How to Clean Hunter Douglas Blinds in 2023? [Reasons, Methods and Amazing Tips]

Hunter Douglas blinds are one of the most popular brands of window blinds and shades. They are stylish, durable, and add beauty and functionality to any window. However, over time dust, dirt, and grime can build up on the blinds, making them look old and dingy.

Cleaning Hunter Douglas blinds regularly is key to keeping them looking their best.

Here I am going to tell “How to Clean Hunter Douglas Blinds to Make Them Look Brand New?”.

With the right cleaning methods and products, you can easily clean Hunter Douglas blinds and have them looking like new again.

Why It’s Important to Clean Hunter Douglas Blinds

There are several reasons why you should make cleaning your Hunter Douglas blinds a regular routine

1. Improves Appearance

Dust, dirt, and debris on the blinds can make them look dirty and dated. Regular cleaning keeps the blinds looking bright and vibrant.

2. Removes Allergens

Dust and pet dander can accumulate on blinds and get stirred up into the air. Cleaning helps remove these allergens.

3. Extends Lifespan

Letting dirt and grime build up can actually damage the blinds over time. Cleaning helps remove abrasive particles that can scratch or degrade the materials.

4. Lets Natural Light Shine Through

When dust and dirt accumulate on the slats, it blocks sunlight from passing between them. Cleaning allows natural light to freely shine through.

5. Prevents Damage from Moisture

Dirt can trap moisture against the blinds, leading to mold, mildew, and discoloration. Regular cleaning prevents this type of damage.

6. Improves Air Quality 

Cleaning eliminates dust and allergens that would otherwise circulate in the air of the room.

Cleaning Frequency: How often you should clean your Hunter Douglas?

  How often you should clean your Hunter Douglas blinds depends on a few factors

1. Location of the blinds:

Blinds in high traffic areas or near windows that are opened frequently need more frequent cleaning than sparsely used blinds. Kitchens, entryways, and kids’ rooms tend to get dirtier faster.

2. Presence of pets:

Homes with cats, dogs, and other furry friends require cleaning blinds more often to remove pet hair and dander.

3. Amount of natural light:

South-facing windows exposed to more direct sunlight accumulate dust faster than north-facing windows. Clean blinds in sunny rooms more regularly.

4. Smoke or cooking oils:

Homes where occupants smoke or cook with oils and fats inside need more frequent blind cleaning to remove residues that accumulate. As a general guideline, clean blinds every 2-3 months. Increase cleaning to every 4-6 weeks for blinds that get heavy use or indirect sunlight. For problem areas like kitchens or smoking homes, clean monthly.

How to Clean Hunter Douglas Blinds?

Supplies Needed

Cleaning Hunter Douglas blinds is a simple process. You likely already have most or all of the supplies needed

Vacuum with brush attachment:

Use the soft brush attachment to vacuum dust and loose debris from the blinds. Choose a vacuum optimized for bare floors rather than carpet.

Microfiber cloths:

Use lint-free microfiber cloths to wipe down the blinds without leaving behind fibers or scratches.

Duster wand:

A duster wand makes it easier to reach the tops of tall blinds and clean between slats. Choose a soft, dust-trapping material.

Mild detergent:

For more thorough cleaning, use a gentle detergent diluted with water. Avoid harsh cleansers.

Soft toothbrush:

Use an old toothbrush to gently scrub stubborn spots and vacuum crevices between slats.

Lint roller:

For cleaning blinds with fabric tapes or slats, a lint roller easily removes pet hair, lint, and debris.

Optional tools:

Optional handy tools include a extendable duster, spray bottle, and plastic putty knife. Avoid abrasive sponges and paper towels.

A Step by Step Guide to Clean Hunter Douglas Blinds

Follow these general steps to clean most types of Hunter Douglas blinds

1. Vacuum the Blinds:

Use the soft brush attachment on your vacuum to remove surface dust and debris. Vacuum both sides of the slats, starting from the top and working your way down. Take care not to bend the slats as you vacuum. Go slowly to ensure the vacuum picks up all the dust and dirt. Pay extra attention to the tops of the slats where dust tends to accumulate.

2. Wipe Down the Slats

Use a microfiber cloth to wipe down each slat individually. For metal blinds, simply dry dusting is often sufficient. For fabrics and wood blinds, slightly dampen the cloth with water. Wipe in one direction, moving from top to bottom of each slat. Flip the cloth to a clean area frequently to prevent re-depositing dirt.

