Caring for your blinds is not a process that begins only after the blinds are installed. You need to be aware that installation care is as important as maintenance. While modern innovations in blind technology has helped reduce the static cling in finishes and use of materials that have stain fighting abilities in blinds has made the process of post installation care for your blinds a breeze, a wrongly installed blind can reduce the life of the blind. Caring for your blinds, must begin even before you get them installed.

While buying your blinds make sure that the instruction manual for installing the blind comes with it, or down load it from Made To Measure Blinds manufacturer's website. Follow the instructions carefully or ensure that you follow the instructions while installing the blinds. The instruction manual should also be the first point of reference when you take down the installation and move home. A badly packed blind can be damaged in transit.

Does that seem like a lot of work? Well you should not baulk at it. Common sense and good practices should ensure that the life of your blinds is prolonged. Awareness of the general and specific care instructions for your type of blind will help you maintain them effectively.

A pleated blind is actually a single layer of material that is pressed into crisp pleats to produce an accordion like look and feel. Usually the fabric is 100% polyester with a scotch-guard coating. It is fitted to a head-rail at the top and there are mounting brackets attached. At the bottom of the blind you will find a rail which is intended to weigh down the blind and also ease the process of lifting and lowering the blind. You will also find that the pleated blind has two cord strings that are threaded through the pleats and can be used for lifting and lowering the blind. The heavy duty cord lock mechanism connected to the head-rail helps anchor the blind at desired heights.

To clean the blind post installation all you need to do is release the cord lock, pull the cord forward to lower the blind. Then dust it with a dry duster lightly or blow the dust off the blind using the blower of a hair dryer or vacuum cleaner. If the blind has a darkening fabric it is best not to use a magnetic cleaner like a dust mitt on these blinds as the darkening fabric can get damaged. Do not press the pleats as that can damage the shape of the blind. If the blinds are stained, you can clean the stains using a damp sponge and mild detergent after laying them flat on the table. Put up the blinds immediately so that the pleats retain their shape.

Some pleated blinds allow immersion in water and gently cleaning with mild detergent. You will have to check with the manufacturers cleaning instructions before you put your blind into the tub. If you blind is of the variety that can be dipped in the tub and cleaned, make sure that you follow the instructions carefully. Normally, you will be instructed to dip the shade in lukewarm water with mild detergent and you will be required to wash the blind gently moving your fingers over the surface. You will then rinse the shade with clear water and to fold it before you remove it from the tub. Then hold the rails till the excess water is drained. You must immediately reinstall the damp shade completely lowered to preserve the press of the pleats.

Make sure, the cords and chains of the pleated blind are kept out of reach of children.

Wooden blinds are generally made of Cedar, Basswood, hardwood or foam-wood or a selection of lacquered, oiled or painted handcrafted wood.

Silicone based cleaning products can damage the blind. Real wooden blinds should not be cleaned with water. These blinds should be dusted with a soft, clean cloth after the blind has been lowered down to its full length. If the blind has slats, tilt the slats while dusting. You can also vacuum clean them with the brush attachment or using a blow dryer with the setting at non-heat. If you plan to use electrostatic dusting cloth to clean the blinds, you must ensure that the fibre from the cloth do not stick to the wood grains and cause splintering of the wood.

The finish of the wood blinds can be maintained by periodically treating them with lemon oil or any other wood preservative. Oil finished timber shades should be oiled at least once in twelve months. Faux wooden blinds can be spot cleaned using lukewarm water and mild detergent. If the slats are removable, you can remove the slats and clean them thoroughly using a duster. Furniture polish can also be used to polish them. Professional ultrasonic cleaning of wood blinds must not be attempted and is not recommended.

Reverse titling of slats may be useful to even the fading process that occurs due to the effect of sunlight on these blinds. Open the slats out while lifting or lowering the blinds. Support the lower rail of the blind while lifting or lowering the blind.

Vertical blinds have easy to use controls that can rotate individual slats 180 degrees. This makes it easy to clean and maintain. If you want to lengthen the life of your vertical blinds, change the direction of your blinds every week. This will help minimize the effect of sunlight on the blinds. Before operating the blind, tilt the blade to fully open and then move the blind across the window. The drape of the blind will have to be preserved by ensuring that no items placed next them spoil the fall or shape of the individual slats.

Spills on the blind slats cannot be cleaned with water and it would be in your interest to check your instruction manual before cleaning such spills. Solvent cleaners are likely to damage the blinds. Oil based lubricants should not be used on the track under any circumstances.

Venetian blinds made of aluminium are functional and enduring. They are easy to care for and clean. Do not push your hands through the slats to open windows. Lift the blind before attempting it. Do not use harsh abrasive or solvent based chemicals to clean the blinds. A simple clean antistatic duster will make sure your blinds are clean. Use water with mild soap to clean grease stains. Dry the blind thoroughly before hanging them up.

Woven blinds and Roman blinds can be cleaned using a clean duster or the brush attachment of a vacuum cleaner. If they have been stained or marked, they can be cleaned use mild soap and water and spot clean them.

Whatever the type of blind you are using; please ensure that you have the care instructions manual that comes with it in your possession. Read the instructions carefully and follow them. In case of doubt call up the manufacturers or visit their website to learn the procedure and the do's and don'ts of maintaining and caring for your blinds. Do not attempt anything that can permanently damage your blinds.