Bamboo blinds and shades have the advantage of looking great even when they get old. Nonetheless, preserving them as new for a long time asks for periodical cleaning. If dusting is done regularly, at 4-5 days intervals, washing the blinds more often than once a year won’t be necessary if you live in a dry weather climate. Dusting can be done with a clean, soft cloth or with a special duster which attracts the dust and dirt particles even from between the slats, where a simple cloth can’t reach. Vacuuming them once a week is also good for preventing dirt accumulation, but this should be done carefully, using the brush head, so you avoid scratching the window blinds.

Is It Safe To Wash Bamboo Blinds?

Unlike regular wood blinds, which can’t be washed, bamboo blinds can be safely washed. Bamboo, rattan and wicker are wood essences that love water, therefore furniture and home accessories made of them are easy to maintain and to clean. Bamboo rugs and window treatments are easy to get cleaned by immersing them in warm water with soap and gently rubbing them with a sponge. Before rubbing, let the blinds sit in water for several minutes, so dirt gets soaked and becomes easy to remove. Rinsing is a very important operation, so it should be performed thoroughly, for multiple times, until the water runs clean. If dirt residues and soap aren’t washed away, the bamboo blinds will soon start to develop a funny smell, so you’ll have to wash them again. The best method for rinsing the blinds is to press them against a tile wall and use the shower set on high pressure, starting from the top of the blind to the bottom, until you see the water coming out clear, with no dirt or soap bubbles. Repeat the procedure on both sides of the blinds. When you’re done, hang the blinds in a well-ventilated place to get dry. During hot, sunny days, drying shouldn’t take more than 30-45 minutes. If there’s also some wind blowing, it could take even less.

Removing Mold From Bamboo Blinds

People who live in humid areas should pay a special attention, as woven blinds and shades may easily develop mold and mildew, which are dangerous for health, therefore should be removed as soon as they are spotted. This applies also for bamboo blinds that are installed in wet rooms such as bathroom or kitchen. Washing mold and mildew away from the blinds can be done with soap and water, just as described above. In case of stubborn molds, bicarbonate soda or vinegar added in the water may increase cleaning efficiency. Additionally, treating the blinds with a fungicide will help preventing re-apparition of mold.