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The Best Dust Resistant Blinds for Cleaner Homes & Less Allergies
It's time to say goodbye to the never-ending battle with dust, and let us show you the way to a cleaner, healthier, and more comfortable home. Have you ever wondered about the invisible yet undeniable impact that dust has on our lives? It's a fact that the average home quietly accumulates around 40 pounds of dust every year, much of it lurking in plain sight, settled on surfaces we often overlook.
One of the notorious culprits for harbouring dust is none other than our trusty window blinds and shades. Window blinds feature horizontal or vertical slats that can be tilted or raised, while window shades are made of a continuous piece of fabric that can be raised or lowered to block or filter light.
Although these window treatments add charm and functionality to our living spaces, they can also act as silent dust reservoirs.
Fear not. In this guide, we will explore a variety of blinds that not only enhance the aesthetics of your home but also help in reducing dust buildup, promoting cleaner indoor air, and potentially providing relief from allergies.
IN THIS ARTICLE
Types of Dust Resistant Blinds
Dust is a relentless intruder. These quietly infiltrate our homes and leave their mark on every surface, especially our beloved curtains and blinds.
In the quest for a cleaner and more allergen-free living space, it's essential to consider the various types of dust-resistant blinds that not only enhance your decor but also keep the relentless dust at bay.
Roman Shades
Installing Roman shades is a good idea if you suffer from allergies. Plus, custom Roman shades are available in a wide variety of styles and colours to match any decor.
Although these window coverings are a great alternative to traditional blinds, they still can attract dust and debris. Unfortunately, you have to clean Roman shades more often than other shades because dust can accumulate within the folds. However, they’re fairly easy to clean with the use of vacuuming or dusting.
BROWSE OUR EASY-TO-CLEAN ROMAN SHADES
Vertical Blinds
Vertical blinds are at the top of the list for allergen-resistant window coverings. This is in comparison to Venetian blinds, which have multiple individual slats that are absolutely prone to dust accumulation. In this case, it's clear that horizontal blinds collect dust more easily – but the type can vary on how easy it is to clean them.
If you want the best, choose vertical window coverings made with PVC or vinyl fabric. They’re incredibly simple to clean by using a vacuum or duster. You can also wipe them down with a washcloth to keep them free of particle buildup.
Aluminum Mini Blinds
As window coverings that might not be the most decorative, mini blinds are still perfect for keeping your home environment clean. You can use a damp and clean cloth to wipe them off, and because of the material, they’re less likely to attract dust.
The mini blind is also a versatile type of blind. Take a look at our mini blind buying guide to find out more.
Cellular Blinds
Not only are cellular shades and blinds great for blocking the sunlight, but they also help to reduce particle and allergen accumulation. They are composed of cellular plastic that wipes off easily and provides energy efficiency for your home.
One of the best things about cellular blinds is how they combine aesthetics with functionality. Our cellular blinds buying guide covers everything you need to know.
Faux Wood Blinds
Faux wood blinds are both decorative and ideal for allergy sufferers. Wood attracts dust mites less than fabric window coverings. Plus, they’re simple to clean and dust.
In essence, faux wood blinds are crafted from durable, easy-to-clean materials such as PVC or composite wood. Their non-porous surface repels dust, preventing it from settling and accumulating on the blinds.
Moreover, these blinds are often moisture-resistant, ensuring they won't warp or discolour when exposed to humidity or moisture. This attribute further contributes to their longevity and overall effectiveness in resisting dust and allergens.
CHECK OUT OUR DURABLE FAUX WOOD BLINDS
Pleated Fabric Shade
Pleated fabric shades are window coverings that are great for people who have a tough time with allergies. They consist of non-woven polyester fabric, which reduces dust and particles from building up on them. Furthermore, they don’t contain any cords, making them easy to adjust.
Roller Shades
Roller shades are one of the most practical window coverings and one of the best to help combat dust. The great thing about these shades is that they have a flat surface and are really simple to wipe off.
