In our busy lives of the modern world, between juggling our work, family and social life (and very often a side hustle), time needs to be used wisely, and stretched to its greatest capacity. Imagine if you could stretch time to fit more into your day. Well, it is possible, by making better use of it. One way is to work smarter, not harder.

It means simplifying the procedures that are required to steer your life in the direction you want to go, so you have more time to enjoy the view along the way. One way to do this in your home is to reduce the amount of time you spend maintaining the place by choosing household fixtures that are easy to maintain. We’ve compiled a helpful list of a few window treatments that require the least cleaning, but still look fantastic.

Vertical Blinds

The hands-down easiest blinds to clean, by the consensus of our peers and networks, are the vertical blinds, with extra points if they are vinyl. Unlike horizontal blinds, vertical blinds do not gather as much dust, as there is nowhere for the dust to settle. The vinyl finish is one of the easiest to maintain as it only needs dust now and then, with a feather duster, to keep it looking fresh and clean. For a stubborn stain if some sticky liquid has been spilt on them, a bit of water with a little soap in it and a soft cloth would do the trick.

Fabric vertical blinds are also considered to be an excellent low-maintenance window treatment, as they can be removed easily for cleaning and only need to be spot-cleaned or given a little dust with a lint roller.

Roller Blinds

Another seriously easy blind to clean is the roller blind, which comes in a variety of different fabrics. As you can imagine, the fabric that it is made of will determine the amount of cleaning that it might require. For example, a vinyl or waterproof roller blind is going to be a lot easier to clean than a more delicate fabric such as satin or silk. Refer to your blinds manufacturing instructions for the cleaning information or give us a call at Blind Concepts if you need some help.

Cellular Shades

The third easiest style of blind to keep clean is the cellular shades, which are even doubly awesome as they also assist you with keeping the heat in during winter and the cool in during summer. They also allow natural light into the room, while also maintaining your privacy, so it’s a win all around with these window treatments, which only need regular dust with a feather duster or microfibre cloth.

Blinds are an important part of your home décor, not only creating privacy from the curious eyes of people passing by, they also set the tone of your home. Similar to the frame for the rooms of the house, the quality and condition of the blinds can make a huge difference as to how the room feels.

Many people might think that the key to maintaining the brilliance of your blinds is all about how well you clean them, when doing your yearly spring cleaning. The truth is that keeping your blinds looking brilliant is all about weekly/or at least regular dusting and maintaining, to avoid any build up.

When dust is left on things it can gradually deteriorate their finish, which over time will affect the quality of the materials and cause them to look a bit drab. The manufacturer will likely provide you with some information specific to your blinds, so be sure to follow the instructions for cleaning and maintenance.

Follow our Blind Concepts tips for keeping your blinds looking as brilliant every day, as the day they were installed:

Say Goodbye to Dust

If you stay on top of regular dusting it is likely that your blinds will maintain their brilliance very easily, and you won’t need to pull out the soap and water. Depending on what blinds you have in your home, there is a variety of different options for keeping them dust free. A vacuum cleaner with a brush fitting, or a feather duster or a dusting cloth will assist you with removing the dust before it has set in. You will likely be able to dust them while they are still hanging. Be sure to turn them both ways so you can dust both front, and back.

Gently Wipe Away Stubborn Dirt

If it has been a little while since you have dusted, and you have vacuumed the blinds and noticed that there is built up dust and grime that hasn’t moved, you will likely need to use a little bit more ‘elbow grease’. Different types of blinds will require a different method. If they are wood blinds you might want to use a soft cloth with furniture polish to wipe them, both sides. For plastic or metal blinds, you may need soapy water. Be sure to wring out the cloth to avoid putting too much water, and then wipe them gently on both sides. Leave them open to dry.

Restoring Their Former Glory

If your blinds are heavily soiled you might need to take them down to give them a good cleaning with soap and water. Alternatively, we offer an ultrasonic cleaning method for that deeply ingrained dust and dirt, which minimises the use of chemicals and restores the brilliance of your blinds. If all else fails, at Blind Concepts we offer a service to repair and replace parts of the blinds to restore them to their former glory, without needing to replace them completely.

