Have you ever thought about tossing your blinds in the washing machine? Hold that thought! While it might sound like a clever shortcut, machine washing can worsen your blinds for warped, faded, or frayed wear.
Let’s be honest: We all want clean blinds without the hassle of damage. So, let’s explore a few tried-and-true methods that work wonders for fabric, wood, aluminium, and faux wood blinds.
These simple tricks let you keep your blinds spotless without a single laundry mishap!
Can You Wash Blinds in a Washing Machine?
No, most blinds are not suitable for machine washing. Fabric blinds may tolerate gentle machine cycles, but water, heat, or agitation can damage wood, metal, and PVC blinds. Machine washing risks warping, fading, or scratching, especially for delicate materials. Always check the manufacturer’s care instructions or consider safer manual cleaning methods.
Risks of Washing Blinds in a Washing Machine
Washing blinds in a washing machine may seem convenient, but it has potential risks. Not all blinds are suitable for machine cleaning, and doing so can lead to damage such as shrinking, warping, or fading. It’s essential to know which blinds are safe to wash and how to care for them to avoid costly mistakes properly.
- Shrinking: Fabric blinds, especially cotton or polyester, may shrink if washed improperly or at high temperatures. This can make them too small for the window or cause uneven pleats.
- Warping: Wood and fabric blinds may warp or lose their shape when exposed to water or the washing machine’s agitation. This is especially true for delicate materials that are not designed to withstand heavy washing cycles.
- Fading: Frequent washing, especially with harsh detergents, can cause the colors of fabric blinds to fade over time. Sun-faded blinds are often more vulnerable to further fading in the machine.
- Rusting: Metal blinds are prone to rust when exposed to moisture. The washing machine’s water can cause metal parts, like slats or chains, to corrode or rust, affecting both the appearance and functionality of the blinds.
- Splintering: Bamboo blinds can splinter or crack if subjected to a washing machine’s rough handling. Water weakens bamboo fibres, making them more fragile during the wash cycle.
- Tangling: Cords, slats, or chains on the blinds can get tangled in the washing machine drum, damaging both the blinds and the machine itself.
- Overloading: Heavy blinds can overload the washing machine, straining or breaking it. The added weight may also result in uneven spinning or an unbalanced load, damaging both the blinds and the washer.
How to Safely Wash Blinds in a Washing Machine (If You Choose to)
While some blinds are machine washable, others are not, and improper cleaning can lead to issues like shrinking, warping, or fading. To safely wash blinds, follow proper steps and precautions to ensure they remain in good condition:
1. Check the Label
Before washing, always check the care instructions on the blinds’ label. Some fabrics may be machine washable, while others, such as wood, bamboo, or metal, should never be washed in a machine. Following the manufacturer’s guidelines ensures you don’t accidentally damage your blinds or void warranties.
2. Remove Dust and Debris
Before putting blinds in the washing machine, remove loose dust, dirt, and debris. You can gently shake the blinds, vacuum with a brush attachment, or wipe them down with a microfiber cloth. This step prevents dirt from clogging the washing machine and ensures a cleaner result after washing.
3. Use a Laundry Bag
Place your blinds inside a mesh laundry bag to protect them during the wash cycle. This prevents the blinds from getting caught on the machine’s drum or tangling with other items. A laundry bag helps minimise damage while preventing the blinds from losing shape or structure.
4. Select the Right Cycle
Use cold water to set the washing machine to a delicate or gentle cycle. Hot water and heavy cycles can shrink or damage the fabric. A delicate cycle ensures that the blinds are cleaned without subjecting them to harsh agitation, which could distort their shape or cause premature wear.
5. Use Mild Detergent
When washing blinds, use a mild, gentle detergent to preserve their colour and texture. Harsh chemicals, bleach, or strong detergents can cause fading, discolouration, or fabric degradation. A mild detergent is gentle enough to clean without damaging the fabric, ensuring your blinds retain their appearance and functionality.
6. Avoid Overloading
Don’t overload the washing machine, as this can strain the blinds and the machine unnecessarily. Washing too many blinds at once may cause uneven cleaning, and the excess weight can cause the machine to become unbalanced, leading to potential damage. Wash blinds in smaller, manageable loads.
7. Dry Carefully
After washing, air dry the blinds by hanging them up or laying them flat on a towel. Avoid using a dryer, as high heat can shrink the fabric or weaken its structure. Air drying allows the blinds to retain their shape and avoids the risk of heat damage from the dryer.
Alternatives to Machine Washing Blinds
Machine washing can seem tempting when cleaning blinds, especially for a quick fix. However, this approach can often damage blinds, causing warping, fraying, or even complete disrepair. Fortunately, several effective alternatives provide safe, thorough cleaning for various blind materials.
Here’s a detailed guide on four reliable methods: spot cleaning, vacuuming, soaking in a tub, and professional cleaning services.
1. Spot Cleaning
Spot cleaning is ideal for blinds with isolated stains or dirt, enabling you to clean them without removing them from their mountings.
Dusting the blinds with a duster or microfibre cloth to prevent streaks. For the cleaning solution, use a mild detergent or a gentle, fabric-safe spray; diluted white vinegar works well for delicate materials.
