Nothing beats the joy of opening your blinds to brilliant sunshine streaming through, but this pleasure can be dampened by dust-clogged windows. Blinds and windowsills will have become particularly grimy during summer months as we keep windows open more frequently to stay cool, allowing increased pollen and debris to drift indoors.
Dust particles also stick more persistently around windows due to static electricity, which accumulates on surfaces and attracts dirt regardless of cleaning frequency. Rather than purchasing expensive dust-repelling products, Polly Kay from English Blinds suggests a simpler solution – wiping down blinds and windowsills using tumble dryer sheets. She said: “Additionally, 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 this may seem unusual, dryer sheets are specifically engineered to eliminate static electricity from garments during washing and will similarly tackle any surface accumulation.
These sheets not only banish static charge but also deposit a microscopic layer of fabric conditioner, making it more difficult for dust to accumulate on blinds or windowsills.
This straightforward yet budget-friendly technique keeps rooms dust-free for extended periods, reducing the need for frequent summer cleaning sessions.
Plus, dryer sheets are typically scented and will make your home smell much nicer and fresher without the need for an air freshener.
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 aligned in the same direction, and clean them as you usually would.
Gently wipe the blinds with a damp cloth, then rotate the slats in the opposite direction and clean them likewise.
Also, ensure to give the windowsill a good wipe. 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 thoroughly over each blind slat and the windowsill. Ensure to reach into any corners and edges, as dust is more likely to accumulate in these areas.
Once you’ve finished, the area around your window should remain dust-free for two weeks or even longer, but the duration of this effect depends on how frequently you have your windows open.