Cleaning Natural Wood Window Shades

Just like metal, cloth and plastic blinds, natural wood needs to be cared for properly. Like wood floors, your natural wood shades can warp and dull if they aren’t cleaned correctly. Faux wood blinds, made of PVC, can withstand nearly any cleaner and water because they are water resistant, but the same is not true of natural wood blinds. Some ways you can keep your blinds in tip-top shape is to:

Dust your blinds weekly to prevent stuck-on build-up and grime, which will be tough to remove without water. You can use a microfiber cloth or feather-type duster to get between each slat and clean thoroughly. Work through each slat from top to bottom to catch any dust that falls, and twist your blinds both ways to get every inch of them clean.

Deep clean your blinds twice per year to keep the wood clean and conditioned. After dusting the blinds, you can use a natural wood cleaner to remove any residual grime. Follow these steps to clean your blinds and prevent warping:

1. Put some wood cleaner in a small bowl and make sure to follow any dilution instructions on the bottle.
2. Dip a clean cloth into the solution, wringing it out well to prevent any dripping. 
3. Wipe down each slat with the damp cloth while they all lay flat against the window.
4. Wipe with a dry cloth immediately after, picking up any excess liquid. 
5. Finish all the slats, working from top to bottom. 
6. Rotate the blinds after completing the first side and repeat the process, replacing the solution when it becomes dirty. 

Apply a natural wood conditioner to faded blinds and bring back that vivid shine. Your chosen wood conditioner will have instructions on the label for use. Just avoid the strings of your blinds and coat each slat evenly for the best results.

How To Clean Woven Wood Shades

Woven wood shades may seem more difficult to maintain because of the many materials and natural yarn components making up the covering, but they aren’t! In fact, they can be easier to maintain than wooden blinds. 

Follow these steps to take the best care of your woven window shades:

1. Use the soft brush attachment on your vacuum and gently sweep it across the blinds. This will thoroughly remove the dust and pollen stuck between the reeds of your shades. Make this a weekly routine to keep your shades looking sharp.
2. Avoid using water and chemical cleaners on woven shades. These blinds do not stand up to moisture and cleaning agents very well, as they can damage the strings that bind each slat together. 
3. Carefully use a gentle natural wood polish and microfiber cloth when needed. If your woven wood blinds are looking dull, you can use a small amount of wood polish to restore their shine. Do not use wood polish on bamboo shades and do not use it more than twice per year.

Trusted Company For Boerne Shades

Your blinds say a lot about your home, so let’s find the ones that speak to you! At Blinded By Delight, we are dedicated to helping Boerne homeowners find the perfect dressings for their home and their desires. Whether you want contemporary drapes or modern bamboo blinds, we have it all in our Hunter Douglas Showroom.

Schedule an appointment today to find the finishing touches for your home with Blinded By Delight!