How To Clean Vertical Blinds

How To Clean Vertical Blinds

Do you want to find out how to clean vertical blinds? Then A1 is the number one for advice and information on blinds. We make made-to-measure blinds with leading quality, and we have 35 years of experience. However, that experience has also given us the knowledge to help you maintain slightly older blinds. Your blinds can go through a lot over the years, meaning dirt and dust can collect on them. As a result, they might need a clean. In this guide, we’ll show you how to clean your vertical blinds, and tips to make the process much quicker. And, if you want vertical blinds that are effortless to clean, A1 offers high-quality blinds that are machine washable!

How To Work Out When To Clean Vertical Blinds

If you have vertical blinds in your home, then they might start to look past their best over time. However, it isn’t an issue you can’t fix. Over time, dirt and dust can collect around your blinds, causing their vivid colours to fade and the rest of your home to look less vibrant. By cleaning your blinds, though, you can refresh the look of your living space and prolong their lifespan. But when is the right time to clean your blinds?

While vertical blinds usually attract less dirt than other designs, a layer of dirt and dust can emerge over the top of the blinds slowly. As a result, if you begin to notice it on your blinds, then it could be time to clean them. Should you clean your vertical blinds, though? If you have wooden blinds, then you definitely shouldn’t. Wooden blinds aren’t washable, as detergents and water can harm and damage the timber inside. Because of this, we’ll be focusing on how to clean vertical blinds made from fabric.

You can usually clean fabric blinds, although you should check the manufacturer’s notes before you start. Many older fabric blinds, though, are only hand-washable. As a result, the process of cleaning them up can take a lot of time which you’d rather spend doing something else. At A1 Blinds, though, we’ve designed durable, innovative blinds that are machine-washable!

How to clean vertical blinds

How To Clean Vertical Fabric Blinds

The first thing to do when cleaning your vertical fabric blinds is to remove their slats from the handrail. Dust them down – so you only need to focus on stains during the cleaning process – before carefully detaching them from the rail. From there, you can wipe the handrail down, ensuring that dirt doesn’t collect there. You could also use a can of compressed air to get to dirt you can’t reach. Once you’ve dusted down the blinds and removed them, it’s time to wash them. All you’ll need is some lukewarm water to soak them in, or you can put them in your washer if they are machine-washable.

It’s important, though, not to wash some blinds in water that’s over 30 degrees, as it could damage their adhesives. If you’re washing your blinds in a machine, it’s crucial to protect them, too. To do it, you could roll the blinds up and wrap them in a pillowcase, making sure the fabric inside them won’t fray. Also, if you’re washing by hand, you can use washing-up liquid or stain remover to get at more resistant marks. However, you shouldn’t use bleach, as this could damage the fabric. After you’ve cleaned your blinds, you can leave them out to dry while they look shiny and new. And, if you need to put them back up quickly for any reason, you can accelerate the process with a hairdryer. Once they’re dry, rehang them on the handrail, and you’ll have clean blinds.

How To Get Clean Vertical Blinds

However, if your blinds don’t clean that easily, it could be time to replace them. You might have vertical blinds that stain easily, get dirty and dusty in a matter of days, and take a lot of time and effort to wash by hand. As a result, you might want to find out how to get clean vertical blinds that stay clean and don’t take up too much of your time to maintain. When you choose A1 Blinds, though, you’ll guarantee a quality investment. Our innovative blinds are highly durable, meaning they won’t get dirty or stain as easily as older designs. Not only that, but they are machine washable, making them much easier to maintain.

We’ve spent 35 years refining our vertical fabric blinds so that you get a great deal for a great design. If you’d like to explore our full range of vertical fabric blinds, then browse our range using our website today. We also offer Roller, Venetian and Roman blinds too, meaning it’s easy to update the look and feel of your living space. Get in touch with A1 today to find out how to get clean vertical blinds that stay clean for years to come!

Perfect Fit® Shutter Lite – The Smarter Way to Add Style to Your Windows

Perfect Fit® Shutter Lite – The Smarter Way to Add Style to Your Windows

When it comes to window style, shutters are always a favourite – but traditional plantation shutters can be pricey, time-consuming, and invasive to install. That’s where our new Perfect Fit® Shutter Lite comes in.

Exclusively from A1 Blinds, this innovative system gives you the clean lines and light control of classic shutters – without the complications.


