Caring for Wood Blinds

Wood blinds add a wonderful decorating element to any room. It is important to care for them so that they will look beautiful for years to come. But, cleaning wood blinds, or any blinds for that matter, can be a daunting task, so here are some pointers that will make the job a little easier.

Dusting

Like any wood furnishings, wood blinds should be dusted regularly to keep them looking new. Use a soft, clean cloth, chemically treated dust cloth, or dusting mitt. Lower the blind to its full length, tilt the slats almost all the way down and dust. Then tilt the slats almost all the way up and dust. Remember not to fully close the slats in either direction as this allows you to dust the areas where the slats overlap.

Vacuuming

Blinds may also be vacuumed using the soft brush attachment and the same procedure described for dusting.

Damp Cleaning

Painted blinds or faux wood blinds may be cleaned by wiping them with a soft, damp cloth. But, care must be taken when cleaning real wood blinds. Do not damp clean blinds with a stained finish. Although the wood is sealed, water or even excessive dampness may cause warpage or discoloration of the slats. Instead, periodically treat stained wood blinds with lemon oil or other wood preservative. This will protect their finish and enhance their lustre.

As a final note, most manufacturers do not recommend ultrasonic cleaning of wood blinds. If you have any questions about the care of your wood blinds, contact the retailer you purchased them through.