Most of us are guilty of shopping without a list and buying items we already have because we didn’t check the pantry or cupboards first. With consumer prices rising on almost every supermarket item, savvy householders are looking for any opportunity to save money because these purchases can be a drain on the budget. So, how often have you doubled up on cleaning supplies just in case you run out?

Start with the Household Vacuum Cleaner

Of course, there are some cleaning jobs that need specialised products, but where your window blinds are concerned, most blind materials can be cleaned using supplies that you will already have around the house. Most households have a vacuum cleaner with a brush head attachment. Before you do anything else, run this over the blinds to remove excess dust, dirt and pet hair. It might be all they need.

No Harsh Chemicals Needed

For roller blinds that still have some stains on the fabric, no harsh chemicals are needed. Fully extend the blind and then soak a cleaning cloth in water containing a small amount of dishwashing liquid. Gently remove any remaining dirt or stains without vigorous rubbing. Keep the blind extended until completely dry to prevent mould growth.

A Practical Use for Old Socks

Waterproof venetian blinds such as aluminium, PVC and faux timber respond well to the vacuum cleaner treatment, but some stains may still remain. First, dampen an old sock with water, put it over your hand then draw it along each individual slat. Rinse the sock in water when soiled then repeat until all the slats have been cleaned.

Trapped in a Honeycomb

Honeycomb blinds have become very popular, which is understandable given their elegant looks and insulating qualities. However, they can be difficult to clean. The brush head vacuum cleaner may remove most dust, but some can be trapped within the unique structure. Set a common hairdryer on the “cool” setting and blow those pesky bugs and dust out of the crevices.

These suggestions will make your cleaning routine easier. However, there will come a time for a professional clean to keep them looking as good as new. At Blind Concepts we offer our ultrasonic cleaning method, which uses minimal amounts of biodegradable detergent.

Coupled with high frequency sound waves, this cleaning method removes grime and stains without any abrasive rubbing. As a result, it is kind to the blinds, the environment and the budget, as it will extend the life of your window blinds.

Every householder has their own approach to the way they keep their living environment. Some take the “place for everything and everything in its place” approach and clean daily, others are more relaxed and do a clean and tidy once a week and some never quite get around to cleaning up at all.

Regardless of whatever cleaning style you follow, your window blinds eventually will look dull and shabby. This detracts from the overall appearance of your dwelling, and the dust, grime and possibly mould covering the blind surfaces could cause lung related health issues.

Different types of blinds need different cleaning methods, but all will benefit from first running the vacuum cleaner with brush attachment over the surfaces.

Cleaning Venetian Blinds

Venetian blinds made of vinyl or aluminium can be cleaned while still on the window, but if a deep clean is needed, take them down and spread outside on a clean plastic sheet. Clean gently with a non-abrasive sponge and soapy water, then wipe clean with a soft cloth. Take care with wooden venetians as too much water may cause the slats to warp.

Roller Blinds Look Great After Cleaning

Leave vinyl roller blinds on the window fully extended then clean in the same way as the venetians. Fabric roller blinds may need to be taken down to clean them. Submerge them in a mild detergent and water mix in the bathtub, leave to soak for an hour and then go over them with a cleaning brush to remove all dirt and stains. Empty the bath and refill with clean water to rinse the fabric and hang out to dry. Do not roll them up damp as this will cause mould.

Vertical Blinds Respond Well to Cleaning

Fabric vertical blinds can also be cleaned on the window. After removing dust with the vacuum cleaner, spot clean any stains with a spray solution recommended specifically for the type of fabric. Machine washing is not recommended as it may damage the fabric.

Vinyl verticals can be cleaned in the same way as vinyl venetians, but if a deep clean is needed, remove the blades, lay them on a smooth, even surface and wipe over with a clean cloth, spot clean with soap and water then wipe dry.

For busy people with no time to spare this may seem like too much work. Luckily, our cleaning process here at Blind Concepts is the perfect solution. Our team will take your blinds to our workshop and by using our environmentally friendly ultrasonic cleaning method your blinds will be thoroughly cleaned and returned to you ready to re-hang. Leave the hard work to us.

We should all be aware by now that our climate is changing faster than predicted and as a result, householders are making their own decisions regarding the liveability of their properties. Rooftop solar panels continue to be installed across the country to lessen dependence on coal-fired power generation, and consumers are aware of their ability to influence change with their purchasing decisions.

