Cleaning Tips for Wood Blinds

Wood blinds add a stylish yet traditional look to your windows that works well with almost any design scheme. Whether you have a wide slat wooden blind in its natural wood tone, or plantation shutter style blinds paint pure white, proper care and maintenance is the key to making sure they last while also looking good.

Weekly Dusting

Although the blinds may not look like they need it, taking the time to dust them every week prevents dirt from building up an becoming an unsightly issue. Dust can also scratch the wood finish on your blinds, which is even more reason to keep them clean. There are several methods you can use to dust:

• Close the blinds and wipe them with a microfiber cloth. Pull the string to flip the slats closed in the opposite direction, and then repeat the process.

• Insert a blind cleaning tool between the open slats and wipe down the length of the blinds. These tools have several "fingers" covered in soft dusting cloths.

• Vacuum the blinds with a soft upholstery or blind attachment.

• Wrap each arm of a pair of tongs with a microfiber cloth. Pinch a slat between the tongs, and then draw the tongs down the length of the slat so top and bottom is dusted. Repeat for each slat.

After dusting the blinds, wipe them down with a dryer sheet. Much as it does with your clothing, the sheet will stop static which means your blinds will attract less dust. The oils in the dryer sheet also help condition the wood.

Heavy Dirt

If heavy dirt is an issue, clean the blind slats individually with a soft cloth and soapy water. Dry the blinds quickly, so the water doesn't damage the finish or cause the paint to blister. Wood cleaners are another option, especially in kitchens where grease buildup is common. You will need to wash each slat individually and then dry it promptly.

Polish

Natural wood blinds are really perked up with a nice coat of your preferred wood polish. The quickest way to apply the polish is to close the blinds, rub the polish in with a soft cloth, and then close the blinds the opposite way and repeat the process on the other side. This method may not give complete coverage though.

If you want to ensure complete coverage, then individually polish each slat. Depending on the style of the blinds, you may be able to remove the slats completely to polish them. Try not to get polish on the blind cords, though, because it can cause staining. For assistance, talk to a window blind professional like Sylvans & Phillips Drapes and Blinds.