Clean Plastic Vertical Blinds: A Step-By-Step Guide

how to wash plastic vertical blinds

Keeping your plastic vertical blinds clean can be a challenge, especially in high-traffic areas or homes with children and pets. Dusting your blinds regularly will help prevent the buildup of dust and dirt, maintaining their appearance between deep cleanings. For a more thorough clean, use a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment to remove dust and debris from both sides of the slats. For stains or stubborn dirt, spot cleaning may be necessary. Mix a small amount of mild detergent with warm water and gently scrub the affected areas with a microfiber cloth or sponge. You can also remove your plastic vertical blinds and soak them in water to deep-clean them. Some blinds can even be washed in a washing machine, but always check the care instructions first.

Characteristics Values
Cleaning tools duster, vacuum cleaner, bleach, water, vinegar, detergent, bucket, sponge, cloth, washing machine
Cleaning methods dusting, deep cleaning, soaking, spot cleaning, hand washing, machine washing
Cleaning frequency weekly dusting, six-monthly deep cleaning

shunpoly

Machine washing plastic vertical blinds

Machine-washing plastic vertical blinds is a quick and hassle-free way to get them looking like new. However, before you start, it's important to check if your blinds are machine washable. Most fabric blinds will be, but you should always check the care instructions or the manufacturer's website to be sure. If you wash non-machine washable blinds, they may shrink, discolour, fray, or warp.

Once you've confirmed that your blinds are machine washable, carefully remove them from the window. Then, lay them flat on a table or another surface and use a damp cloth and a gentle laundry detergent to remove any stubborn stains. For a deeper clean, you can use a brush attachment on your vacuum cleaner to remove dust and dirt from the fabric slats.

Next, remove the chains and weights from the bottom of the blinds. Unhook the blinds from the headrail and remove the hangers from the tops of each blind. Then, roll the blinds up into a neat cylinder and place them inside a "delicates" bag or a pillowcase to protect them during the wash.

When you're ready to wash the blinds, add a gentle, non-biological detergent to your washing machine. Set the machine to a delicate cycle with warm water—no warmer than 30 degrees Celsius. Avoid using the hottest cycle, as this could damage your blinds.

After the wash cycle is complete, remove the blinds from the bag or pillowcase and lay them flat on towels to air dry. Blot the blinds with a towel if they're very wet and avoid hanging them until they're completely dry, as they may stretch. To remove any odours, you can add a few drops of lemon juice or clothes freshener to the wash.

shunpoly

Hand washing plastic vertical blinds

Hand-washing plastic vertical blinds is a straightforward process. Firstly, close the blinds completely to expose both sides of the slats for cleaning. Regular dusting can help prevent the buildup of dust and dirt, so use a soft brush or duster to gently remove dust from the slats, starting at the top and working your way down. For a more thorough clean, use a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment to remove dust and debris from both sides of the slats.

For stains or stubborn dirt, spot cleaning may be necessary. Mix a small amount of mild detergent with warm water and gently scrub the affected areas with a microfiber cloth or sponge. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners, as they can damage the blinds. Bleach should also be avoided, as it can damage the plastic material.

If your blinds are too dirty for spot cleaning, you will need to deep clean them. Fill a bucket or your bathtub with warm water and add a few tablespoons of white vinegar for extra cleaning power. You can also add a squirt of mild dishwashing liquid. Remove the blinds from the window and fully immerse them in the solution, allowing them to soak for several hours. Then, gently scrub each slat with a soft brush or sponge before rinsing thoroughly and allowing them to air dry completely before rehanging.

shunpoly

Deep cleaning plastic vertical blinds

Deep cleaning your plastic vertical blinds is a simple task that will keep them looking fresh and new. It is recommended that you deep clean your blinds every six months to maintain their appearance and functionality. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you get started:

Prepare the Cleaning Solution:

Fill a bucket or your bathtub with warm water. Add a few tablespoons of white vinegar to the water for extra cleaning power. You can also add a mild detergent or a small amount of dish soap. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners, as they can damage the plastic.