Materials and Insulation – Two Options for Sustainability

For example, sustainability can be applied to major projects or to buying new window dressing for the home. In the latter example, there are two ways that a consumer can have an impact when searching for environmentally responsible blinds and curtains. Firstly, these products are now available in sustainably produced materials and secondly, these materials can also be effective, energy saving insulators.

Reduce Energy and Transport Costs by Buying Locally

Mounting blinds within the window frames is ideal for effective insulation, which saves on energy. Finding a supplier offering blinds in quality fabrics that meet GreenGuard international standards is one option for practicing sustainability. Another is to source locally manufactured goods rather than imported ones. This reduces freight and fuel costs and stimulates the local economy.

Spare Parts Available for Locally Made Blinds

Low-cost blinds damage the environment by ending up in landfill within a couple of years because they are easily damaged and need replacing. Locally made blinds offer ready access to a range of spare parts and many local companies are able to repair broken blinds and extend their useful life.

Insulated Curtains Save on Energy Costs

Along with double glazing, carefully chosen curtains can reduce the loss of heating energy by 40% in winter and prevent almost 80% of heat entering the building during summer. Curtain materials with insulation backing have been available for some time, but they lose much of their effectiveness unless they are installed properly.

Take Care When Installing for Best Results

For optimum insulation in cool climates, curtains should just touch the floor, touch the wall on either side and have a pelmet at the top. Modern pelmets are visually attractive and non-intrusive, and made from a range of timber, recycled plastic and other sustainable materials. They reduce the likelihood of the rising heat being drawn down between the curtain and the window, cooling the space and creating condensation.

Keeping your window dressings clean and free of dust and bacteria is another easy way to practice sustainability. At Blind Concepts, we have been in the business of cleaning blinds long enough to know that regular cleaning extends the life of window dressings. By using our ultrasonic cleaning process, you are keeping blinds out of landfill that will still have a useable life.

As the frequency and severity of natural disasters increases across the globe, the move towards more sustainable choices in all aspects of life is also increasing. In various industries as well as personal services, medical, research, education and every other human activity, changes are happening to create an eco-friendly environment.

A Green Lifestyle is Possible

These changes extend to the products used to outfit our homes and other buildings, including the window treatments. We cover our windows with blinds and curtains, not only for aesthetic appeal and privacy, but also to insulate the rooms against both heat and cold. This reduces energy usage and assists in the transition to a green lifestyle.

Consciously Choose Window Blinds that Insulate

There are some styles of window blinds that are noted for their insulation abilities. When correctly sized and installed, such blinds trap a layer of still air between the fabric and the window surface. Roman blinds, for example, are effective at controlling, heat, light and sound. Honeycomb or cellular blinds, so-called because they are made of individual cells combined together, allow air to filter through the cells to provide effective, natural insulation.

Eco-Friendly Materials Available

Buying new window blinds is the perfect opportunity to demonstrate commitment to a green lifestyle by choosing designs made from eco-friendly materials. Some of the options available include bamboo, timber from sustainable plantations and natural fibres such as hemp and organic cotton. They are also available in a wide range of styles, colours and patterns. The sustainability bonus is that some of them are also recyclable.

Natural Fabrics are Elegant, Versatile and Practical

Bamboo can be used to make roman, roller and moving panel blinds and is the perfect material for a classic, timeless look. This amazing natural fabric is versatile, very flexible and well suited to a range of decors. Linen is another natural fabric that has stood the test of time. It has been used for centuries, and when used to make window blinds, it is noted for the elegance that it brings to a room. Timber blinds from sustainable sources are also versatile, available in various styles and colours and can be recycled when required.

Even Cleaning can be Eco-Friendly

All window blinds eventually need cleaning, and it is surprising how much longer your blinds will last if you have them professionally cleaned. Here at Blind Concepts, our contribution to an eco-friendly world is our ultrasonic cleaning process. This method uses high frequency sound waves combined with very small quantities of chemicals and water to remove embedded dirt, dust, grime and bacteria. Your blinds will look like new again with little impact on the environment.

Getting the right window treatment for any environment, whether it be an office building or a home, is an important decision and one that, done well, not only unifies the décor, but also affects the liveability of the premises. Choices include shutters, blinds, and curtains, with many variations available depending on current trends.