3. Spot Clean Tough Stains

If you notice any remaining sticky spots or tough stains, use a damp microfiber cloth and gentle detergent to spot treat. Try not to over-saturate the area. Gently rub the detergent into the stain until it lifts away. Immediately blot with a clean, dry section of the cloth.

4. Clean Dust-Trapping Surfaces

Don’t forget to clean dust-catching surfaces like valence covers and headrails. Vacuum using the brush tool. Then wipe down with a microfiber cloth and water or mild detergent.

5. Extend and Clean Upper Portions

Use a duster wand or extendable tool to reach and clean the upper slats and underside of the headrail. These areas are prone to dust buildup but easy to miss.

6. Finish with a Final Dry Wipe Down

After spot cleaning, go over the entire blind with a clean, dry microfiber cloth. This picks up any residual moisture and ensures the blinds are streak-free.

Cleaning by Blind Type: Specific cleaning tips for different Hunter Douglas blind varieties:

While the general process is similar, there are some specific cleaning tips for different Hunter Douglas blind varieties

1. Aluminum and Metal Blinds:

1. Vacuum and dust regularly to prevent oxidation and corrosion over time.
2. Wipe down with a microfiber cloth. If needed, dampen cloth slightly with water. Avoid harsh chemicals.
3. For tough grease stains, use a bit of gentle dish soap in water. Rinse with clean water on a cloth.
4. Avoid bending the slats. Clean in place rather than removing blinds.

2. Fabric and PVC Blinds

1. Use the brush attachment on your vacuum. Avoid pulling on the fabric.
2. Roll up a lint roller over the slats to remove pet hair, lint, and debris between cleanings.
3. To sanitize, mix a very dilute bleach solution (1 part bleach to 10 parts water). Spray on and let sit 5-10 minutes before wiping.
4. For water-safe fabrics, you can periodically wash blinds in the bathtub using mild detergent and then hang to air dry.

3. Wood Blinds

1. Wipe wood slats down with a clean microfiber cloth, slightly dampened with water if needed.
2. For grease or soap spots, wipe gently with a cloth dampened with a vinegar and water solution.
3. To condition and protect wood blinds, occasional rub a small amount of wood oil into the slats with a lint-free cloth.
4. Keep wood blinds dry to avoid warping. Never soak or immerse in liquid.

4. Faux and Real Wood Blinds

1. Vacuum first with the brush attachment, then wipe slats down with a dry microfiber cloth.
2. For tough dirt, dip the microfiber cloth in a solution of 2 tbsp mild dish soap per 1 quart warm water. Rinse with a damp cloth.
3. Disinfect wood-look blinds by wiping down slats with a cloth moistened with rubbing alcohol or vinegar solution.
4. Avoid harsh cleaners like ammonia, bleach, or abrasive scrubbers. Use a soft brush if needed.

5. Vinyl or PVC Blinds

1. Wipe down with a dry microfiber cloth between deeper cleanings.
2. For a deeper clean, dip cloth in warm water mixed with a couple drops of mild dish soap. Rinse with wet cloth.
3. Disinfect vinyl blinds using isopropyl rubbing alcohol or a very diluted bleach solution.
4. Scrub gently with a soft toothbrush for stuck-on dirt or stains. Avoid scouring pads.
5. Keep vinyl blinds dry to prevent water spots. Don’t let water seep between slats.

Occasional Deep Cleaning Methods to keep blinds fresh and shining:

For occasional deep cleaning to keep blinds fresh and shining, consider these methods:

1. Bathtub Cleaning

1. Carefully lay blinds flat in a dry bathtub.
2. Add a small amount of mild detergent and lukewarm water.

• Use a soft brush or toothbrush to gently scrub the slats, valance, and ladder tapes.

1. Rinse thoroughly by spraying clean water over the blinds.
2. Stand blinds on end in the tub to drip dry.
3. Lay flat to finish air drying.

2. Ultrasonic Cleaner

1. Remove the slats and place in an ultrasonic jewelry cleaner with warm water and a small amount of detergent.
2. Run the ultrasonic cleaner for 5-10 minutes.

• The ultrasonic waves will shake off even tiny embedded dust and dirt.

1. Rinse and reattach slats when dry.

3. Compressed Air

1. Take blinds outside and blow out dust using short bursts of compressed air.
2. Hold cans upright and keep 12 inches back to avoid spraying chemicals.

• This works well for metal and vinyl blinds.