Not only that, dust can’t settle on roller shades when they’re pulled up – which means less allergic triggers for you. This type of covering might not be your favourite to use for decoration purposes, but regular shutters and blinds easily trap allergens within the folds.
Therefore, if you suffer from asthma or allergies, it’s best to use window coverings that are more practical. Our roller shades buying guide can help you find the right roller shade for your home.
Wide-Slat Blinds and Shutters
The undisputed champions of style, functionality, and dust resistance are wide-slat blinds and shutters. These window treatments feature larger horizontal or vertical slats, which create more space between each individual piece.
This clever design minimizes the surface area where dust can accumulate, making them naturally more resistant to dust buildup. With fewer nooks and crannies for dust to hide, your home remains cleaner and more allergen-free.
Maintenance is also a breeze. A simple pass with a vacuum cleaner or a gentle wipe-down with a soft, clean cloth can swiftly whisk away any dust that dares to settle. This ease of cleaning not only saves you time but also ensures that your window coverings maintain their fresh and inviting appearance year-round.
What is House Dust?
You might be wondering what exactly dust is and where it comes from. It seems like it’s just a mystery substance that magically appears out of nowhere and wreaks havoc on your asthma and allergies - and it’s also an eyesore.
Well, it is not just one thing that causes dust. It’s a combination of dried food particles, pollen, fabric fibres, pet dander, and even insect parts. Believe it or not, dust mite and cockroach particles accumulate into dust. These things are so small they easily whisk into the air without being noticed, which results in dust. After reading that list of substances, it’s easy to understand how dust can cause irritation.
More Ways to Keep Your Home Environment Clear of Allergens
Changing your blinds is only one of the ways to keep the atmosphere in your house safe for your family. There are also other ways to help diminish the allergens in your home as well.
Buy Washable Curtains
Unfortunately, curtains are a magnet for dust. Therefore, the best thing to do is to decorate with a synthetic fabric or 100 percent cotton, which can be simply cleaned in the washing machine. But if you plan to use these types of window coverings, make sure they’re not dry clean only. Otherwise, the collection of dust will be cleaned less often.
Use Dust Mite Covers
Pillows attract lots of dust mites, which can irritate allergy sufferers. Not only do you need covers on your bed pillows, but you should also use them on your decorative pillows. Pillows used for decoration don’t get washed, which makes them a playground for allergens. You can add a guarded layer underneath the cushions to fight out the dust mites. You can also buy hypoallergenic pillow decor.
Silk Flowers
Real garden flowers are beautiful and provide a calming ambiance to your home. However, if you are someone who struggles with allergies, they can be unbearable on your sinuses. Silk flowers, however, look realistic and also help to keep allergens at bay.
Unscented Candles
Scented candles provide a luscious aroma for your home and create a relaxing ambiance. But if you have allergies, stay away from fragrances. Unfortunately, they can cause sneezing spells and irritation. Instead, you can use unscented beeswax candles.
Natural Blanket Fibres
Most synthetic blankets are made from dyes and fabrics that can cause irritation to your sinuses. There’s no way to avoid coming into contact with your covers and throws, so it’s important to use the proper throws and comforters. If you notice that the blankets that you use make you itch, that’s a sign that they’re not good to use.
Remove Your Carpet
Carpet is a huge trigger for allergy spells. So, it’s best to have a home with hardwood flooring or ceramic tile. It’s especially vital to have your bedroom free of carpet because you repeatedly inhale dust particles throughout the night.
Natural Fibres for Bedding
In addition to the carpet in your bedroom, the bed itself should be allergen-resistant. A lot of linens contain chemicals and other synthetic fibres that can cause irritation. It’s best to use silk or cotton to reduce the risk of dust mites.
Place Air Purifiers in Your Home
To ensure that you keep your sinuses clear, purchase an air purifier. Placing one in the window will help to keep contaminants outside and block them from coming into your home. Additionally, it’s best to use HEPA filtration, which traps nearly 100% of dust and allergens.