Avoid harsh chemicals that may damage or discolour the blinds. Dampen a microfibre cloth with your cleaning solution and gently blot the stained areas, taking care not to oversaturate. Rub softly, but avoid intense scrubbing for tougher stains to maintain the material’s integrity.
2. Vacuuming
Vacuuming is an efficient, easy way to keep blinds dust-free and maintain a polished appearance without needing to remove them. Vacuuming with a soft brush attachment is ideal for fabric, wood, and vinyl blinds and minimises the risk of damage, especially on delicate materials.
Begin by closing the blinds on one side, holding the bottom steady, and running the vacuum brush across each slat, working from top to bottom to catch falling dust. This direction helps prevent dust from resettling. Once done, flip the blinds to access the reverse side and repeat the process.
3. Soaking in a Tub
For blinds needing a deeper cleaning, soaking them in a tub is a practical alternative to machine washing and is well-suited to materials like vinyl, plastic, and aluminium. Start by carefully removing the blinds and, if possible, eliminating detachable parts like cords or clips to prevent damage.
Fill a bathtub with lukewarm water and a mild detergent suitable for the blind material to avoid discolouration. Submerge the blinds in the tub and let them soak for 15 to 30 minutes to loosen dirt and grime. After washing, use a soft sponge to scrub each slat gently, paying extra attention to squalid areas.
Rinse the blinds thoroughly with fresh water. Then air dry completely by laying them flat on towels or over a drying rack.
4. Professional Cleaning Services
Professional cleaning services offer a hands-off, expert solution, ideal for those who want a thorough clean without risking damage.
With specialised equipment and cleaning solutions, professionals can safely clean all types of blinds, including delicate fabrics, vinyl, and wood. Many services employ ultrasonic cleaning, which uses high-frequency sound waves to gently lift away dirt without damaging the material.
This method is especially effective for intricate blinds, providing a deep clean that reaches areas regular methods might miss. Professional services often offer on-site cleaning or take blinds to their facility, providing flexibility based on your needs. While more costly than
Types of Blinds and Their Washing Machine Compatibility
Luckily, there are more innovative (and safer) ways to keep your blinds looking pristine without the risks of a washing machine. Each type of blind material needs a little TLC, so here’s a rundown on the best alternatives for keeping fabric, wood, aluminium, and faux wood blinds in top condition.
1. Fabric Blinds
Fabric blinds add warmth and softness to a room but are prone to dust and stains. Unlike curtains, they don’t typically fare well in a washing machine, as the agitation can warp the fabric or weaken stitching. Instead, regular spot cleaning and gentle maintenance are recommended.
Start by vacuuming the blinds with a soft brush attachment to remove dust. For spot cleaning, use a mild detergent or fabric-safe solution on a damp microfibre cloth, gently blotting stains without oversaturating.
For a deeper clean, some fabric blinds can be soaked in a bathtub with lukewarm water and mild soap; let them sit for 15–20 minutes before rinsing with clean water.
2. Wooden Blinds
Wooden blinds have a classic look and durability, but they require careful handling during cleaning to prevent warping and discolouration.
Avoid soaking or using water-based cleaning methods, as water exposure can damage the wood’s finish. Instead, dust wooden blinds regularly using a soft microfibre cloth or a vacuum with a brush attachment.
A damp cloth with a small amount of wood-safe cleaner can be used for more stubborn dirt or greasy buildup, but wiping the slats dry immediately is essential. Another effective option is to use wood polish or oil to maintain the blinds’ natural lustre and protect the material.
Avoid harsh chemicals, as they can strip the wood’s finish, making it vulnerable to future stains.
3. Aluminium and Metal Blinds
Aluminium and metal blinds are more durable than other materials, making them relatively easy to clean without worry about warping or structural damage.
Regular dusting is recommended to keep them looking fresh, and a vacuum with a brush attachment is ideal for removing loose dust. These blinds can be removed and soaked in a bathtub with warm water and mild detergent for a deeper clean.
Allow them to soak for 15–30 minutes, loosening any grime. After washing, gently scrub each slat with a soft sponge or cloth, focusing on any filthy spots. Rinse to remove soap residue, then lay the blinds flat on towels to air dry.
Avoid using abrasive scrubbing tools, as they can scratch the metal surface.
4. PVC and Faux Wood Blinds
PVC and faux wood blinds offer a practical and durable alternative to natural wood, combining a stylish appearance with easy maintenance.
They are also more water-resistant, making them suitable for damp areas like kitchens and bathrooms, and can handle more intensive cleaning than wooden blinds.
Regular dusting with a microfibre cloth or vacuum brush is ideal for daily maintenance. For a deeper clean, PVC and faux wood blinds can be wiped down with a damp cloth and a mild detergent, or, for a thorough cleaning, removed and soaked in a bathtub with warm, soapy water.
Allow the blinds to soak for around 20 minutes, then gently scrub each slat to remove buildup. Rinse thoroughly to ensure no soap residue remains, and dry with a towel or leave them to air dry completely.
Conclusion
Cleaning blinds doesn’t have to mean risking a spin cycle disaster! From a quick dust to a tub soak, these easy alternatives keep your blinds looking fresh and fabulous without the drama.
So, put the washing machine idea to bed and try these safer, smarter methods instead. Your blinds will thank you—and so will your décor! Now go on, give those blinds the TLC they deserve!
