Want to learn how to clean faux wood blinds in a few quick, easy steps? Whether your blinds are dirty or they have simply built up grime over the years, they are a snap to clean! Here are easy tips for routine maintenance, which will guarantee the most out of your faux wood blinds.
- First, remove any loose dirt on the slats using a vacuum cleaning with a soft brush attachment.
- Next, wipe down each slat with a slightly damp cloth, making sure not to overcrowd the cloth and create streaks.
- Finally, buff the slats using a dry cloth until they shine.
To remove tough stains, scrub the slats with a microfiber cloth dipped in warm soapy water. You can also dampen a clean cloth with soapy water and gently scrub the affected area.
If you faux wood blinds are heavily soiled, use a few drops of dish soap in water. Mild detergent will help break down the grease, leaving your blinds looking clean and refreshed in no time!
Want to save time when cleaning faux wood blinds? The best option time wise is the use of a natural cleaner, such as Murphy’s Oil Soap. However, do not use harsh chemicals or abrasive materials, as they may damage the finish or paint.
Cleaning and maintaining faux wood blinds could keep your window treatments looking fresh and working at their best. Also, regularly cleaned and maintained window treatments have a longer lifespan. Maintaining their hygiene and keeping them in shape may seem to be a challenging task, but that isn’t the case.
Scroll on some easy tips and tricks about how to clean faux wood blinds, making things easier and quicker for you.
What are Faux Wood Blinds?
Made from synthetic or artificial wood, faux wood blinds are easier to clean and less expensive than real wood blinds. Their curb appeal and functionality are almost similar to the natural wood window treatments. Faux wood blinds for windows are made from a combination of wood particles and synthetic materials. So, they effectively resist warping caused by direct contact with water.
These easy to clean and maintain window coverings are available in a variety of colors, sizes, styles, designs, textures, and lift options.
Faux wood blinds are also durable and moisture-resistant, so they are a great choice for high-humidity environments like bathrooms and kitchens.
Cleaning Tools and Materials You’ll Need
Gather the following cleaning tools and materials to get started:
- Soft cloth or microfiber cloth
- Vacuum cleaner with brush attachment
- Mild detergent (to prepare cleaning solution)
- Murphy Oil Soap
- Small sponge or toothbrush (to clean hard-to-reach areas and corners of the blinds)
- Bath tub (for deep cleaning)
How to Clean Faux Wood Blinds: Tips and Tricks
Cleaning your faux wood blinds is as easy as a cup of tea! You only need to follow an easy DIY procedure. Here are some tips and tricks that will make cleaning the horizontal slats and other components of your blinds a breeze.
Remove Loose Dust, Dirt, and Debris Using a Soft Cloth
Use a soft cloth or a feather duster to remove any loose dirt, dust, or debris from the slats, headrail, and other parts of your faux wood blinds.
Vacuum the Blinds to Quickly Clean Each Slat
You can use a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment to clean your faux wood blinds thoroughly. However, you should make sure that you have removed any stubborn dust, dirt or grime from both sides of the blinds.
Spot Clean to Remove Stubborn Stains
If you notice any stubborn spots or stains on your faux wood window treatments, use a damp cloth to gently rub the affected area. However, be careful not to use too much water as it can damage the synthetic material of your window coverings.
Apply Cleaning Solution
To prepare a cleaning solution, mix a small amount of detergent with warm water. Then use a soft cloth to clean the blinds with this solution. Be sure to rinse your blinds with clean water and dry them thoroughly to prevent any water damage to the material.
You can also consider applying vinegar solution to remove stubborn stains.
Mix equal parts of vinegar and water to prepare a cleaning solution for your window blinds or shades. Dip a soft cloth into the solution and wipe down your window treatments. This solution is excellent for removing any stubborn dirt, dust, or grime.
Wipe Down the Blinds with Dryer Sheets
Wipe your faux wood blinds down with a dryer sheet to help repel dust, dirt, and static electricity.
Apply a Protective Coating to Help Prevent Dust Buildup
After cleaning your window treatments, apply a protective coating to them to help prevent dust and dirt buildup in the future.
