Can I steam clean my vertical blind as they have tobacco stains?
I put up vertical blinds one time in a home that I owned and they do get very dirty just hanging there. I hired a company that came in to steam clean the blinds. They looked great when they were done. You can also do this yourself and it is not that hard to do if you rent the steam cleaner.
I guess the simple answer would be - yes - you can clean vertical or horizontal blinds with a steam cleaner.
The problem with simple answers is they do not address all the variables and can many times complicate matters instead of helping solve the problem/question.
First - not all vertical blinds are made of the same materials and some materials will do okay with a steamer where some may not (unless the steam is used correctly and carefully).
Second - we have no idea as to what type of steamer is going to be used - and there are many different kinds that some may not be good enough (tobacco stains/odors are difficult to remove) and some may be too powerful.
If you are discussing a professional cleaning service - that is different as they would know what type of material needs what type of steam. Their equipment has variable speeds and drying capabilities.
If you decide to try cleaning with steam there are several things to do before you start (I'm assuming you plan to leave the blinds hanging?.
Determine the type of material and maybe even seek help/answers from the company that made the blinds.
Always try your initial cleaning on an inconspicuous spot to see how it does. This may be at the bottom of the back side.
I have not read anywhere which is the best side to do first - Front or back?
Maybe it does not matter?
You will need to protect your floors - tile, hardwood or carpet - as this will be one big dirty (nasty) mess that comes off your blinds. It may be helpful to place a tarp or plastic and several towels under the blinds to catch the drips and protect the floors.
Steam may be all you will need but if you find steam alone does not remove all of the tobacco stains/odors you can try a mixture of equal parts white vinegar and water instead of plain water.
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How do I get the smell out of vertical cloth blinds? I wonder if anyone has used a steamer machine, like you use on floors. I hope someone has some comments. Thanks.
By Cinda Lou from South Bend, IN
Steaming may only bring out the odor but wont rid it from the fabric, try using Ozium. It goes for a few bucks but works like a charm on any odor. Just a spritz here & there & no more odor. Last a very long time as well.
Good Luck.
