The Easy Way To Make Dingy, Yellowed Window Blinds Look Brand New Again

While ideal for filtering sunlight and providing privacy, window blinds aren't exactly cheap. Outfitting your home with them can cost anywhere from hundreds to thousands of dollars, depending on the number of windows and the blinds you choose. If you've noticed that your once-white blinds have turned a shade of yellow, the high costs might make you reluctant to replace them. While there are some affordable blinds on Amazon that are actually worth buying, you can try to restore the ones you already have with a simple bleach bath.

UV damage is one of the leading causes of yellowing blinds. It may take a while, but over the span of several years, the sun can break down the blinds' protective coating, resulting in a dingy yellow color. Another reason for discoloration? Indoor pollutants such as tobacco smoke or a build-up of grime. Bleaching your blinds is an inexpensive and easy way to whiten them. However, it's only appropriate for plastic and aluminum blinds; avoid this method on wooden blinds, as it may cause damage.

To bleach your blinds, give them a thorough dusting so that you don't end up with excess dirt in your bathtub. Then, fill your tub with enough cold water to cover the blinds and add 2 to 3 cups of chlorine bleach (reminder: always follow the crucial precautions to take before cleaning your home with bleach). Allow the blinds to soak in the bleach solution for ten minutes. Next, put on a pair of rubber gloves, drain the bathtub, and wipe down each slat with a sponge or cloth before giving the blinds a good rinse. Air dry or dry with a towel before putting them back in the window. To maintain your blinds, dust them weekly and give them a deep clean about four times per year.

Work in batches if you have several sets of blinds to whiten. It's smart to try this method on only one blind at first to ensure it doesn't cause damage. It's also important to check the manual for your blinds before cleaning so you don't do anything to void the warranty. If, after bleaching your blinds they still look dingy, it's time to replace them. If you haven't purchased blinds for several years, there are many options, including ones with more advanced UV-resistant coatings to prevent fading. For windows near cooking areas, you might want to try easy-to-clean roller blinds which are great for kitchens, so you don't have to worry about scrubbing grease from individual slats.