With these easy DIY cleaning tips and tricks, you can easily clean your faux wood blinds and keep them looking fresh and working at their best for years to come.
Benefits of Cleaning Faux Wood Blinds
Cleaning faux wood blinds has several advantages. Here are some of the benefits of cleaning your faux wood window treatments.
Restoring Freshness of Blinds
Faux wood blinds for windows can accumulate dust, dirt, and grime over time, which will make them look dull and dirty. Cleaning them regularly can help restore their freshness and make them look like new again.
Better Air Quality in the Room
Dirty faux wood window blinds can contribute to poor indoor air quality by trapping dust and allergens. And if you clean them regularly, it will improve indoor air quality and promote a healthier living environment.
Longer Lifespan of the Blinds
Faux wood blinds for windows can last for many years with proper care and maintenance. Regularly cleaning them can help prevent any damage and prolong their lifespan.
More Affordable Than Replacing the Blinds
Regularly cleaning your faux wood blinds is an economical way to maintain their appearance and functionality. It’s much more affordable than replacing them altogether.
Improved Energy Efficiency
Clean faux wood blinds can help improve energy efficiency of your home by reflecting sunlight and preventing heat transfer. This can help reduce energy costs and promote a more comfortable living environment.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Cleaning Faux Wood Blinds
Avoid these common mistakes to ensure a successful cleaning experience and protect the integrity of your window coverings.
- Using Harsh Chemicals: Be sure not to use harsh chemicals, as they may cause discoloration or damage to blinds for windows. Stick to mild detergents and cleaning solutions.
- Over Soaking in Water: Avoid over soaking your faux wood blinds in water.
- Neglecting to Dust the Slats Before Washing: It may cause complications. Be sure to remove any loose debris and dirt.
- Using Abrasives: Avoid using abrasive materials or scrubbing the blinds too vigorous, as it may scratch or damage the finish of the blinds.
- Neglecting the Working of Lift System During Cleaning: Keep checking if the lift system of your window treatments is working properly. This also includes keeping them clean.
- Hasty Reinstallation: Properly reinstall the blinds after washing, ensuring child-safety apparatus is intact and functional.
Conclusion
Cleaning your faux wood blinds is an essential part of maintaining your window covering and keeping it looking new and fresh. It not only helps to improve the interior decor of your room but also promotes better indoor air quality and saves you money in the long run.
FAQs
What is the easiest way to clean faux wood blinds?
Here’s the easiest 3-step process to clean faux wood blinds:
- Step 1: Remove any loose dust and dirt from the slats using a vacuum cleaner with a soft brush attachment.
- Step 2: Dip them in a mixture of lukewarm water and mild detergent, and gently scrub them clean with a microfiber cloth.
- Step 3: Dry them in sunshine before rehanging your faux wood blinds on the windows.
What is a hack for cleaning wooden blinds?
- Take your kitchen tongs and wrap a microfiber cloth around each blade. Use a rubber band to secure the cloth on each blade.
- Spray a natural cleaner on a few slats at a time.
- Pinch each slat with the tongs, squeeze it gently, and run the tongs over the entire length of the slat to remove dust, dirt, or debris.
Can faux wood blinds be soaked in water?
Yes, faux wood blinds can be thoroughly soaked in water or completely immersed in water in the bathtub, as they are fully waterproof and moisture-resistant window coverings. When you immerse them in water, faux wood blinds won’t soak up stains or marks, so you can easily wash them off as vigorously as you like. They resist warping caused by direct contact with water.
After soaking them in a tub with white vinegar and water, clean each slat with a sock on your sock while they are in the tub.
Can you use Murphy’s Oil soap on faux wood blinds?
Yes, you can use Murphy’s Oil soap – a natural cleaner – as a safe choice to clean faux wood blinds, as it won’t scratch, leave no streaks or won’t remove the finish on the slats. Mix ¼ cup Murphy’s Oil soap to a gallon of water and gently apply it on the stained slats using a foam or a soft cloth.
Need More Help?
Still unsure how to easily and effectively clean your faux wood blinds? Speak to one of your friendly consultants today using 24/7 live chat or give us a ring at (800) 863-6109 for expert advice and custom solutions.