If you are like many these days, you probably have blinds in your home. They are becoming a must-have for their privacy and convenience. They can easily give your home the light it needs or block the light that keeps you awake. Like all things, though, they must eventually be cleaned. Here are 3 easy ways to clean your blinds.

Dusting

Blinds of all types attract dust. Whether you have vertical or horizontal blinds, you will want to dust them weekly. Weekly dusting keeps the dust and dirt from building up on the blinds. The longer the dust sits, the harder it is to remove. Dusting is easily achieved with household items. Most vacuum cleaners have a blind or upholstery attachment. The brush on the attachment will lift the dust, and the suction will carry it away. Another easy dusting technique is to wipe the blinds from top to bottom with a microfiber towel. With this method, make sure that you reach in between each slat. A final method of dusting your blinds is with a store-bought duster. They are relatively cheap and available in many stores. These dusters have prongs that fit between each slat. They allow you to clean several slats at a time.

Water Cleaning

If your blinds are too dirty to dust, a water wash may be necessary. You will need hot water and a soft cloth. Microfiber cloths work well for this. Wet the cloth and wring out as much water as possible. Too much water will leave spots and can even damage certain blinds. Hot water will dry quicker, preventing spots. You will again start at the top and work your way to the bottom. Gently wipe down each slat by pinching the cloth between your fingers and thumb. Do not apply too much pressure, as this can damage the blinds. If you have wood blinds or shutters, finish with a dry cloth to remove the remaining water.

Vinegar and Water

If your blinds are really dirty or have an oily buildup, you will need something stronger than water. For these instances, a 50/50 solution of hot water and white vinegar works great. Mix the solution and wet your cloth. As with just water, wring out excess solution. Start at the top of the blinds or shutters and work your way to the bottom. Use the pinching method with slightly more pressure to remove the buildup. As you work, make sure the water solution stays hot. This will aid in removing the accumulation.

Whether you need a light dusting or a deep clean, these three methods will take the hassle out of cleaning your blinds. They make the job quick and easy so you can get back to life.