Always clean your blinds first, then your windows.
The recommended cleaning sequence always follows a simple rule: top-to-bottom, cleaner-to-dirtier, and dry before wet. This prevents cross-contamination and ensures you don't drop dirt on already-cleaned surfaces.
Just take them off and stand them on end in the shower. If they are bad, I squirt with windex then rinse. I shut my wooden blinds, then wash them with plenty of soapy water then dry them off, I then clean the windows for each blind I've washed, works a treat.
Window treatments are currently dominated by layered textiles, biophilic materials (like woven woods and linen), and smart automation. If you are looking to update your space, top trends include automated shades, textured Roman shades, and floor-to-ceiling drapery featuring rich trims and patterns.
5 Common Window Cleaning Mistakes You Should Avoid
Professional window cleaners generally use either purified water (for water-fed poles) or a mixture of water and specialized detergents (for traditional squeegee work).
The 20-minute rule in cleaning (often combined with the 10-minute break as the 20/10 Rule) is a productivity method where you set a timer and clean as quickly and intensely as possible for 20 minutes. When the timer goes off, you immediately stop cleaning and take a mandatory 10-minute break.
Some of Stewart's homes utilize interior blinds for light regulation and privacy. Others feature windows framed by exterior shutters, operable versions of which can also be used for light control, ventilation and privacy.
2026's Best Blinds
In the U.S., the uncovered window is perhaps less an expression of communal trust than one of personal protection. Wealthier homeowners, who can also afford state-of- the-art security systems, may not feel that they need shades. These curtainless windows have become one of our subtlest statements of privilege.
The absolute fastest way to clean blinds is the "sock puppet" method. You can clean both sides of horizontal or vertical slats simultaneously without taking them down.
Professional window cleaners rely on a simple mix of water and mild dish soap (like Dawn) for the cleaning solution, combined with specialized professional-grade tools like microfiber scrubbers, rubber-bladed squeegees, and lint-free microfiber towels for a flawless, streak-free finish.
Clorox wipes can be used to spot clean metal or plastic blinds, but they are not recommended for wooden blinds or faux wood blinds. The bleach content may damage the finish. For general cleaning, it's better to use a microfiber cloth dampened with warm water and a mild cleaner to preserve the blinds' condition.
The 80/20 rule (the Pareto Principle) in cleaning dictates that 20% of your cleaning efforts yield 80% of the visible results. By targeting high-impact tasks first—such as clearing flat surfaces, wiping high-traffic areas, and making beds—you create an instantly cleaner environment without obsessing over perfection.
Start with Cleaning the Bathroom First
Because it's the room that gets the dirtiest and requires more attention to remove harmful bacteria. In fact, the germiest place in the bathroom is your toothbrush holder (opens in a new window).
They're simple to correct and will help make your home look cleaner.
The most popular blinds right now prioritize clean aesthetics, safety, and convenience, with cordless and smart motorized blinds leading the trend. Homeowners are primarily opting for the following styles:
Even though ornate valances were once a staple in traditional-style homes, they are now considered outdated. "Avoid overly ornate valances, which can feel dated and heavy," says interior designer Danielle Chiprut. "They can feel at odds with today's preference for light, airy interiors."
Yes, curtains are incredibly stylish. Moving past bare minimalism, modern window treatments have evolved into major, mood-setting statement pieces. The 2026 design landscape focuses on warmth, "quiet luxury," and architectural integration.
Curtains usually look cheap because of flimsy, unlined fabrics, insufficient width (looking like a "flat sheet" when closed), or a length that stops too short above the floor. Additionally, plastic hardware and visible metal grommets often detract from an elevated design, making budget curtains stand out negatively.
Martha Stewart's energizing morning routine
While many of her retired peers are leaning into leisurely retirements, Stewart treats her mornings as a launchpad to gain energy for a full workday, despite only getting four hours of sleep a night. “I read the entire New York Times,” she said. “I do all the puzzles.
Martha Stewart, 83, has nothing to hide. She's always been unabashedly candid about her life and career, including her divorce and her 2005 stint in prison for insider trading. And now, the lifestyle guru is opening up about being diagnosed with the autoimmune disease vitiligo for the very first time.
Most people probably think the hardest thing to declutter is sentimental clutter. While it's true that presents its own challenges, I actually think the hardest thing to declutter is aspirational clutter. This type of clutter is tied to your actual identity!
Daily household chores should focus on sanitation, tidiness, and preventing buildup. Essential tasks include making the bed, washing or loading dishes, wiping down kitchen counters and the sink, doing a quick 10-minute declutter, sweeping high-traffic floors, and taking out the trash if full.
What is the 50% rule? The 50% rule is as simple as it sounds; you have to take everything out of a small, cluttered space and only return roughly 50% of the items, which should be your most essential possessions. That's it!