How to Properly Maintain and Clean Your Hunter Douglas Blinds in Calgary

Hunter Douglas is a leader in innovative blind design and is known for its quality and variety. Its popular products adapt well to Calgary’s climate, look great, and integrate seamlessly with smart home systems.

Regular cleaning and maintenance keep your Hunter Douglas blinds looking their best. This helps prevent dust buildup and wear and tear, ensuring they operate at their best and last longer.

Keep reading to learn the different types and models of Hunter Douglas Blinds, their materials, how to keep them looking new, and tips on managing them in Calgary’s weather extremes. 

Types of Hunter Douglas Blinds

Hunter Douglas offers many styles and types of blinds to suit every taste and need in Calgary, including cellular/honeycomb, horizontal woods, blackout blinds, roller blinds, roller shades, and roman blinds. Here are a few standout options:

• Duette: These blinds have a honeycomb design that traps air for insulation. They’re perfect for Calgary’s fluctuating temperatures and can help reduce your energy costs.
• Silhouette: Featuring soft fabric vanes suspended between two sheer layers, Silhouette blinds beautifully diffuse light while providing UV protection and privacy.
• Luminette: Ideal for large windows and sliding doors, Luminette blinds combine the softness of drapes with the practicality of vertical blinds. 
• Vignette: With a sleek, clean design and no exposed rear cords, Vignette blinds look beautiful and are safe for children and pets. They offer a polished finish to any space.
• Parkland: Made from rich, authentic wood, Parkland blinds offer a classic and timeless appeal. 

General Maintenance

Hunter Douglas Calgary makes its blinds from high-quality materials, including fabrics, natural materials, aluminum, real wood, alternative wood, sheer fabrics, cellular materials, metallic finishes, and composite materials. 

Regardless of the material of your blinds or shades, they each require general maintenance:

• Regular dusting ensures durability, enhances the room's appearance, and maintains smooth operation. It also improves IAQ (indoor air quality) by reducing dust and allergens. 
• Inspect for damage by checking for frayed edges, discoloration, cracks, and operational issues. Ensure mechanisms work to your liking and the hardware is secure. 

Cleaning Techniques for Different Types of Blinds

Hunter Douglas Calgary offers specific guidelines for cleaning different types of blinds. By following these best practices, you can keep your blinds clean and in good condition without causing damage.

Fabric Blinds

• Dusting: Use a vacuum with a brush attachment or a feather duster. You can blow dust out of the cells using compressed air in a can for cellular shades.
• Spot cleaning: Moisten a soft cloth or sponge with lukewarm water and mild detergent. Gently blot the stain, avoiding excessive rubbing. Rinse with a clean, damp cloth.
• Fabric steamer: A handheld fabric steamer removes wrinkles and refreshes the fabric. Hold the steamer a few inches away from the fabric to avoid damage.

Pro tip: Avoid using a wand or stick to push bugs out of your window shades to prevent damage to delicate fabrics. Gently blow them out using compressed air or a hairdryer on cool.

Aluminum and Vinyl Blinds

• Dusting: Use a soft cloth, microfiber duster, dryer sheet, or vacuum with a brush attachment. Tilt the slats downward but not completely closed, then dust each slat from top to bottom or end to end. Reverse the slats and repeat.
• Spot cleaning: For minor stains, dampen a cloth with water and a mild detergent. Gently wipe the affected area and rinse with a clean, wet cloth. Avoid harsh chemicals that may damage the vinyl or aluminum finish.
• Deep cleaning: Place the blinds in a bathtub with warm water and mild detergent. Let them soak for 15–30 minutes. Use a soft brush to gently scrub each slat. Rinse with clean water to remove residue. Dry the blinds with a towel, or let them air dry.

Pro tip: Mix equal water and white vinegar for a thorough cleaning. 

Wooden Blinds

• Dusting: Use a soft cloth, microfiber duster, or vacuum with a brush attachment. Close the blinds so the slats are flat. Dust each slat and reverse the slats to repeat the process on the other side.
• Spot cleaning: Mix mild detergent with warm water and dampen a cloth. Gently wipe the stained area. Use a damp cloth to remove any soap residue. To prevent water damage, dry immediately with a soft towel.
• Deep cleaning: Use a commercial wood cleaner that’s safe for your blinds' finish, or mix one part vinegar with one part water for a natural solution. Slightly dampen a cloth with the cleaner, or use a soft brush for stubborn stains. Dry each slat as you clean to prevent warping.

Pro tip: Periodically treat your blinds with wood preservatives, like lemon oil, to protect their surface.

Common Cleaning Challenges in Calgary

Calgary's dry climate can create higher dust and pollen accumulation indoors. The lack of humidity causes particles to remain airborne longer, eventually settling on surfaces, including blinds. Air purifiers, HVAC maintenance, and limiting outdoor pollen entry can minimize these effects. 

Calgary has extreme weather, with hot summers, cold winters, and frequent fluctuations in temperature and humidity, which can impact the condition and longevity of your blinds through: 

• Humidity fluctuation
• Temperature extremes
• Sun exposure

Tips to help with seasonal changes:

• Manage humidity levels with a portable humidifier or dehumidifier
• Minimize sun exposure by closing the blinds during the hottest part of the day
• Choose weather-resistant materials like aluminum or alternative wood

Explore Hunter Douglas Blinds From Benjamin Moore Crowfoot

Now that you know the various types of blinds and practical maintenance tips, you’re well-equipped to choose the perfect blinds for your home and tackle any challenges posed by Calgary's extreme weather. 

Transform your windows into stylish focal points while enjoying the many benefits of Hunter Douglas blinds. Your home deserves the best, so why wait? 

Visit our Cochrane or Crowfoot showrooms today.