Window blinds are an extremely popular decorating option. But for blinds to look their best, they require regular care and maintenance, and some very definite “dos and don’ts” govern their cleaning. Sure, some cleaning methods can be used on all types of blinds, but there are in fact different ways to clean blinds depending on their construction. Following are some general cleaning tips as well as techniques for cleaning blinds of made of various materials: • Regular dusting with a microfiber duster, feather duster, or soft cloth is a benefit to all blinds. For best results, make sure the blinds are fully extended and that all of the slats are closed and facing the same way. Dust lightly, moving in the same direction as the slats, then turn 90 degrees and dust again. Tilt the slats in the opposite direction, then repeat. • For heavier dust, use the small brush attachment of a vacuum cleaner to go over the blinds, working in the direction of the slats. When using the vacuum, make sure that the suction is on its lightest setting to avoid twisting or warping the slats.

• Blinds will need a more thorough cleaning once or twice a year. Take a microfiber cloth, terry towel, clean sock or cotton gloves and gently rub each slat from end to end, making sure to clean top and bottom. To remove heavier dirt and stains, you can lightly moisten the cleaning cloth with plain water or with a mixture of 25% white vinegar and 75% water. • Specialized dusting tools are available; most feature “fingers” that enable simultaneous cleaning of multiple slats. These dusters (also known as “trickets”) are typically constructed of microfiber, soft cloth, or sponges, and they are found in many hardware stores and home improvement chains. • These types of blinds can be cleaned with warm, soapy water; liquid dish soap works well. Remove the entire blind from the mounting hardware and place it in a bathtub or similar vessel (a kiddy pool in the yard, perhaps). • Use a soft brush, sponge, or soft mop to go over both sides of the slats with warm, soapy water before rinsing thoroughly.

A hand-held shower attachment or spray nozzle on the hose is ideal for rinsing. Make sure to rinse away all of the soap suds to avoid spotting. • Dry the blinds with towels and re-hang. Make sure the blinds are open so that air can circulate between the slats. • After drying, wipe each slat with a fabric softener sheet to help repel dust. • For exceptionally dirty blinds, especially those in kitchens, use a degreaser, such as Fantastik, Simple Green, or 409. • Most wood blinds are treated with a special finish to repel dirt and stains. vacuum cleaner aiWood blinds can be cleaned with a good quality furniture polish and a soft cloth or clean sock. dyson vacuum on sale black fridaySpray the furniture polish on the cloth and wipe each slat individually. vacuum cleaner parts east london

Avoid touching the cords. • For heavier cleaning, you can use plain water, but be careful not to saturate the wood. Wipe excess water immediately to prevent spotting, discoloration, or warping. • Fabric blinds can be tricky to clean. For regular dust and dirt, use a vacuum cleaner, compressed air sprayer, or hair dryer. • For heavier dust, wipe each slat gently with a dry sponge. • If there are stains on the fabric, you can try sponging on warm water or mild liquid soap. Blot, don’t rub, because rubbing can damage the fabric. (Always test any cleaning product in an inconspicuous area before proceeding.) • Extremely soiled fabric blinds may need professional cleaning. A few things to watch out for when cleaning blinds: - Be careful not to press too hard on metal blinds to avoid bending or damaging the slats. - Don’t let water pool on blinds—this can cause spotting. - Avoid using furniture oil on blinds; it can leave streaks and actually attract dust.

- Protect blinds when cleaning windows by spraying the glass cleaner onto a cloth rather than onto the glass. - Never use abrasive cleaners or harsh chemicals on blinds, because these products can scratch, discolor, or warp the slats. - Do not use alcohol, baby wipes, or alkaline cleansers, as these contain harsh compounds that can stain or destroy the finish on the blinds. Remember, regular dusting is key—taking a proactive approach to cleaning blinds will keep your window fashions looking fabulous! For more on cleaning, consider: How To: Clean an Area Rug Top Tips for Cleaning Grout Lines Cleaning Green: Eco-Friendly Cleaning Products for Your Home Helpful and creative ways to keep your home clean and healthy. Traditional dusting: Ineffective and harmful. Dusting your home the old fashioned way with rags and scented sprays is ineffective and can be harmful. That's because dust is recirculated, and chemicals are introduced into the living environment which can be extremely hazardous to allergy and asthma sufferers.

