Cleaning plastic plantation blinds is best done by first removing loose dust and dirt dry, and then wiping down the surfaces with a slightly damp cloth, ensuring you dry them quickly afterward.
Step-by-Step Cleaning Process
Keeping your plastic plantation blinds clean helps maintain their appearance and extends their lifespan. The recommended approach, similar to cleaning vinyl shutters, involves two main stages: a dry clean followed by a light wet clean.
Step 1: Dry Cleaning
The initial step is crucial for removing surface dust, cobwebs, and loose debris without spreading it into a muddy mess.
- Tools: A dry cloth, microfibre cloth, or soft brush (like a feather duster or a blind-specific duster).
- Method:
- Close the blinds completely in one direction (either up or down) to create a flat surface.
- Starting from the top, gently wipe or brush across the slats, working your way down.
- Open the blinds and close them in the opposite direction, repeating the process on the other side of the slats.
- This method, as suggested for vinyl shutters, effectively collects the majority of loose dirt.
Step 2: Wet Cleaning
Once the loose dust is gone, you can tackle any remaining grime or marks.
- Tools: A slightly damp cloth or cleaning material.
- Cleaning Solution (Optional & Cautious): For stubborn marks, you might use a very mild soap solution (e.g., a drop of dish soap in water), but only use a small amount of water on the cloth. Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners, which can damage the plastic.
- Method:
- Ensure the cloth is damp, not soaking wet. Wring it out thoroughly.
- Wipe down the slats, following the grain if there is one, again working from top to bottom.
- Pay attention to areas with fingerprints or smudges.
- Remember the key advice from the reference: use only a small amount of water.
Step 3: Drying Quickly
This step is essential, especially when using any moisture, to prevent water spots or potential long-term issues with the material or mechanisms.
- Tools: A clean, dry cloth or microfibre cloth.
- Method:
- Immediately after wet cleaning a section, follow up with a dry cloth.
- Wipe down the slats to remove any residual moisture.
- Ensuring the shutters are dried quickly afterward is a critical part of the process.
Summary Table
Here's a quick look at the main steps:
| Step | Action | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Step 1 | Dry wipe/brush | Remove loose dust and debris |
| Step 2 | Wipe with slightly damp cloth | Clean remaining dirt/marks |
| Step 3 | Immediately dry with clean cloth | Prevent water spots/damage |
By following this method, starting dry and using a minimal amount of water for wet cleaning, you can effectively clean your plastic plantation blinds and keep them looking their best.
