Metal venetian blinds are great because they are strong and keep the sun out. But just like anything else in your home, they need a little bit of care to stay clean and look shiny.
Because metal slats can bend if you are too rough, you need to be gentle when you clean them.
Here is a simple guide on how to take care of your metal blinds so they last for a very long time.
Quick and Easy Dusting
The best way to care for your blinds is to dust them regularly. If you do this once a week, dirt will not build up, and cleaning will only take a couple of minutes.
First, turn the plastic rod so the blinds are closed completely flat. Hold the bottom of the blinds with one hand so they do not bang against the window.
Next, use a soft feather duster or a microfiber cloth to wipe across the slats from left to right. Start from the very top slat and work your way down to the bottom.
Once you finish the front, turn the rod the other way so the blinds close in the opposite direction. Now, dust the back of the slats using the same top-to-bottom movement.
A Quick Trick: You can put a clean, dry sock over your hand like a puppet. This makes it super easy to pinch each metal slat and wipe both sides at the same time.
How to Wash Away Sticky Dirt
Sometimes dusting is not enough. In kitchens, grease from cooking can make the metal sticky. In bathrooms, water splashes can leave little spots. When this happens, you need to use water.
Mix warm water with a few drops of mild dish soap in a bucket. Do not use harsh chemicals or abrasive scrubs, because they can scratch the paint off the metal.
Dip a soft cloth into the soapy water and wring it out really well. The cloth should only be damp, not dripping wet. Wipe each slat gently from one side to the other.
After using soapy water, take a second cloth dipped in plain water to rinse away any soap bubbles.
The Most Important Step: Drying
Metal blinds are usually made of aluminum, which does not rust easily, but they can still get water marks if they stay wet.
As soon as you finish wiping the blinds with water, use a dry towel to wipe them down completely. Leave the blinds open and let the air blow through the room until they are 100% dry. Never roll the blinds up while they are still wet, or water will get trapped between the metal sheets and ruin them.
Being Gentle and Avoiding Bends
Metal blinds are tough, but the thin slats can bend or crease if you press too hard. Once a metal slat bends, it is very hard to make it perfectly straight again.
Always support the slats with your hand when you are wiping them. If you have pets like cats or dogs, try to keep the blinds rolled up high enough so they do not push through the metal slats to look out the window.
Checking the Cords and Mechanism
The parts you cannot see also need care. The strings that hold the blinds together and the gear inside the top box help the blinds move smoothly.
Every few months, check the long cords to make sure they are not fraying or getting tangled. If the blinds feel stuck when you try to pull them up, do not yank the string hard. Yanking can snap the strings or break the plastic wheels inside. Instead, gently lower the blinds all the way down and try pulling them up again slowly.
If the blinds are hard to open or close, you can spray a tiny bit of silicone spray inside the top mechanism where the gears are. This keeps the parts moving without any squeaking.
What to Do for Deep Cleaning
If your blinds are extremely dirty and covered in thick grease, you can take them down from the window brackets.
Lay them down flat in a bathtub filled with warm, soapy water. Let them soak for about fifteen minutes. Use a very soft sponge to wipe away the loosened dirt.
Rinse the blinds thoroughly with clean water from the shower head. Hang them up outside on a clothesline or over a fence in the shade to dry completely before putting them back on your window.
By dusting them weekly, washing them gently with soap, and drying them quickly, your metal venetian blinds will stay clean, bright, and working perfectly.
