How to Clean Faux Wood Blinds

Using faux materials in place of real materials provides some important benefits. Faux wood blinds, for instance, actually provide better insulation and do not fade as quickly as stained wood blinds. There is also less maintenance associated with faux wood blinds than with real wood. Cleaning faux wood blinds is a simple process and requires much less effort and materials than cleaning real wood blinds.

Instructions

1. Dust your blinds regularly. A light dusting between each slat of the blind will remove unsightly surface dirt and dust that accumulates. Dusting on a regular basis will ensure that this dust will not be noticeable. Feather dusters as well as synthetic types can be used to dust the blinds while they are still hanging. A soft dry cloth can also be utilized as a dusting tool.

2. Vacuum the blind clean. For light dirt and dust, you may also want to employ the help of a handy vacuum attachment piece. Using the attachment with a brush can be helpful especially in the place of a duster if one is not available to you. Not only can the vacuum be used for dusting, but it is also highly effective for removing cobwebs and small bugs.

3. Wash the blinds. For stains or deep cleaning, another big positive of faux wood blinds is that like normal plastic blinds, they can be cleaned using water. Adding some nonabrasive soap to warm water should do the trick. Remember not to use purely hot water as this could damage the integrity of your blind. Most liquid dish soaps are perfect for this type of cleaning.

4. Remove the blind from the window. Taking the blinds down about once a week or every other week to clean them will help with accessibility. Removing the blinds from the window allows you to inspect them for stains as well as avoid heightened risk of injury if they are up high. You may also find it is easier to clean your blinds with soap and water if they are removed from the window. Rinse your faux wood blinds thoroughly after washing.

5. Allow the blind proper time to dry. Before you rehang your faux wood blinds, you must ensure that you allow for proper time to dry. Although faux wood blinds can withstand much denser humidity conditions, it is still best to allow them to dry before they are placed back in the window. If you had to clean your blinds while they were hanging, you can dry them quickly by simply placing a fan in front of them for a few minutes or by simply opening the window on a sufficiently breezy day.

Tips & Warnings

• If stains cannot be removed with cleaning, keeping the manufacturer's contact information may prove handy. Sometimes individual slats can be ordered to replace those that are damaged.

• Refrain from using cleaners that may damage the surface integrity of your faux wood blind, such as abrasive cleaners, bleach and some polishes. If you are unsure of the cleaner you are using, use it on a small test area first and allow it to dry. After you have done this, inspect the area for damage and discoloration.

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish
• Find faux-wooden blinds here.