Remove the Blinds:

Take down your plastic vertical blinds by unhooking them from the headrail. Be careful not to damage the individual slats during this process. It is recommended to lay down a soft cloth or towel on the floor to avoid scratching the blinds.

Soak and Scrub:

Fully submerge the blinds in the cleaning solution. Let them soak for several hours to loosen any embedded dirt and grime. After soaking, gently scrub each slat with a soft brush or sponge. Pay extra attention to any stained or stubborn dirty areas. Then, rinse each slat thoroughly with clean water to remove any soap residue.

Drying:

Before rehanging your blinds, ensure they are completely dry. You can air-dry them by hanging them up or laying them flat on a towel. Alternatively, you can gently wipe them down with a soft cloth. Make sure they are entirely dry before rehanging to avoid any stretching or warping.

Maintenance:

To maintain the cleanliness of your plastic vertical blinds, regular dusting is key. Use a soft brush, duster, or vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment to gently remove dust from the slats at least once a week. This will help prevent the buildup of dust and dirt, reducing the need for frequent deep cleanings.

shunpoly

Spot cleaning plastic vertical blinds

To spot clean plastic vertical blinds, you can use a soft brush or duster to gently remove dust from the slats, starting at the top and working your way down. For a more thorough clean, use a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment to remove dust and debris from both sides of the slats. Be sure to use a low suction setting to avoid damaging the blinds.

For stains or stubborn dirt, you can spot clean with a mild detergent or a mixture of warm water and vinegar. Mix a small amount of mild detergent with warm water and gently scrub the affected areas with a microfiber cloth or sponge. Alternatively, you can use a 50/50 solution of warm water and white vinegar, dipping a sponge in the solution and wiping down each slat. Finish by wiping each slat again with a sponge dampened in fresh, clean water.

Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners, as they can damage the blinds. Bleach should also be avoided, as it can damage the plastic material.

Regular dusting and maintenance will help to preserve your blinds and maintain their appearance between deep cleanings.

shunpoly

Air-drying plastic vertical blinds

Air-drying your plastic vertical blinds is an essential step in the cleaning process. After you have washed your blinds, either by hand or in the washing machine, you will need to dry them thoroughly before rehanging them. This is to ensure they are completely dry and do not stretch.

Firstly, lay out a layer of towels on the floor or a table. Take the blinds out of the pillowcase or washing machine and lay them flat on the towels. Leave them to air-dry for a few hours until they are dry to the touch. Alternatively, you can hang the blinds back on their hooks to dry.

If you have cleaned your blinds with a bleach solution, you should rinse them on both sides with a garden hose or pressure washer before hanging them up to air-dry.

If you are not hand-washing your blinds, you may want to consider using a laundry bag with a zipper or a pillowcase to protect your blinds from any damage during the washing machine cycle.

Finally, it is important to note that some manufacturers recommend against submerging plastic blinds in water, as it may void your warranty. Always check the manufacturer's care instructions before cleaning your blinds.

Attaching Screens: Plastic Lattice Guide

You may want to see also

Frequently asked questions

Mix a 50/50 solution of warm water and white vinegar in a bowl or bucket. Add a little mild dishwashing soap. Dip a sponge in the solution and wipe down each slat. Finish by wiping each slat with a sponge dampened in fresh, clean water.

Bleach can be used, but it is not recommended as it can damage the plastic material. Instead, use mild detergents or specialised blind cleaners.

It is recommended to dust your blinds weekly and deep clean them every six months to maintain their appearance and functionality.

No, plastic vertical blinds should be hand-washed.

Fill a bucket or bathtub with warm water and add a few tablespoons of white vinegar. Remove the blinds from the window and immerse them in the solution, allowing them to soak for several hours. Then, gently scrub each slat with a soft brush or sponge before rinsing thoroughly and allowing them to air-dry completely before rehanging.

Written by
Reviewed by

Explore related products

Share this post
Print
Did this article help you?

Leave a comment