Like most renters, I have vertical blinds everywhere in my home. Where I live (near a beach), putting up curtains would mean way too much dirt and dust.
I clean my blinds bi-weekly with microfiber cloths. This area with a nearby airport is extremely dusty. A dust that depending on the weather can look like a car engine's dirt. I assumed using my vinegar and water with microfiber was the best way to keep as much out as possible. Keeping them clean is much easier than dealing with build up.
As you can imagine, this can be time consuming work. I have discovered a way to cut the time in half - using water only one time a week and taking a fraction of the time. All without spending a penny on the new, latest, or better product. I discovered that, like with the television which also get an extreme amount of dust on it, used dyer sheets work like magic. Instead of throwing away your used dryer sheets, save them and use for dusting the blinds. If it works on my blinds with the special sea and airport dirt, it will work on yours.
I have found dryer sheets to be so helpful other places also, leaving no lint behind. New ones are used when I don't have any from the laundry. They seem to do such a good job that when I do use water and vinegar on my major cleaning day it's easier. Try using dryer sheets on computer screens, the television, even my tables. All are shining and dust free.
I have a hand steamer I use on all my screens. Yes, my screens with the steamer! You do not have to remover the screen. I live in Southern California, so my windows are open daily. If you live where it's winter now, remember the furnace also brings so much dust into your home. For now, try the dryer sheets. When the weather warms up if you have a steamer it cuts the dusting down without too much hassle.
I am a clean nut, so helpful tips that make it easier are a blessing. Try this one it works!
If it works on computers. I was amazed at how it works on blinds as well.
By Luana M. from San Diego, CA
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I have two methods to quickly clean blinds. Weekly I dust with a good feather duster. However two times a year they need a deep cleaning. I leave them in place, close them, then spray Scrubbing Bubbles on them. Let it sit for 5 minutes then wipe off with a clean microfiber cloth. Rinse as needed and they sparkle in a few minutes. No fuss, no muss.
Love the idea, for cleaning my computer screens, and blinds. I also put them on the chain of my ceiling fans. It makes a great, clean air freshener for people who smoke in the house.
I love both of these ideas! Thanks for your feedback. Many blessings.
Good ideas but, DO NOT use a new dryer sheet on your TV screen. It will leave a smear on the screen. A used one still has enough static removal in it to still clear the dust.
I have a pellet stove which creates a lot of dust. Twice a year (spring and fall), I take the blinds down and spray them outside with my "power sprayer".
Please just throw the dryer sheets away! Dryer sheets contain loads of toxic, even carcinogenic, chemicals, such as benzyl acetate, benzyl alcohol, and chloroform, among others, some of which the manufacturers don't even have to reveal to the public. Some of these chemicals cause the softening and others are used to perfume the sheets to give them their "lovely" aromas.
These chemicals cause liver damage, hormone disruption, nervous system problems, cancer and other serious or chronic health problems. Humans should not expose themselves to these toxins, let alone their children or pets, who are prone to licking everything or putting things in their mouths - an even more direct and more toxic method of exposure than through the skin.
Any time you handle these sheets, whether putting them in or taking them out of the laundry, putting them in lingerie drawers, using them for crafts, hanging them from a ceiling fan, or using them to wipe TVs, etc., you have these chemicals on your hands. You should never touch your face - mouth, nose or eyes - after touching dryer sheets, and should wash your hands thoroughly after touching these things. Please do not use fabric softener sheets in A/C systems, behind fans, or in any similar way. The chemicals in those things are no joke - they're poisons - You do NOT want to breathe them. Better not to use them at all.
Many of these chemicals are also present in other consumer products like dish and laundry detergents, soaps, air fresheners (especially deadly), shampoos, deodorants, creams, etc.
You are exposed to them because your clothes are covered with these chemicals from the laundry detergent and fabric softeners (liquid or sheets), and you are absorbing them all through your skin. Add to this the chemicals from all the other products mentioned above. We have been exposing ourselves to a lot of dangerous stuff over the years, folks.
There are safer, more natural alternatives to these products. Many TF members have contributed tips for alternatives to dryer sheets or fabric softeners, such as white vinegar or epsom salts in the rinse water, or dryer balls in the dryer. Please, please do not wipe your pets, their bedding, or anything else, with dryer sheets. Don't let your children suck on their chemically fabric softened "blankies".
Here is a link to just one article about dryer sheet chemicals; there are many more - just Google the words "dryer sheet toxic" in any order. Also check out articles on the chemicals in air fresheners - they're pretty scary.
www.naturalnews.com/
Source: Natural News, and many other sites.
By Pixiedust7 from Wantagh, Long Island, NY
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