Faux wood blinds are a popular alternative to traditional wood blinds not only because they’re more affordable, but also because they’re more durable and easy to clean. Nonetheless, it’s still important to care for faux wood blinds with the proper cleaning procedures.
Avoid using harsh chemicals like bleach when cleaning faux wood blinds. Instead, a simple microfiber cloth can be used for regular dusting, and dish soap and warm water is sufficient for most grime and stains. Specialized cleaners can also be used if necessary.
Let’s take a closer look at faux wood blinds, including what they’re made out of, how to clean them, and the products to avoid in your cleaning routine.
What Are Faux Wood Blinds Made From?
As the name indicates, faux wood blinds aren’t made of real wood. Instead, they’re made from a composite material that can vary between blinds.
The most common materials used to make faux wood blinds are polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or a combination of PVC and composite wood materials such as medium-density fiberboard (MDF).
For high-humidity rooms in the house like bathrooms and kitchens, these moisture-resistant materials are a lifesaver!
How Often Should Faux Wood Blinds Be Cleaned?
There’s no one rule for how often faux blinds should be cleaned, and your routine will depend on factors such as:
- Exposure to sunlight
- Exposure to moisture
- Dirt and dust buildup
- How often you touch the blinds
You can generally tell how often you need to clean the blinds by checking them for any buildup and trying to stay ahead of excessive dirt or grime.
How to Clean Dust Off of Faux Wood Blinds
The best way to clean dust from faux wood blinds is to use a microfiber cloth to wipe away the dust without any chemicals. No chemicals should be necessary for dusting, and a microfiber cloth (which you can buy on Amazon) will do a good job of grabbing any particles and wiping them away.
If you don’t have a microfiber cloth handy, a damp cloth should do the trick, but you should avoid excess water.
How to Remove Stains From Faux Wood Blinds
The first thing you’ll want to do is identify the type of stain you’re dealing with. Grease and oil stains, for example, are very different from ink stains, and the type of stain will depend on how you attack it.
Grease and oil stains can be removed with some warm water and dish soap, while grease and oil may require a more specialized cleaning solution from a reputable company.
Once you’ve identified the type of stain and what cleaner you need, you can follow these steps to remove the stain:
- Before cleaning the entire blind, test the cleaning solution on a small, inconspicuous area to ensure it won’t damage the material.
- Scrub the stain. For light stains, a soft cloth or sponge dipped in the cleaning solution should be enough to remove the stain. For tougher stains, use a toothbrush to scrub the affected area.
- After cleaning, rinse the blind thoroughly with warm water to remove any remaining cleaning solution.
- Wipe the blind down with a soft cloth or let it air dry completely before closing or using it. The last thing you want is excess moisture soaking into the faux wood.
Tips for Removing Excess Dirt and Grime
Here are some tips for removing excess dirt and grime from your faux wood blinds:
Stay on Top of Dusting
One of the best tips is preventative, and it’s to stay on top of dusting. There’s no better solution for removing excess dirt and grime than by not letting it pile up in the first place.
A small amount of dust can easily be wiped away with a cloth. You can also use a handheld vacuum cleaner — like this excellent one from Shark (on Amazon) — on the blinds if necessary.
Dish Soap and Water Is Usually Enough
Dish soap and water is usually enough to remove any grime, and you shouldn’t have to resort to a stronger cleaning solution unless you have particularly stubborn stains. Make sure to be gentle and patient, and use a toothbrush to scrub in gentle but firm circles if necessary.
Let the Area Dry Properly
Make sure to let the area dry properly before you close the blinds. You don’t want to trap moisture in there, as then there could be water damage — and mold could even develop on the blinds.
Don’t Use Harsh Chemicals
The last but most important tip is not to use harsh chemicals. While it can be tempting to resort to a strong ammonia-based cleaner or bleach to scrub out a stain, all this will do is damage the blinds — and it’s unnecessary.