7 Window Coverings that Are the Easiest to Maintain
It’s lovely to window-watch on sunny days. The beautiful moment can be ruined though when the sunlight shines upon a fine layer of dust over your window coverings.
To preserve those moments, you’re faced with two choices: either step up your cleaning schedule or put up low-maintenance window coverings.
If you opt for the latter, here are seven choices that are the easiest to maintain:
Cellular Blinds
The one-piece construction of cellular blinds means you can do a onceover job without having to clean between any slats. Most of the material used to make these blinds are anti-static so they don’t attract a lot of dust in the first place. There’s also minimal horizontal spaces for dust to settle on.
That’s all great news because it means that you can afford to clean them just once in a while. When you do, just use a handheld vacuum cleaner on the lowest setting so as not to damage the material and cords. It’s even better if your vacuum comes with a brush attachment. That way, the brush can directly dislodge dust particles from the surface to be sucked right into the vacuum. You can also use a hairdryer to blow the dust off the blinds. Again, just keep it on the lowest and coolest setting. If there are any stains, gently dab at the spot using a damp cloth dipped in a warm, mild dish soap solution.
What you have to watch out for the most are the creases in the blinds. If there are any places where dust can build up on cellular blinds, that’s where they’re going to be. Take the time to run the vacuum or hairdryer along the creases.
Roller Shades, Roman Shades, and Solar Shades
These window coverings all have one thing in common: zero horizontal surfaces. They’re even easier to clean than cellular blinds because there aren’t any creases to worry about.
Use a similar method with the handheld vacuum cleaner or hairdryer to remove the dust. Remember to keep all the settings at the lowest. If you want shades to be extra clean, just wipe them down with a damp cloth and warm water.
Vertical Blinds
Vertical blinds also have no horizontal surfaces so dust is minimal. However, because each vane is on its own individual clip, it does mean you have to clean them one by one. You also have to clean the track that the vanes slide along on up top.
The easiest way is to use a handheld vacuum cleaner or hairdryer to dislodge the dust bunnies along the track. Then run a lint roller along both sides of each vane. You can use the vacuum or hairdryer on the vanes, too, but the narrow surface area of each vane doesn’t allow for a very efficient cleaning job.
Faux Wood Blinds and Vinyl Roller Blinds
Even though roller blinds and faux wood blinds have a slat construction, their sturdy material and lack of grooved patterns make maintenance a breeze.
All you need is a damp microfiber cloth to wipe them down while they’re closed. Then reverse the direction of the slats to wipe the other side. For a more thorough cleaning, use elastics to wrap damp microfiber cloths around both arms of a pair of tongs. Now you can cover the two sides of each slat at the same time. Keep a spray bottle of warm water around to re-dampen the rags every so often.
Cleaning blinds in the kitchen are a bit trickier because of the grease accumulation. You can still use the same microfiber-tongs trick but spray them with a warm vinegar solution instead.
Now enjoy the view without being distracted by dusty window coverings! Here’s one more pro-tip: install motorized blinds to help cut cleaning time for the cords as well.