Blinds are Perfect for Versatility

Blinds in both office and residential settings are a popular choice, as they have some qualities in common. In the home, blinds may be required to give residents privacy from prying neighbours, to screen out noise from a busy street, and to control the amount of light that enters, both day and night.

Plenty of Styles to Choose From

In this situation, the style of blinds chosen could include Venetians, Hollands, roller blinds, verticals, or roman blinds. Some of these are more suitable for high traffic areas like kitchens and bathrooms. Roller blinds, for example, are perfect for a home where there are young children and pets as they are easy to adjust for light and shade, and easy to clean.

Blinds in a home can be used by themselves or in conjunction with curtains, usually in more formal areas such as a lounge/dining space or even bedrooms. The addition of curtains adds extra privacy protection and is an opportunity to include more texture and colour to the ambiance of the room.

Screen Glare a Nuisance

In an office situation, similar to a home, blinds are used to control light and shade, and to create a peaceful and inviting space for staff and customers. However, there are several other important considerations. Too much light entering an office space is disruptive for staff using screens, so office blinds are essential to minimise screen glare.

Energy Savings and Protection for Office Furniture

Correctly fitted commercial blinds save on energy costs as the blinds insulate the windows, reducing the amount of both heat and cold that enters the building. Air conditioning units are then more efficient, saving money. Office furniture and fittings are expensive, so with less sunlight entering, these items will be protected from fading over time.

Regular Vacuuming will Keep Blinds Clean

Blinds in both office and home settings are also easier to keep clean than curtains, which tend to attract more dust than blinds. A cleaning schedule, where vacuuming the blinds is included regularly, will keep them dust and pollution free for some time before they need to be taken down and thoroughly cleaned.

Our ultrasonic cleaning process at Blind Concepts gets into every nook and cranny of your blinds, whatever style they are, and removes dust, grime, and bacteria. We also repair damaged blinds to near-new condition, saving money for both householders and businesses.

Most householders would agree that they choose their furnishings and accessories to create a comfortable and inviting living space. These are moved around or replaced often to keep the overall look fresh, but this usually does not happen with their window treatments. They are more permanent parts of interior design, so they tend to become background features.

Busy People Don’t Have Time to Clean Blinds

When it becomes obvious that the blinds need cleaning, some people tackle the task themselves. However, others ignore the problem because they are busy with work and other responsibilities and avoid looking at the blinds when they get home. Unfortunately, this only avoids the problem when the solution is to have them professionally cleaned.

Clean Blinds Prevent Illness

Apart from the fresh look of clean blinds, there are several other reasons for handing them over to experts. One of the most important motives is to prevent illness in household members and visitors. Blinds attract dirt and dust, and if they are not cleaned regularly, the pollutants and allergens in the dust are released back into the air. Dust attracts microscopic creatures called dust mites, which multiply quickly and cannot be seen by the human eye.

Dust Mites and Bacteria Love Dirty Blinds

Allergy flare-ups and asthma attacks increase in interiors where dust is allowed to settle and where dust mites breed. This dust, especially in humid conditions, then gets damp and over time, becomes hard grime that settles into any small crevice. Bacteria can develop in this grime and cause illness, especially in people with underlying health conditions.

Dirty Blinds Deteriorate in Quality

There are sound financial reasons to hand blind cleaning over to professionals. Blinds and curtains are an expensive investment, and to get the best return, they should be kept clean. Dirty window treatments not only detract from the value of the home but also deteriorate in quality. This means they need to be replaced more often, costing the homeowner considerable time and expense.

Professional Cleaners Use the Right Products and Methods

Finally, professional cleaners have a wide range of processes, tools, and cleaning products available to them. They know which of these should be used for the many different materials now available in the production of window blinds. It is not unusual for a householder to use the wrong method or cleaner on a window blind, causing expensive and irreversible damage.

Here at Blind Concepts, we have a team of people fully trained and experienced in the use of our ultrasonic cleaning system. This method removes all hard to remove dirt, stains, grease, bacteria, and grime from window blinds, restoring their quality and sparkle. We also offer a repair service for blinds that need a little more attention. Call us for a free quote.

