Forever Blinds Blog
Easy to Clean Window Blinds & Shutters 0
If there’s one chore that seems to be dreaded above all others, I’m pretty sure it would be cleaning the blinds. Whether wood, faux wood, fabric, vinyl or aluminium, most of us HATE cleaning the blinds! It’s a time-consuming task and no one seems to be sure that they’re even doing it right!So, we have simplified blinds cleaning for you by quick and cleaning method which can be added on your regular cleaning to-dos - there’s no need to clean every slat one at a time or take the entire shade off the window. All you need are some simple tools and a few minutes to improve your view.
Material & Tools Required
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Vacuum cleaner – soft brush/dust brush attachment
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Microfiber cloths
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Microfiber duster (optional)
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Dishwashing liquid / Vinegar
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Warm water
How to clean Vinyl and Aluminium Blinds
There are different ways to clean vinyl or aluminium mini blinds. You can start cleaning them by using a duster – or you can vacuum them.
Combine dish soap and warm water in a bowl. Wet a microfiber cloth with the solution and wring it out, leaving the cloth damp but not soaking. Dab the stain with the damp cloth. Do this multiple times depending on the stubbornness of the stain. Repeat with a clean cloth moistened with plain water and let the shade air dry.
How to Clean Wood Blinds
Vacuum blind gently with dust brush attachment or just use duster to start with cleaning process. Removing stubborn grime on wooden blinds can be tricky you may use a slightly damp (not wet) cloth, though. As wood is porous, be careful not to stain your blinds during the cleaning process.
- Add a couple of drops of Vinegar to a bowl of warm water.
- Gently wipe each slat, ensuring you don't apply too much pressure, as this could stain the wood.
- Once finished, keep your windows open so that any moisture quickly evaporates. When dry, your wooden blinds should be as good as new.
For best results, dust or vacuum weekly and your blinds will stay good as new all year long!
For cleaning fabric blinds we recommend them to vacuum regularly to avoid build-up and discolouration.
So, if you are dusting regularly, you will be OK. If you want to wash them and they are flat roller/roman blinds, completely unroll them, vacuum first, then use warm soapy water on a well-wrung out sponge and wash each side. Then, leave unrolled for a day or two and allow to dry. Remember to always test in an inconspicuous area first to avoid damage.
Tips & Tricks
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No microfiber cloths on hand? Use an old (but clean!) sock, preferably acrylic or polyester.
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If your vinyl or aluminium blinds are in the kitchen where they are exposed to grease, they may need a deep clean. Take the blinds off the window and place in a bathtub with warm water and dish soap. Let the blinds soak for about an hour. Rise with warm water and wipe away any excess dirt or dust. Let the blinds dry completely before reinstalling.
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If your fabric blinds need more than dusting or spot cleaning, you can take them to the dry cleaner for a thorough refresh.
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It's important to start at the top of the blinds when you clean, otherwise, dust will fall on areas you've already cleaned.
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Vertical blinds can be cleaned using the same method described above. Wipe vertical blinds in a downward motion or they could come unhooked.
- Forever Blinds
- Tags: Easy to Clean Blinds Forever Blinds Australia Plantation Shutters Roller Blinds Roman Blinds Zebra Blinds
DIY Plantation Shutters - What's involved? 0
If you like a modern clean home, then surely you’re in market for Plantation Shutters. These modern window coverings are so glamorous that you’ll be in love with your interiors.
It can be scary to think about installing Plantation Shutters yourself. However, a simple technique of measure twice and install once, helps when thinking to DIY Plantation Shutters. If the measurements are done properly, with a few easy DIY steps installation can be done with ease. All Plantation Shutters from Forever Blinds are made for easy DIY install and come with installation instructions.
Where do you start your DIY Plantation Shutters job?
It’s as simple as grabbing a quality tape measure with a pen and paper and with your DIY hat on, you are on your first step to DIY Plantation Shutters. Next job is to decide whether you want the Plantation Shutters installed inside or outside the window recess and make a note of it. If installing inside your window recess also check if your window has a protruding window sill (floor level windows are also considered same as a window with sill). It’s also a good time at this stage, to note down a reference for your window. It is also important to check the for required clearance or recess depth at this time. Different types of Plantation Shutters require different depth.
Recess Depth (clearance from obstructions) Required for Forever Blinds Shutter Type
Aluminium Plantation Shutters - 67 mm
Poly PVC Plantation Shutters - 52 mm
Timber Plantation Shutters - 52 mm
Express Plantation Shutters - 65 mm
Also, with Plantation Shutters depending on the drop your shutter panel may require a mid-rail. This is similar to having a fixed louvre in-between your panels. At Forever Blinds, when ordering online, a mid-rail option will automatically appear, should you need it depending on the drop of your plantation shutter. The default is set to half of the drop where required, but you get an option to enter the height (from bottom of drop) while customising your DIY Plantation Shutter. A handy tip is to utilise this mid-rail height option to align with any existing dividing bars, mullions, handles or other obstructions to maintain an uninterrupted view.
Mid-rail example (with height measurement)
Once you have the information, simply measure your windows for the desired installation type (inside or outside frame). Click here for measuring instructions.
Why should you DIY Plantation Shutters
With so many pop-up companies trying to compete with each other, there are many options available to have Plantation Shutters installed. These options usually come with a price tag and possibly a low-quality product with hefty margins. DIY options, although require you to do a bit of work yourself but will mostly save you money and possibly be a quality product. At Forever Blinds, the easy to DIY Plantation Shutters are available in high quality PVC, Timber and Aluminium options. With plenty of shades to select from, you have the option to order up to 6 free samples at a time. If DIY is not your option, Forever Blinds have the option for you to do a rough measure and select the check measure & install option to get the perfect measure & install service from the manufacturer.
Check out our range of DIY Plantation Shutters Online. Let us know your opinion. Leave a comment below!