If you want to give your home a warm, rustic appeal, start with real wood window blinds. Not only are they practical in that they block sunlight and add privacy, but they'll also add plenty of aesthetic value as well.
When searching for the best window coverings for your house, you can't go wrong with blinds. They come in a wide variety of price ranges and styles, such as basic slats or accordion, and can be customized to fit any window size. If you have traditional windows, you'll be able to find blinds to accommodate them at almost any home goods retailer. For smaller- or larger-than-average-size windows, you may have to have them custom fit.
Window blinds are available in several different materials, such as budget-friendly vinyl and casually elegant-looking wood. Real wood blinds are typically constructed of oak, maple, walnut, or cherry and come in both corded and cordless varieties. If you have children, cordless blinds are the safer option.
While you can purchase realistic-looking faux wood blinds, they may not match the long-lasting durability of their natural wood counterparts. Authentic wood blinds just a need a bit more TLC to look and perform their best for as long as possible.
Here are some tips for maintaining your wood window coverings:
1. Dust the Blinds
On either a daily or weekly basis, depending on how active your home is, dust your wood blinds with either a feather duster or microfiber cloth. As another option, you can remove dirt and debris, such as pet dander, using a soft cloth and a cleaner made specifically for use on wood.
Dusting your blinds on a regular basis will prevent unsightly debris from building up and may even reduce household allergies. For tall windows, use a duster with a long or expandable handle.
2. Deep Clean the Blinds
At least twice a year, such as during the spring and fall, give the wood blinds a deep cleaning. This will remove any stubborn grime, such as greasy fingerprints or car exhaust. Deep cleanings are especially important on kitchen windows, where grease can build up, and on windows that you frequently have open.
Add a few drops of a gentle dishwashing liquid to a bowl of warm water, dip a soft cloth into it, and then wipe down the blind, working from one end to the other. For extra cleaning power, you can add a bit of distilled white vinegar to the mixture.