Why Customers Are Choosing Shutter Lite

  • Great Style, Great Value
    Perfect Fit® Shutter Lite offers an accessible alternative to traditional shutters – ideal for modern homes looking for elegant simplicity.
  • Quick & Simple Fitting
    No drilling. No mess. These shutters click neatly into place using a Perfect Fit® frame – meaning less disruption and more convenience.
  • Works With Doors and Tilt & Turn Windows
    The shutter moves with your window or door – making it perfect for inward-opening frames, patio doors, and even French doors.

🌞 Let the Light In – and Keep the View

Thanks to its minimal framework and slim louvres, Perfect Fit® Shutter Lite lets in plenty of natural light while maintaining excellent privacy. The clever design also gives you a clearer view to the outside than bulkier shutter systems.


❄️🔥 Comfort All Year Round

Perfect Fit® Shutter Lite does more than just look good. These shutters help create a more comfortable indoor environment by:

  • Reducing heat loss in winter
  • Blocking direct sunlight in summer
  • Helping improve energy efficiency throughout the home

By regulating room temperature, they can even contribute to more consistent energy use over time.


💷 Style That Elevates Your Home

Shutters are known to enhance both kerb appeal and interior finish. Shutter Lite can:

  • Add a high-end look to any room
  • Signal quality and practicality to potential buyers
  • Enhance the overall presentation of your property

A stylish upgrade that makes a lasting impression – especially when fitted professionally by A1 Blinds.


🧼 Practical, Waterproof & Wipe-Clean

Built for everyday living, these shutters are:

  • Easy to remove for cleaning or decorating
  • Wipe-clean and waterproof
  • Perfect for kitchens, bathrooms, and busy family homes

No caulking. No damage. Just a smart, practical solution that fits effortlessly into your lifestyle.


Made in the UK

We’re proud to offer a product that’s:

  • Made in the UK
  • Fitted by our trusted A1 Blinds installation team

📞 Upgrade Your Windows Today

Stylish. Practical. Versatile.

Perfect Fit® Shutter Lite proves you don’t need to compromise on looks, light, or lifestyle.

Contact A1 Blinds today to find out more and book your free home consultation.

Case Study: Newcastle Airport Control Tower

Case Study: Newcastle Airport Control Tower

40 Custom Tension Pleated Blinds for Newcastle Airport Control Tower

Client: Newcastle International Airport
Location: Newcastle upon Tyne
Sector: Aviation – Air Traffic Control
Scope: 40 Bespoke Tension Pleated Blinds
Project Status: Delivered to Spec, On Time

The Project

We were commissioned to design and install 40 custom tension pleated blinds for Newcastle International Airport’s Air Traffic Control Tower. This wasn’t a straightforward job – the tower’s unique architecture and operational restrictions made it one of the most complex installations we’ve ever delivered.


What the Client Needed

The brief was simple but critical: shading and light control in an environment where visibility is paramount. The blinds needed to perform flawlessly to reduce glare, enhance comfort, and maintain clear sightlines for air traffic controllers at all times.


The Challenge

The tower’s design created a unique technical challenge: the windows are narrower at the top than the bottom. This meant the blinds had to operate in reverse, raising issues with tension and stability. Getting them to stay in place was no small feat.


How We Overcame It

Our team engineered a bespoke solution using:

  • Maximum tension throughout each blind system
  • Reinforced top bars for durability
  • Discreet magnetic strips to keep blinds secure

We worked closely with the client throughout, being completely transparent about the technical hurdles. To build confidence, we produced working samples that were tested and signed off before full manufacture began.


Working in a Live Air Traffic Control Tower

This wasn’t just a technical project – it was also about precision planning. Working in one of the UK’s busiest control towers meant strict security measures:

  • All staff were vetted and security checked
  • Passports had to be presented at each entry
  • Access was tightly restricted and visits limited

To meet these requirements, we planned every step of the installation around an agreed programme of works, ensuring accuracy, efficiency, and minimal disruption to airport operations.


The Result

The new blinds have transformed the tower environment, delivering:

✅ Glare reduction
✅ Improved visibility for controllers
✅ Greater comfort in a high-pressure workplace

The client praised not only the quality of the finished product but also our communication, professionalism, and how smoothly the installation was managed.


