Blinds – those silent witnesses to the daily weather drama – look like they survived the last apocalypse after the heating season. A layer of tar, a layer of soot, and in between some greasy residue that disappeared from your neighbor's chimney. But don't panic! Let's use the knowledge from the world of oven cleaning – you know, those stubborn baked-on grease – and transfer it to our blinds. All with nature, health and a beautiful spring view through clean windows in mind. To even cleaner outdoor blinds. So - spring cleaning of outdoor blinds!
Cleaning exterior blinds? Because we can. And because we don't need teary eyes and elbow-length gloves to clean something. Natural remedies like baking soda and vinegar work without the lab smell, but with an effect that would make any professional cleaning service the envy of. And they're cheaper than most of the hand creams we usually need after such cleaning expeditions.
Cleaning Exterior Blinds – Ingredients Your Grandma Already Knows:
- Baking soda – your gentle but persistent fighter With its fine texture, it's perfect for removing that greasy, sticky layer that remains on blinds after winter. It binds to dirt without damaging them - PVC and aluminum love it. Mix it with some water into a stronger mixture and you have an effective cleaning tool.
- White vinegar – a natural degreaser and disinfectant If you thought vinegar was just for salad dressing, you're in for a surprise. Diluted 1:1 with water, it dissolves oily residue and has antibacterial properties. Great for surfaces that have been bathed in smoke and moisture over the winter.
Important note: never together!
Although it sounds like a great duo, vinegar and baking soda together create CO2 – so foam and lots of fun, but little useful effect. That’s why we use them separately: baking soda for dirt removal, vinegar for disinfection and shine.
Process: like a mini spa treatment for your blinds
- Pre-preparation: First, remove dust and larger particles – a soft brush or vacuum cleaner can be your first assistants.
- Attacking stains with baking soda: A strong mixture of baking soda and water goes on the dirtiest parts. Leave it for 15 minutes, then gently rub and rinse.
- Refreshment with vinegar: Spray a vinegar solution, wipe with a cloth or – even better – with an old cotton sock put on your hand. This way you can reach those secret corners.
- Rinsing and drying: Rinse everything with clean water and let it shine naturally. You can use a handy high-pressure cleaner that could also be used to clean the bike.
Technological addition: mini Kärcher OC3
For anyone who wants extra power without the extra drama. This handy device with a built-in tank and portable design lets you do a job that used to take half a Saturday in minutes. 166 euros – purchase via this link!
#BONUS advice for fathers of families – car cosmetics
If you think car shampoos and waxes are only reserved for sedans and SUVs, then it's high time you pampered your exterior blinds with the same dedication. Why should only your bodywork be shiny when the same glamour can be experienced by your blinds? Let us show you how automotive cleaning science gives blinds a second youth. Why car blind cleaners? Because they are made for extreme conditions: heat, cold, salt, tar, insects and everything in between. Exterior blinds have just as hard a life as the average car, so they deserve the same care. Car shampoos are designed to dissolve grease and dust particles without damaging the delicate surfaces. The material of the blinds is also varnished with varnishes that are quite similar to those of cars, so they can be cared for in a similar way.
What to use? Cleaning exterior blinds!
1. Car shampoo with wax This isn't just a shampoo, it's a shampoo with a finishing touch. It cleans, protects and leaves a water-repellent film that will make your blinds look polished. Mix it with water, apply with a sponge or soft cloth, rinse and watch the water just slide off.
2. Engine degreaser For those stubborn stains that have stuck like bad decisions in the past. Engine degreaser is brutal, so use it locally and carefully. Apply, leave for a few minutes, then rinse thoroughly. You can use this as early as the first stage.
3. Flying rust remover If your blinds are metal and tiny brown spots have appeared, you are dealing with “flying rust.” Automotive rust removers are made specifically for this. Apply, let it work, then wipe off.
4. Car wax Once the blinds are clean and dry, apply a layer of wax for extra protection. It prevents new dirt from accumulating and makes the next cleaning easier.
Steps to shine
- Pre-clean with water to remove dust and sand.
- Apply car shampoo with wax, rinse.
- Local treatment with degreaser and/or rust remover.
- Thorough rinsing with water (you can also use a portable high-pressure cleaner).
- Drying and applying car wax.
Ending tip
Use soft microfiber cloths, gloves, and a lot of good will. And here's another thing: after such a treatment, your blinds will look at you with more gratitude than your car. You can also use an ingredient – such as a dishwashing tablet – but be careful, as this cleaner is very aggressive.
Conclusion
If we can clean our ovens naturally, why not our blinds? Stubborn stains, soot, and tar are no longer an excuse to leave our windows looking “film noir.” With the right tools, a little know-how, and a touch of humor, every spring day can start with a view through clean windows – no chemicals, no worries.