4. Steam Cleaner

1. Use the attachment on a handheld low-pressure steam cleaner to direct steam over the slats.
2. The combination of heat and moisture helps loosen and remove grime.

• Wipe with a cloth and avoid excess moisture.

5. Vacuum Spinning Brush

1. Purchase or DIY a spinning vacuum brush attachment.
2. Gently hold this rotating brush along each slat to dislodge dust and hair.

• Great for fabric blinds.

Maintenance between Cleanings: Amazing Tips

To keep Hunter Douglas blinds looking their best for longer between deep cleanings

1. Periodically dust blinds with a microfiber duster wand.
2. Use the soft brush vacuum attachment to quickly clean off surface dust and dirt weekly or biweekly.
3. Immediately wipe off any splatters or spills when they occur using a damp cloth.
4. Recruit kids to help clean their room blinds as part of regular chores. Offer an allowance as motivation!
5. Check for dust buildup at tops of slats when raising lowering and vacuum as needed.
6. Consider adding a handy central vacuum inlet near window blinds for convenient dust removal.
7. Install a HEPA air purifier to filter dust so it doesn’t settle as quickly on blinds.
8. Keep furry friends off furniture beneath blinds to minimize hair accumulation.

With some simple cleaning tricks and regular maintenance, you can keep Hunter Douglas blinds looking freshly installed for years to come!

Frequently Asked Questions About Cleaning Hunter Douglas Blinds

What is the easiest way to clean Hunter Douglas blinds regularly?

The easiest method for regular cleaning is to simply vacuum the blinds using the soft brush attachment. Run it over both sides of all slats, starting from the top. This removes surface dust and debris quickly without needing to take down the blinds.

Can I just throw Hunter Douglas blinds in the washing machine?

Most Hunter Douglas blinds are not designed to withstand full immersion in water. The exception is some washable fabric blinds specifically made for laundering. Check tags before putting any blinds in a washing machine, and allow all blinds to air dry fully before rehanging.

How should I clean stained or dirty vinyl slats?

Mix a solution of 2-3 drops mild dish soap per 1 quart warm water. Dampen a soft cloth in the solution and gently wipe stains on vinyl slats. For tough stains, use a soft toothbrush and gently scrub. Be sure to wipe with a clean wet cloth to rinse off all soap residue.

What’s the best way to clean dust from the top of blinds and headrails ?

Use a microfiber duster wand or extendable vacuum tool to easily reach the tops of blinds and undersides of headrails where dust loves to collect. Regularly cleaning hard-to-reach areas keeps blinds cleaner longer.

How can I sanitize Hunter Douglas blinds?

You can sanitize most Hunter Douglas blinds using either rubbing alcohol, hydrogen peroxide cleaner, or a diluted bleach solution. Check the slat material first and test on a small spot before widespread use. After sanitizing, always wipe down with a clean damp cloth.

How should I clean greasy buildup on aluminum or metal blinds?

Use a microfiber cloth dampened with warm water and a small amount of gentle dish soap. Avoid harsh chemicals. Wipe away grease, then rinse with a cloth dampened with clean water to remove any soap residue. Thoroughly dry metal blinds when done.

What’s the best way to clean Hunter Douglas wood blinds?

Vacuum wood blinds first with the brush attachment. Then wipe down each slat using a clean microfiber cloth slightly dampened with water. Rub gently with the wood grain direction. Immediately dry wood slats with a clean towel to prevent water damage.

Can I use bleach to clean Hunter Douglas fabric blinds?

You can sanitize washable fabric blinds using a very diluted bleach solution (1 part bleach to 10 parts water). However, for colored fabrics, repeated bleach exposure may lead to fading over time. For routine cleaning, mild detergent and water is recommended for fabric blinds.

Should I take down the blinds when cleaning them?

For quick routine cleanings with a vacuum brush and microfiber cloth, cleaning the blinds while still hanging is fine. For periodic deep cleanings, removing allows better access to fully immerse and wash the blinds. Take care not to bend or crease the slats when removing.

Conclusion:

Cleaning Hunter Douglas blinds regularly with the right tools and methods keeps them looking like new for years longer. A quick monthly maintenance routine of vacuuming and wiping down slats takes just a few minutes but prevents dust and dirt from accumulating. Occasional deep cleaning revives dingy blinds to sparkling like new again. With this guide, you can easily clean all types of Hunter Douglas window blinds and maintain their good looks.

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