The Bigger Picture

This project highlights our ability to deliver bespoke blind solutions for even the most complex environments. From innovative design to meticulous project management, we can adapt to buildings where standard systems simply won’t work.


Ready for the Next One

If you’ve got a project that demands a tailored shading solution – whether it’s an airport, a commercial office, or a uniquely shaped building – we’ve got the expertise to deliver.

Get in touch with our team today to discuss how we can design, manufacture, and install blinds that meet your exact requirements.

Blackout Blinds & Children’s Sleep: A Cosy Recipe for Rest

Blackout Blinds & Children’s Sleep: A Cosy Recipe for Rest

When it comes to getting little ones to bed, few things are as powerful as a pitch dark and well regulated room environment. Blackout blinds for children offer a proven solution – from boosting sleep hormone levels to keeping bedrooms cool in summer and warm in winter.

🌙 Why Darkness Matters for Children

Encouraging Melatonin Production
Exposure to light – even low light – can suppress melatonin by up to 90%, the hormone vital for sleep regulation. A darkened kids’ room enables natural melatonin levels to rise, helping children wind down and stay asleep longer.

Better Quality & Longer Sleep
According to the UK Sleep Council, around 30% of children aged 3-17 struggle with sleep onset or staying asleep through the night. By blocking early morning light or ambient evening glow, blackout blinds in nurseries and children’s bedrooms can help extend total sleep time – especially useful in summer, when dawn breaks as early as 4:30 AM.

    🗣️ Parents’ Real World Experiences

    From UK parenting groups, many families report that blackout blinds dramatically improve early-morning wake-ups and overnight sleep:

    We desperately need blackout blinds otherwise they’ll be up SO early… just won’t be able to get to sleep.” – Nichole.
    Blackout blinds saved the day… she slept through the night again.” – Shannon.

    While airflow can be a trade off – especially with Velcro fit or fixed sheets – parents often find blackout solutions for kids that still allow for ventilation, such as blinds with suction cups or thermal liners.

    🌡️ Temperature Control: Summer & Winter Benefits

    In Summer
    • Thick, opaque materials block sunlight and reduce solar heat gain, making children’s bedrooms cooler even without air conditioning.
    • Tips from parents: using reflective foil, keeping blinds closed during heat of day, and opening only when ambient air is cooler.

    In Winter
    • Windows are responsible for up to 40% of home heat loss. Thermal blackout blinds for children’s rooms act as an insulating layer, trapping warmth and reducing the chill from cold panes.
    • Retaining heat helps maintain a cosy sleep friendly environment even on frosty nights.

    📊 Sleep & Health Stats (UK based context)
    • Sleep struggles: 30% of children aged 3–17 experience sleep disruptions.
    • Ideal bedroom temperature: 16–18 °C for optimal REM sleep; both overheating and chilliness disrupt sleep patterns.

    Recommended sleep durations:
    • Ages 3–5: 10–13 hours
    • Ages 6–12: 9–12 hours

    ✅ What Blackout Blinds Offer for a Child’s Bedroom

    • Total or near-total darkness helps children fall asleep more easily and stay asleep longer without waking too early.
    • An added insulation and thermal layer keeps rooms cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter, ensuring year-round comfort.
    • Noise dampening materials reduce outside noise, making it easier for children to rest without disturbances.
    • A cordless or child-safe design improves safety in nurseries and bedrooms, removing potential hazards.
    • Easy-to-open and close blinds offer flexibility for daytime naps or letting in fresh air when needed.
    • Total or near-total darkness helps children fall asleep more easily and stay asleep longer without waking too early.

    🧸 Tips for Parents

    • Choose child-safe blackout blinds – cordless or securely fitted – to avoid hazards.
    • Go for a snug, custom fit to reduce light leakage and maximise insulation.
    • In summer, close blinds during the hottest part of the day. In winter, close them overnight to trap heat.
    • Consider blackout blinds with side tracks or thermal lining for better light and temperature control.

    🌟 Final Thoughts

    Blackout blinds are more than just sleep accessories – they’re essential tools in creating a calm, restful space for kids. They help regulate temperature, support natural sleep cycles, and reduce those early wake-ups that can disrupt the whole household. For children (and their parents), a well-fitted blackout blind might just be the most peaceful upgrade you can make to a bedroom.

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