Clean vertical blinds for 30p to avoid mould

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Experts at Checkatrade said: “Blinds are a great space-saving solution with a modern aesthetic for homeowners who feel curtains just don’t cut the decor mustard. However, if you’re wondering how to clean vertical blinds, we don’t blame you. They’re trickier to manoeuvre than curtains, especially when fixed to the wall.” Thankfully, the experts have shared top tips on how to keep them clean.

Although blinds aren’t the easiest things to clean in the home, they don’t require scrubbing as often as other household items.

For those who stay on top of a cleaning schedule with regular maintenance, the experts said you can go a long time between cleans.

They added: “In fact, deep cleaning your blinds is only necessary once a year if you stay on track. 

“Having said that, how easy it is to clean your vertical blinds will depend on whether your blinds can be removed or not.

“If your blinds can be removed, this will make them much easier to clean thoroughly.”

It is also important to keep on top of blind cleaning to avoid mould and damp forming.

1. Remove your blinds from the headrail

Removing the headrail in your blinds is usually a matter of pushing, unhooking or unclipping the bracket tabs on either end of the rail, it should come away easily enough.

The Checkatrade experts said: “Once you’ve managed to do this, give the headrail a quick clean and consider spraying some silicone product in the grooves to keep it operating smoothly. 

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“Once this is all done, make sure you dry the rail to avoid rust forming.”

2. Soak your blinds in warm water

If you have a bath, fill it up with some warm soapy water. If you don’t have a bath, a bucket can produce the same effects.

Washing up liquid is a staple in most households, and it can be picked up for as little as 30p.

The experts recommended adding some laundry detergent to give it some “extra scrub” factor.

They added: “It’s important to keep your water under 30C as most vertical hanging blinds are weighted at the bottom, which is held together with glue.

“Keeping the water under 30C will help you avoid breaking or melting the seal.”

3. Use a sponge to scrub off stains

Take a soft sponge of microfibre cloth and gently scrub your blinds in gentle circular motions on affected areas.

The experts said Britons should avoid letting blinds soak in the water for too long as they can shrink and lose their fire-retardant additive.

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4. Lay blinds flat to dry

Checktrade explained: “If you hang your vertical blinds to dry, they may stretch. Similarly, putting them in the dryer may shrink them or risk melting off important elements.

“Therefore, the best way to dry your vertical blinds is to lay them flat on the floor, preferably on top of several clean towels.

“Consider using a hair dryer on a low setting to speed up the drying process and avoid watermarks appearing.”

5. Rehang on the headrail

Once the blinds are completely dry, and it may take a couple of days, it’s time to hang them back up on the headrail.

The experts noted: “Putting your removable vertical blinds in the washing machine on a low heat setting is usually okay if you trust your washing machine.

“However, it’s never okay to put them in the tumble dryer.”

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