Keep Your Home Impeccable
Constantly cleaning your house might not be the most fun thing to do, but it’s worth it to keep you free from allergy irritation. Be sure to keep your windowsills and blinds washed on a regular basis.
Here’s Why You Should Use a HEPA Vacuum
Now that you’ve learned more about dust and allergens, you can work on more effective ways to eliminate them. Instead of using a conventional vacuum to clean your window coverings, try using a HEPA vacuum. If you’re experiencing serious issues with allergies, it’s best to kick things up a notch.
The primary difference between the two types of vacuums is that the standard version isn’t equipped to prevent dust and particles from escaping. However, the HEPA version is designed to trap 99.97% of particles.
On the other hand, HEPA cleaners can’t capture everything. You first have to make sure the filter is sealed correctly, or the contents might seep out. Also, particles that are under 0.3 microns in size can potentially pass through it.
That being said, don’t let this discourage you. HEPA vacuums have a much better success rate than regular ones, and they’re worth trying.
Go the Extra Mile with Cleaning
It’s a no-brainer that continuous cleaning is required in order to keep the atmosphere in your home safe. However, there are other factors you should consider when picking out household cleaners.
Sadly, there are cleansing products on the market that can cause just as much damage and irritability as dust and allergens. There are lots of harmful chemicals in common cleaning agents that are not safe to use.
Therefore, you should opt to use more natural products such as baking soda and vinegar. Plus, some companies manufacture organic cleansers that you can utilize. When it comes to your home and the well-being of your family, it’s better to be safe than sorry.
Caring for Dust Resistant Blinds
Maintaining the pristine appearance and dust-resistant qualities of your blinds is a key part of ensuring a cleaner and more allergen-free home environment. Here are some effective care tips for your dust-resistant blinds to keep them looking their best.
Cleaning Regularly with a Damp Cloth
To remove any stubborn dust or dirt, using a damp cloth is a reliable choice. However, it's essential to be mindful of the water temperature. Limit the amount of warm water you use to prevent potential warping or damage to your blinds.
Be sure to dry the slats thoroughly as soon as you're done cleaning. This helps maintain the blinds' resistance to dust and ensures they stay in top condition.
Light Dusting with a Feather Duster
For routine maintenance, a feather duster is your trusty sidekick. A gentle, periodic dusting keeps your blinds looking fresh and minimizes the need for more intensive cleaning. The delicate bristles of a feather duster effectively capture dust particles without the need for moisture, preserving your blinds' dust-resistant properties.
Vacuuming with Soft Brush Attachment
A vacuum cleaner with a soft brush attachment is another powerful ally in your battle against dust. Run the attachment over your blinds at a low suction setting to effortlessly remove accumulated dust and debris. It's a quick and efficient method that extends the time between deep cleanings.
Keep Your Family Safe from Harmful Elements
Your home is the place where you go to relax, but you might not think about it as a harmful environment. Luckily, there are several ways you can fight against dust and allergens to make your environment cleaner.
Allergies are not fun! The fewer irritants there are, the better you’ll feel. Taking the extra precautions with cleaning and changing out your window coverings and other decor is totally worth it. If you’ve noticed that your allergy symptoms aren’t improving, it might be time to take an assessment of your home. Hopefully, this information will put you on the road to breathing more easily.
Whether you opt for faux wood blinds, stylish vertical blinds, or any other dust-resistant solution, you can count on Factory Direct Blinds. With a wide selection of high-quality blinds and a commitment to customer satisfaction, we're your partner in creating spaces that are both beautiful and healthy.
We also offer free samples. It's a risk-free way to ensure your choice matches the decor of your space and your allergy-free lifestyle.
FAQs
What Causes Dust Allergies?
Dust allergies are primarily triggered by microscopic dust mites, pet dander, pollen, and mould spores present in household dust.
What blinds don't collect dust?
Blinds made of materials like faux wood or with wide slats are less prone to dust accumulation. Vertical blinds and cellular shades are also great options.