Trends in interior design are no different from fashion trends in clothing. They both become the “in thing” for a time, with demand for certain shapes, colours and textures desired to the exclusion of all others. However, trends are transient. We become bored with what was once new and exciting, and it becomes tired and uninteresting. This prompts us to look for something else.

Blinds need to be Resilient in our Harsh Climate

This applies just as much to curtains and blinds as it does to furnishings. However, blinds have the advantage of having a more permanent presence than curtains, probably because they are much more resilient. Our climate is harsh, so our window treatments need to withstand extreme weather events, but at the same time, be stylish and attractive.

Current Buying Guides Highlight What is Popular This Year

There are different styles of blinds, some more popular than others. It is also interesting that some of our most favoured types of blinds, such as the Venetian, have been around for hundreds of years. This year, current buying guides used by interior designers have flagged several styles as being the “must haves” for the modern dwelling.

Venetians on Top of the List Again

It is no surprise that, even after hundreds of years, Venetian blinds are still the most popular. The original idea is still practical, featuring a number of horizontal slats joined by cords or strips of cloth.

This arrangement is so versatile that just by changing the width of the slats, and using different materials such as timber, plastic, and UV-resistant fabrics, all now available in an array of colours, this style reinvents itself every season.

Vertical and Romans Still Loved

Vertical blinds are still on the current style list, and although less popular now for formal settings like lounge rooms, they are the perfect product for large windows and even larger patio doors. Roman blinds are still popular, and available in various materials and colours as well as linings to suit different temperature zones.

What’s not to like about Roller Blinds?

Roller blinds never go out of fashion, especially if your budget for window dressings is limited. The basic models are perfect for wet areas, but these days, the more stylish up-market styles feature valances that hide the roller mechanisms, as well as double blinds which are installed on the same bracket and feature block-out and UV-resistant capabilities, in a range of materials and colours.

These are just a few of the choices available this year, but no matter how good they look when they are new, eventually they will need cleaning or repairs to keep that sparkle. Here at Blind Concepts, we are professionals at cleaning different types of blinds. Our ultrasonic cleaning method will gently remove dirt, stains and bacteria. Don’t trust your precious blinds to anyone else.

There are many tasks that as householders, we all perform regularly, and some of them we look forward to as we test our skills at gourmet cooking, painting and gardening, to name a few. Cleaning our blinds is most likely not one of these tasks, so most of us avoid it for as long as possible. As a result, when we do start cleaning, it is hard work to remove the built-up dust and grime.

Ever Considered Using a Professional to Clean Your Blinds?

Many householders with busy lives think nothing of paying service providers to mow lawns, tidy gardens, wash windows, clean carpets and do other common household tasks. Why, then, when it comes to our blinds, do we immediately assume that the only way to get them clean is to do the job ourselves? Is it just that we have never previously considered having them professionally cleaned?

The Job is Bigger than What You Think

There are a few compelling arguments against DIY blind cleaning. First, there is the magnitude of the task. The average four-bedroom home could have up to twenty windows as well as sliding doors. Various blind styles could include Venetians, roller blinds, verticals, Roman blinds and others in different materials and fabrics. This could take a householder not hours, but days.

If You DIY, Are you happy with the result?

Second, is that the effectiveness of the cleaning methods used and that the possibility of using the wrong cleaner could ruin the entire look of the blinds. For badly soiled blinds the usual combination of warm water and household detergent will get them partially clean but may not remove the grime embedded in tight spaces. To get a poor result after hours of hard work is neither cost-effective nor efficient.

At Blind Concepts , we offer a comprehensive professional blind cleaning services that uses the latest ultrasonic technology. This cleaning method is both environmentally responsible and gentle on blinds, as there is no hard scrubbing involved. Instead, high frequency sound waves create millions of tiny bubbles that gently remove all the dirt, grease and grime as well as the bacteria living there.

Think About Your Own Safety

A final important argument when comparing professional cleaning with do-it-yourself is your safety as the DIY householder. Considering variables such as your age, health and fitness levels as well as the suitability of the equipment you are using, such as a step ladder that has been in the garage for years, your task could be described as hazardous.

In a workplace, a risk assessment would be required for this job, the hazards assessed, and a safe system of work put in place to protect anyone required to clean the blinds. A professional cleaning service would already have this in place but a householder most likely would not. Now which option would you prefer?