Window blinds can developing a layer of dust quickly – but there’s one household items that will keep them clean for weeks.
Nothing beats pulling back your curtains in the morning to discover glorious sunshine streaming through, but this delightful scene can quickly turn sour if your windows are caked in grime and dust, reports the Express.
During the warmer months, blinds and window ledges become magnets for dust as we throw open our windows to let in fresh air, inadvertently inviting pollen and debris inside.
The problem is made worse by static electricity, which builds up around window areas and acts like a magnet for particles, no matter how frequently you tackle the cleaning.
Rather than splashing out on expensive anti-dust sprays, Polly Kay from English Blinds has revealed a brilliant household hack using nothing more than tumble dryer sheets.
She explained: “You can use a tumble dryer sheet to wipe over the slats of wooden blinds; these will both remove dust and produce an anti-static effect to help to keep it off.”
Whilst it might sound peculiar, these sheets are specifically engineered to eliminate static from clothing during washing cycles and work just as effectively on household surfaces.
The genius lies in how dryer sheets tackle the problem – not only do they banish static electricity, but they also deposit a microscopic layer of fabric conditioner that acts as a barrier against future dust accumulation.
This ingenious yet budget-friendly trick will keep your rooms dust-free for far longer, meaning you won’t be stuck cleaning every couple of days throughout the summer months. Plus, dryer sheets are typically fragranced and will make your home smell much nicer and fresher without the need for an air freshener.
Here’s how to use dryer sheets to keep dust at bay from blinds and windowsills
All you need to do is close your blinds so each slat is facing the same way, and give them a clean as you usually would.
Gently wipe the blinds with a damp cloth, then turn the slats in the opposite direction and clean them as well.
Don’t forget to also wipe down the windowsill. It’s beneficial to vacuum the floor around the window as any debris in a room will simply cause it to quickly become dusty again.
Next, take a dryer sheet and rub it all over each blind slat and the windowsill. Ensure to get into any corners and edges, as dust is more likely to settle in these spots.
Once you’ve finished, the area around your window should stay dust-free for two weeks or even longer, but the duration of this effect depends on how often you have your windows open.