you the peace of mind within your own home.

The team at Leamington Blinds are always happy to help when it comes to finding the perfect blinds and shutters for your home or business. For more information or to book an appointment with one of our specialists, contact us today!

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