Cleaning blinds and window sills can be a real chore, but one item could help make them stay cleaner for longer. Carrie Higgins, a stay-at-home mum and founder of Making Lemonade, has revealed a straightforward way to repel dust: simply spray them with a bit of fabric softener.
How fabric softener repels dust
Higgins said: "Fabric softener is the secret ingredient in this dust-repelling spray because it creates an invisible, anti-static barrier on blinds, preventing dust from clinging as quickly." She added: "Just like it reduces static in clothing, it helps blinds stay cleaner for longer by repelling airborne particles that would otherwise settle on the surface."
Static electricity works like a magnet to draw in any fine particles in the vicinity, which is frequently why you notice dust adhering to wooden or plastic surfaces throughout your home. Fabric softener doesn't just soften clothes — it also contains anti-static surfactants specifically designed to stop garments from clinging to one another during the wash.
It may sound unusual, but wiping down a surface with fabric softener removes any static charge and leaves behind a thin layer that works as a protective shield. Using fabric softener is among the simplest methods to minimise dust accumulation around your windows, helping you save valuable time on household cleaning this summer.
Where to buy and what you need
You can buy fabric softener from Morrisons for £1.29 (1 litre) or from Asda at £1.53 (1.25 litres).
To keep window blinds cleaner for longer, you will need: one teaspoon of liquid fabric softener, 120ml of white vinegar, and 240ml of water. You will also need a microfibre cloth, as they are known to be able to trap fine dust particles, but a fuzzy cotton sock will also work.
White vinegar is a natural acid that breaks down any dust already present on a surface, while fabric softener helps prevent dust from adhering to the area.
Method for cleaning blinds
To start, close the blinds fully. This ensures all the slats face the same direction, making them simpler to clean. Pour the cleaning ingredients into an empty spray bottle and shake well before each application. Spray a small amount of the solution onto the upper blinds.
Use a microfibre cloth or fuzzy sock to wipe each slat. Begin at the top of each slat and work downwards to prevent damage. If any marks prove stubborn, allow the cleaning mixture to remain on the blinds for around five minutes to give the white vinegar time to break them down, then wipe them clean. Dry the blinds using paper towels, and you should discover they remain clean for considerably longer than usual.
