Wooden blinds have an undeniable allure. They are classic, elegant and practical – perfect for nearly every room in the home. And, here at Shop4Blinds, they have to be one of our favourite types of window covering. With any addition to your home, it needs to work both practical and aesthetically. Busy family homes have little time to be undertaking long-winded and complex maintenance routines to keep their homes looking pristine. However, there’s no denying that proper care for your window blinds will ensure they stay working for many years to come.
In this blog, we’ll go through 3 of our top tips for maintaining your wooden blinds. With these, you’ll be able to enjoy the look of your brand new window coverings while managing both light and privacy effortlessly.
1. Dust your wooden blinds regularly
Much like venetian blinds, wooden blinds feature a number of horizontal slats. This gives you ample ability to control the amount of light that floods into a room. However, these flat surfaces are also the perfect landing place for dust and dirt. This build-up will alter the look of your blinds – especially if it’s left for an extended period of time. And, dust that collects around the connecting cords or moving mechanisms can cause your blinds to not work as effectively over time.
The good news is that regular dusting takes no time at all and can really help. Twist the slats shut and use a duster to wipe down the entire blind. Then, open the slats up and wipe down each of the slats on a weekly basis. Some vacuum cleaners also have appropriate attachments that can be used to get in between thinner slats. In this case, use a low suction method. There are also window blind-specific dusters with multiple prongs that glide in between numerous slats at one time. Work from the top of your blind, moving down and work from the middle of your blind, moving outwards.
2. Remove stubborn stains quickly
Both real and faux wood blinds are hard wearing and durable. However, this doesn’t stop stains from forming if stubborn marks are left for an extended period of time. We recommend removing marks as soon as you see them. The best, and safest, way to do this is with a slightly damp cloth. Gently run the soiled area until you have removed the mark. Avoid putting too much pressure as this can impact the strength of the slats or the finish that has been applied.
Remove excess moisture with a dry, clean cloth. Wood, as a natural material, will expand if subjected to high quantities of moisture. You’ll want to minimise this as much as possible to reduce the risk of warping or damage to the blind mechanisms.
3. Visible inspect your blinds
The beauty of wooden blinds is their ability to suit every home. They are easy to use, very versatile and practical in a multitude of settings. However, if you have noticed that the slats don’t seem to rotate to the same degree, or you’re having trouble pulling the blind up or down, you may need to carry out a visual inspection. We recommend that this is done regularly to ensure no cords have become tangled or knotted. You also want to make sure that each of the slats is sitting at the same angle, within its own space, and that there aren’t any obstructions in the way.
While this process may sound long-winded, it doesn’t have to be. Open up the slats and cast your eye down each one. Just check that everything looks in order. Pull the blind up and down and make sure the locking mechanism is working properly. And, ensure that the blind cord is being stored in a safe manner – away from the reach of children and small animals.
Here at Shop4Blinds, we create window coverings that fit in with your busy, bustling family lifestyles. Wooden blinds are the perfect way to merge together your love for timeless interior design and the family’s need for light at their fingertips. With the right maintenance and care, your window blinds could last upwards of 10 years.
If you have any questions about how to care for your window blinds, visit our blog where we regularly upload handy tips and tricks. Alternatively, get in contact with our specialist team who are always happy to help.