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Window blinds have become one of the most appealing window treatment options available because they offer privacy, add to your décor, and shield both your carpet and furnishings from the harmful UV rays of the sun. We hope the following window blind measuring information provides you with the necessary tools to measure window blinds whether they are vinyl, wood, cellular or aluminum. |
Most blinds are available in a variety of slat widths. Popular slat width sizes include 1/2-inch micro, 1-inch mini, 2-inch, and 2-1/2 inch with some manufacturers having slight variations and/or larger widths available. Inside mounting of your window blinds as described below requires you to take special care when measuring and choosing the slat size for ordering your window blinds online.
Measuring For Your Horizontal Window Blinds
When measuring your windows please use a metal tape measure or other non-flexible measuring device to insure accuracy of your measurements. There are two basic mounting methods for your window blinds – inside mount and outside mount.
 Measuring Outside Mounted Blinds
Outside mounted blind hardware is positioned and mounted to your window casing in most instances. When measuring for your outside mounted window blinds make sure to measure where your blinds will be mounted and positioned from. Outside mounted blinds require only the width and length. All window blind measurements are taken to 1/8-inch accuracy.
 Measuring Inside Mounted Blinds
Inside mounted window blinds require more precise measurements and also require you to take into consideration these measurements when choosing your desired blind slat width/size. The length or height measurements should be taken from the left, middle, and right sides between the window jamb header and the window sill. Inside mounted blind hardware is mounted directly to the inside of the window jamb. When measuring the inside width of your blinds make sure to measure at the top, middle and bottom opening of the window jamb. Measuring in these three places may give you different measurements as not all windows and their jambs are square.
Here is a good video showing you how to measure your windows for an inside mount or outside mount: http://www.blindsgalore.com/measure_install.asp
Cleaning window blinds – this chore could emit groans or frustrated sighs from you and could be at the top of the most frustrating household chores. Below are some tips to help you out with cleaning your window blinds.
Different materials call for different cleaning agents and procedures. The following are just a few of the materials used for window blinds.
Aluminum and Vinyl. Ordinary cleaning tools can be used when cleaning aluminum and vinyl blinds. Use your vacuum cleaner brush attachment to siphon dust off the slats. If you decide to just dry dust, you can use an old pair of socks, wear them on your hands then wipe between the slats. The recommended method is to tilt the slats up first, then down. If a more thorough cleaning is needed, a damp rag and sudsy water are needed to wipe in between slats. Or you can take them down, soak in a tub with detergent, and then use a washcloth to get rid of the grime. Make sure that the blinds are open so you can reach even the niches.
Fabric. The best way to clean fabric blinds is to take them down and find a space, garage or backyard, then improvise for something to hang your blinds up. If you have a clotheslines, that would be even better. You need ammonia, detergent, warm water, and a scrub brush. Brush with the solution then you can rinse with your garden hose.
Another highly recommended way is with the use of the reliable washing machine. Take the blinds off their hooks and remove the chains and plates or any other removable material that can be damaged during the washing. Fill washtub with cold water, use detergent according to the fabric’s specifications. Bear in mind to use the delicate cycle as fraying or tangling may occur.
Wood. To keep dirt from accumulating on your wooden blinds, light vacuuming now and then could do the trick. To keep them looking fresh, wipe them with damp rag. Never wash your wood blinds as this might cause discoloration and other damages.
There are other things you can do to make this chore a little less tiresome and frustrating. If you like music, be sure to have it around when you face this task; it would keep your mind off of the chore. Another incentive is the loss of calories when you heave, brush, dust, or wash those window blinds.
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