In Victorian cottage houses, the blinds were typically cleaned using a variety of methods. Here are a few techniques that were commonly employed:
1. Feather dusters: Blinds made of delicate materials like lace or sheer fabrics were often dusted using a soft feather duster. The duster would be carefully run along each slat to remove dust and debris.
2. Vacuum cleaners: For blinds made of sturdier materials like wooden or metal slats, a handheld vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment was often used. The brush attachment would help to avoid scratching the blinds while effectively sucking up the dust.
3. Damp cloth: Blinds covered in heavier fabrics or materials, such as curtains or drapes, were typically cleaned using a lightly dampened cloth. The cloth would be gently wiped along each slat to remove accumulated dust and dirt.
4. Beating or shaking: In some cases, especially with blinds made of materials like bamboo or reeds, beating or shaking them outdoors was a common method of cleaning. This allowed for a more thorough removal of dust, dirt, and debris.
It's worth noting that cleaning methods in Victorian times were often labor-intensive and required significant manual effort. However, the frequency of cleaning would depend on the homeowner's preferences and the level of dust and dirt accumulation.
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