BEAM Central Vacuum System dusting attachments allow you to put more power into dusting. A BEAM system removes 100% of contacted dust, mites, dander, pollen and other allergens and carries them away from the living environment to a canister usually located in the garage or basement. Regular deep cleaning with a BEAM system means you'll breathe easier and dust less often. Carpet and upholstery: Can you live with it? Some allergy and asthma sufferers can tolerate carpet, draperies, blinds and upholstery, others cannot. Whether you should remove these items from your home should be determined by your physician. Only 20% of the patients who are advised to remove their carpet actually do. With a BEAM Central Vacuum System these changes may not be necessary. Creative Uses and Everyday Tips for Your Vacuum Cleaner Vacuum the furnace vent once a month to remove dust and dirt build-up and improve efficiency. Remove crumbs nestled between appliances with a vacuum’s crevice tool.

Remove couch cushions and use vacuum attachments to collect the dust, dirt and debris that fell through the cracks. Dust ceiling fans and light fixtures at least once a month with an extendable duster or use your vacuum’s wand and dusting brush attachment. Dust books on the bookshelf once a month with the vacuum brush attachment on your vacuum. Vacuum smoke detectors with the vacuum brush attachment twice a year when you change the batteries. Tips for Pet Owners and Allergy Sufferers Keep lint rollers and hand vacuums stored discreetly near your pet’s favorite hangouts for an easy and quick pick-up at any time. Keep pet-friendly homes clean with the Pet Power Paw vacuum tool, which grabs pet hair from upholstery, curtains and shades without harming delicate surfaces. To help keep pollen and dust out of your home, clean the inside ledges of open windows and caulk and seal around windows. To keep allergies under control, use a vacuum with a HEPA filter that will capture 99.97 percent of dust and allergens.

Keep counters free of clutter and unnecessary items that provide additional areas for dust and allergens to hide. Tricks for Removing Stains and Spills Dab an ice cube on chewing gum to remove it from the carpet and let it sit for about a minute. The gum will become hard and stiff, enabling you to pull it off easily. To remove coffee and tea stains from the kitchen sink, use baking soda. Just be sure to rinse well and dry. Solve the crisis of a wax-stained carpet by scraping off cooled wax with a dull knife, then placing a couple of paper towels on the remaining wax and running a warm iron over the area. Remove grease stains by covering the entire spot with liquid dish detergent. Gently work detergent into the grease to dissolve it, and rinse the area with white vinegar to remove excess detergent. Use salt on red wine or coffee spills to soak up the stain and keep it from setting. Excess salt can easily be vacuumed or wiped up. For easy cleaning of grout, use a combination of water and dish detergent and scrub with a soft car wash brush.

Clean chrome sink fixtures by putting a thin layer of toothpaste over the faucet then wiping it with a wet sponge. Help loosen stubborn debris in your microwave by microwaving a cup of water for three minutes before scrubbing the inside. To avoid creating streaks on windows, don’t wash them when the sun is shining directly on the glass, as this will cause cleaning solution to dry too quickly. Microwave your sponge several times a week to kill any germs or bacteria. VacPan: Sweep dirt away! The VacPan is a must have in any home. No more stooping to use a dustpan in kitchen, mudroom or foyer. Just sweep debris into the inlet mouth, touch the toe switch and dirt is whisked away. Contemporary styling leaves no gaps when not in use. Click Here to see a video of the VacPan in use. Refrigerators: Not cool for allergy sufferers. A refrigerator acts like a powerful magnet attracting dust and allergens, which become trapped beneath and behind the unit. When the motor cycles on and off, the dirt becomes airborne creating a key source of irritation for allergy and asthma sufferers.

Until now removing dust has been difficult because the refrigerator had to be moved. Now with the BEAM 90cm Crevice Tool it is easy to clean beneath and behind refrigerators and other hard-to-move appliances and furniture. This narrow attachment slips beneath and behind the unit to remove trapped dust, dirt and allergens quickly and easily. Click Here to see a video of the 90cm Crevice Tool in use. Pet Dander can be hazardous too. Dirt, dander and animal hair can be key sources of irritation for allergy and asthma sufferers. Many physicians recommend removing pets from the home, however only a small percentage of those advised to get rid of their pets actually do. If your physician has determined that you can tolerate pets, a BEAM Central Vacuum System can help improve your indoor environment. Up to five times more powerful than upright vacuums, a BEAM system completely removes contacted dirt, dust and allergens from living areas. BEAM Pet Grooming tools remove pet hair and dander as you groom/comb small or large pets.