How To Clean Zebra Blinds (And How Often You Should)

Zebra blinds bring the kind of stylish functionality that many modern homemakers crave. For starters, the zebra-style alternation between solid and sheer fabric looks great, and it comes in a variety of colors and material types. More than that, zebra blinds allow for an incredible degree of control over the amount of light that spills into your home. The only slight downside is that, like other blinds, they are prone to collecting dust, which means that every now and then, you need to clean them.

Generally speaking, the easiest way to clean your blinds is to break the process down into simple steps — and then make a point of performing them regularly. The first step is to dust them. You can do this with a variety of dusting tools, although a soft microfiber cloth or feather duster are usually the most gentle and effective. Work your way from top to bottom, which will help you to avoid driving dust deep into the fabric. In high-traffic zones, or in homes especially prone to dust, it can also be worth dusting with the brush attachment of your vacuum cleaner. This will help to remove deeper-seated dust particles and any other debris. 

With the dust duly cleared away, the second step is to check for stains and marks — especially in the kitchen. What's more, dust and grime can become trapped in the fabric and prove too stubborn for a simple duster or vacuum. For both stains and general cleaning, use mild detergent and warm water. For stains specifically, use a damp cloth to blot them away, before drying with a fresh towel. For general cleaning, simply wipe a damp cloth or sponge gently over the stripes, ensuring that you clean the front and rear of the fabric.

Starting with how often you should be cleaning your zebra blinds, it depends, to an extent, on the room. Dusting your blinds once a week will help to prevent large build-ups of dust and debris from settling into the fabric. 

For "wet cleans," things are slightly more "fluid." Typically, a damp wipe every three to six months will help to keep your zebra blinds in fine fettle. However, if you notice stains, then they should be treated as soon as possible. It's also worth bearing in mind that some rooms are harder on soft furnishings like blinds than others. For example, in the kitchen, you may need to clean them once every two to four weeks to prevent greasy build-ups. Similarly, in the bathroom, a monthly clean (and dry) can ensure moisture build-ups don't cause the fabric to molder. 

However often you find yourself needing to clean your zebra blinds, try to avoid being too hard on the fabrics. For example, if you use your vacuum cleaner without the brush attachment, you may find that you accidentally "suck up" the fabric, causing it to deform. Even if you use the brush attachment, you should still support the fabric from behind to ensure that it doesn't crumple while you clean. As for stain removal, it's always best to stick with mild detergents. Certainly, you should avoid using bleach to clean your blinds, as you could end up permanently damaging the fabric. You should also avoid submerging the blinds in water, as this could damage internal mechanisms and render your blinds ineffective.