Once window treatments are installed, they’re meant to stay where they are for years and over the years, dust and grime can build up as it blows in through your windows. No matter the type of window treatment you have, you can’t simply toss them in the washing machine with the rest of your weekly washing. To clean your window treatments without damaging them, learn a few tips so you’ll have clean window treatments that will look like new for years.
If you have vertical or horizontal blinds on your windows that need a deep cleaning, give them a quick vacuum before starting. Use the brush attachment on your hose or put a pair of pantyhose over the hose. Once you’ve vacuumed the dust off your blinds, your next step depends on the type of blinds you have. Plastic blinds can be cleaned with a cloth dampened with an all-purpose cleaning solution. If your blinds have wooden slats, follow the same procedure, but use a cleaning solution made specifically for wood. Use water sparingly when cleaning wood blinds because water can damage the surface. If you have fabric vertical blinds or accordion blinds, the best way to clean off stains without damaging the material is to take them to a dry cleaner.
If you have heavy drapes or lined curtains, the best way to clean them safely is to take them to the dry cleaner. If the lining is gone because of rot or sun damage, replace the curtains entirely. If your curtains are not lined, remove all hardware and put them in the washing machine using a gentle cycle and a small amount of detergent. They then can be put in the dryer using a low heat or air dry setting. Hang them up again before they are completely dry to keep them from shrinking. This will also help prevent your curtains from wrinkling in the dryer.
If you have sheer drapes that are in need of a cleaning, fill your washing machine with warm water, and fill it about halfway with your sheer curtains. Allow them to soak for no more than 10 minutes before running the wash on a gentle cycle with a small amount of detergent. If your sheers are very old or appear very delicate, put them in a lingerie bag or a tightly tied pillow case before putting them in the washing machine. Another option is to simply wash them by hand. Sheers can be put in the dryer on a low heat or air dry setting. Some people like to put a couple of towels in the dryer with their sheers to keep them from wrinkling. Re-hang your sheers before they are completely dry to prevent shrinking.
Once you’ve given your window treatments a deep cleaning, keep them in good shape by periodically dusting them or vacuuming them with your vacuum’s brush attachment. This will allow you to stretch out your deep cleanings and make your next deep cleaning go more quickly and easily.
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