Message Boards

I want to replace my window treatments, which are now just mini blinds. I would like to trash all the blinds. I need something that are easy to clean because I have severe rheumatoid arthritis and recently had back surgery. I don't have much "elbow grease" so light dusting or vacuuming is just about all I can do. I would love any advice you could give me. Thank you all very much.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: propertylady57,

I hope you are healing and recovering OK, no joke to have surgery as you mentioned. I hope all went OK and you will be relieved once you recover fully.

I am wondering if you could get someone to come in and clean them for you once. Then give you a bit of time to recover more and take your time in choosing something.

I hope you did OK with hurricane Sandy and electricity going out in much of the NE. I saw where you (in Maryland) might have gotten some rain and wind.

Are the window coverings for:
Privacy
just to block sun out during certain times of the day, in other words, do you have to manipulate them during the day?
Or do you leave them in the position they are in.

Mini blinds allow light to come in, but if angled right, no one sees in. They can be left in that 1/2 open position even in the evening.

Or they can be put with angle so you see down (as on 2nd floor) and not up to block sun's rays from heating up the room.

All window treatments except roll up blinds will have to be dusted and cleaned often because any surface that has a horizontal surface will collect dust.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Mary Ruth,

I too wish you well. Roman shades or other type of shades...or even light weight washable drapery panels are low maintenance options.

First, thank you both for the warm wishes. I'm on my 4th week after my back surgery ( my 24th orthopedic surgery). I have 6-8 week where I cannot do anything( except do a little walking), cannot go out of the house or drive. Unfortunately I had to do vigil with my beloved mother at her bedside and then her funeral. I hope my Doctor with excuse all the running around when I was suppose to take it easy.
MaryRuth, thank G-o-d we just had a lot of rain and wind from Sandy. Last year we were hit very hard from last years hurricane. People are still cleaning up from that.
Thank you both for your suggestions. They are very much appreciated.

24th orthopedic surgery!!!!
I will NEVER complain again about my issues.
G*D Bl*ss you! My goodness.

I am sorry to hear of your beloved mother passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Sending a soft hug dear.

I am glad you didn't have the added burden of being in Sandy's path.

Take care of yourself, and glad you checked here to say hi!

Adding my heartfelt condolences and a wish for blessings coming your way. Take care of self and keep the faith. Hugs, Froo

So sorry about your Mother passing away and all of your surgeries.

Honeycomb blinds are fairly easy to clean.

If possible pictures of your windows and the number you have of them will help with advice.

Coincidentally I was just this morning thinking about window blinds and how I want to have them in all my windows despite what other covering the windows may have. These can be inexpensive enough that when dirty they can just be replaced.'

You have a lot on your plate. We certainly are not all dealt the same hand are we? I wish you very well in your recovery and don't worry about being super clean with your window treatments, whatever you decide on.

My sympathies in the loss of your mother.

Maybe you could try something like this attachment for your vacuum.

http://thevacuumcenter.com/fit...C2x7MCFQq0nQodMDcAKQ

Sorry about the website address all here but the URL tab wouldn't work

This message has been edited. Last edited by: debicga,

Hi Property Lady,

Best wishes for a speedy recovery and my sympathy on the passing of your mother's passing.

Just a couple of suggestions from my experience with the slatted blinds. They are a pain to keep dust free no matter the tool or dusting spray. Each individual slat needs cleaning on the top and bottom. The vertical strings also get in the way so that mean they can't be cleaned in swipe across the slat either.

Figured all this out after installing them across a 15 feet span of windows.

I would consider roller shades for something easy to keep dust free. Basically any dust will just drop right to the floor and not collect on them. Perhaps they will need a quick swipe along the top of the mechanism.

My office glass door has the solar shade in the Shearweave 5000 BBuckeye/Tweed) and very nice. They offer privacy and block the sun on a west window. The company will also provide samples for you to review the colors before ordering.

http://www.solar-screen-shades.com/cloth.htm

Good luck on your recovery and let us know if you have any other questions. May you feel better soon.

I saw an idea to clean wooden slatted blinds; it sounds time consuming but it also said it lasts awhile. I haven't tried it yet, but plan to shortly. Make a solution of 1/2 white vinegar and 1/2 water. Put a pair of old white socks on your hands and then lightly dip them in the solution and wipe each slat.

I wish you well!

Would horizontal blinds (now ladies, I know some don't like them) work for you? We have them in our family room and there is very little dusting with them. I took off the upper self/valance and a fabric one could be used. They work really well in our room....so easy to open and close and only need a twice a year dusting.