Life After Stitched: Caring for Your Blinds
You’ve finally made all the decisions on colour, styles, which rooms are being fitted with made to measure blinds and you’ve installed them. Fast forward a few years and you might start feeling like your blinds need to be replaced. But not in our world! Read on for our top tips on how to keep your blinds feeling fresh and like the day they were installed.
Keep on top of dust
Let’s be honest, dusting blinds is really not something that crosses our minds when we are cleaning. But to keep your blinds clean and free of dirt, a simple hoover will help to avoid a dust build-up and an insect graveyard. Simply run a vacuum with the upholstery brush attachment across the blinds every couple of weeks. Then, every month or so, take a damp cloth and run it across the top of the headrail, including the wall fixtures and gently wipe clean.
Keep your blinds dry
Condensation on windows can cause mould to grow, which can often spread onto your blinds, particularly in kitchens and bathrooms. The only way to prevent this is to regularly wipe your blinds dry. Most of us don’t have the time to do this though so at a minimum, try to wipe your blinds using a damp cloth every few weeks.
To remove mould build up on fabric blinds, first take down your blinds. Using two parts bicarbonate of soda, one part water and one part white vinegar, make a paste. Spread the paste along the affected area and leave to dry. Vacuum the residue and repeat if necessary. Wipe the entire blind with your damp cloth using warm water. Leave to dry and re-hang - - - good as new!
Combat grease
If you have blinds in your kitchen, over time, they can become greasy with cooking residue. White vinegar is fantastic for cutting through grease, either mixed with water or by itself. You can either spritz the mixture and leave to work for a couple of minutes, wiping after with a clean damp cloth, or just wipe directly with a cloth that has been soaked in the mixture. For extra stubborn grease on vinyl blinds, you can fill the bath with vinegar, warm water and washing up liquid. Immerse your blinds and leave to soak for a few minutes.
CAREFUL! Never immerse wooden blinds in water, and never get them soaking wet, as this can damage them.
Sun protection
Just like us, your blinds can also get damaged by the sun. Where possible, keep them out of direct sunlight, particularly if they’re strong or dark colours. Alternatively, you can line your fabric blinds to protect them from harsh rays. Choose blackout or bonded lining for added extra comfort in your home.
Follow all of these tips and your made to measure roman blinds and made to measure roller blinds should last you for years to come!