Spring Cleaning Tips – Venetian Blinds

Renowned for being dust magnets in the past, today's Venetian blinds usually have a protective coating on them which helps to repel dust. However, this doesn't mean that they never get dusty because they do! If you have Venetian blinds in your home here's some quick tips to cleaning them.

Image: waferboard

1. Wooden Venetian Blinds:

If they protective coating hasn't been damaged a soft cloth will remove the dust – it's wise to use a microfibre cloth so that you're not simply wiping the dust into the air for it to return as soon as your back is turned. You can also use Venetian blind cleaning brush, a handy gadget which will clean multiple slats in one go. Grubby finger marks can be removed with a damp cloth.

2. PVC Blinds:

For dusting the same techniques can be used as above; PVC blinds come up a treat using one of the handy gadgets, if you choose the sponge versions they'll dust and clean at the same time. Make sure you don't oversaturate them with water or you'll have drips everywhere.

You can also use a soft glove, again made from microfibre to sweep your hand across closed blinds, do one side and then turn the slats to do the other side. Your upholstery attachment of your hoover can also be used to get rid of dust prior to deeper cleaning.

If you want or need a really deep clean it's far easier to take the blind down and wash it in the bath with warm soapy water – don't do this with wooden blinds.

To clean the cords if you're not giving your blind a bath, there's a couple of tricks – one is to use liquid shoe whitener and the other is shaving cream – I haven't tried either so I'm not sure that either works but both sound as if they will!

Spring Cleaning Tips - Windows

Throw open your windows and let the stale air from Winter out and bring the fresh Spring air in. Spring cleaning is an age old tradition which we still follow today. As Winter turns to Spring and the warmer days approach it's a great time to get your home sparkling clean inside and out so that you can enjoy the balmy days of Summer.

Image: rkramer62

Tips for Spring cleaning begin with the decision whether you want to use natural or man-made products the latter typically being faster the former more friendly to the environment and your health.

Let's start with cleaning tips for windows.

1. Remove your blinds or curtains and focus your attention on cleaning the glass itself. Chemical sprays make light work of grubby windows, however, you can get the same results using white vinegar dissolved in water – a far cheaper and more environmentally friendly option. Buff the windows with a soft cloth so that they really shine – the micro-porous cloths are ideal or the old fashioned trick of scrunched-up newspaper works wonders.
   
   
2. Use the opportunity to check the condition of your window frames and casing. If they're made of wood they made need a coat of oil to help protect them from sun-damage; if they're PVC washing them with warm soapy water should do the trick. Make a note of any repairs needed and add them to your 'to-do' list. This is cleaning not repairing time, so don't become distracted from the task in hand.
   
   
3. Once you have gleaming windows inside and out you can re-hang your freshly laundered curtains or blinds. If you have curtains which are only dusty it's easy to give them a hoover using the upholstery attachment. Work your way down from top to bottom.

Quick, easy and simple, but this is one Spring cleaning job that will make the world of difference to your rooms.