Cleaning Window Blinds

When you purchase a new home, you have several choices to make; among them are window treatments. While some people prefer drapes or curtains, others will choose window blinds or shades. Options for window blinds and shades range from wood blinds to solar screens and shutters and come in a variety of colors and/or stains.

While real wood window blinds are a great choice for just about any decor, they can be expensive. Faux wood blinds are a more affordable alternative and have the look and feel of real wood blinds. Woven wood shades can give your home a contemporary and natural look and are generally made from bamboo, grasses or matchsticks. For a more outdoor or colonial look, interior window shutters might be in order. Interior shutters are great for a dining area or home office, den or study.

The advanced technology of solar screens (also called solar shades) allow you to choose how much light you wish to allow into a room. Solar screens are not as versatile as other types of shades. You order them based on how much openness you want; this is a permanent part of the shade and cannot be adjusted. Another alternative, outdoor shades, can create a pleasant atmosphere for decks, sun rooms or patios and can reduce the cooling costs for your home. They offer you privacy while still allowing you to see out.

Window blinds have several advantages over drapes. They don't fade with prolonged exposure to the sun, nor do they wear out as easily. They can go with almost any decor, and you can find a price to fit your budget. Another great reason to choose blinds over drapes is cleaning. When your drapes get dirty, you have to send them out for dry cleaning or purchase or rent a steam cleaner to get the job done. Blinds can be dusted with a feather duster or upholstery duster attachment on your vacuum. If they are really dirty, you can take them down, throw them in the bathtub, rinse them and then re-hang them within a few hours with no cleaning or rental bills.

Pat Michael writes about faux wood blinds at nichematics.net/home_improvement/.

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