Choosing the type of window coverings for your home is not an easy choice, especially considering that they are expensive and can be seen as a long term commitment due to this. That is why knowing how to take care of whichever option you chose is important, and while most of us know how to clean fabric, there are many other types that are not as easy to keep clean and can give us a headache. One of the most popular window coverings is aluminum blinds and shutters, and, while they can be a pain to clean, if you do it properly, they can last forever and provide some much needed reprieve from the sun.
While these blinds are very popular and they have a lot of perks, it can be hard to keep them clean, as they can be heavy if they are blinds inside the home and they are not something you just take out if they are shutters, so whichever the method you use needs to be done while they are installed. Most people think that you need harsh chemicals to maintain them and keep them clean, but that could not be any further from the truth.
How to clean aluminum blinds and shutters to prevent rust
The easiest and most effective way to clean your aluminum blinds and shutters is to just wash them with warm water. Given the repellent properties of aluminum, it does not tend to hold on to dust or grime, so a simple wipe with hot water to break down most of the dirt will be enough to have your blinds and shutters sparkling again. Doing this semi regularly can help control not just the amount of grime, but also the amount of rust, as dirt can corrode the coatings and force you to have to replace your blinds.
If a cloth with hot water does not work there is a more aggressive alternative, although this one might not be for everyone, and that is using a steam cleaner. Steam not only removes the most stubborn dirt, but also disinfects without the need for chemicals, protecting the surface and the environment, plus, it does not use that much water, and it is easy to clean after.
Once you have cleaned them, just remember to wait to roll them up or compact them in an way until they are fully dry. If they are aluminum and properly coated, it is unlikely that they will rust that easily, but better safe than sorry.
Cleaning the exterior of shutters can be tricky since that side tends to accumulate the most grime. If you can safely reach the outside, the job is easier, just lower the blind fully and clean with warm water or steam as you would indoors, but when outside access is not safe or possible, a safer approach is to remove the casing and clean each slat gradually as you extend the blind. Though it takes more effort, this method ensures safety while still getting the job done thoroughly.
The most important thing is to find a method that works for you and allows you to clean your blinds and shutters at least once a year. This will not just prevent corrosion and lengthen its lifespan, but it will give you a clue of when they start to deteriorate and will give you time to either replace them before they break or start saving up for when they do. Home maintenance is expensive, but simple tricks like this one can allow for the most neglected things in your home to have a longer lifespan.