window coverings for student rentals

[John Chapman]

What is the least maintenance window covering for college student rentals? We have 20 properties ranging in age from 1 to 90 years old. I would like to standardize on a window covering that is low maintenance and inexpensive. We currently have min-blinds. They are cheap but take hours to clean. They also break frequently. What are some better alternatives?

[Jean Bolger]

Mini blinds are pretty cost effective. Here's a cleaning tip (for you or your cleaning crew): take them down, put them in the tub. Leave them just a little bit extended, not all the way up or down. Spray them thoroughly with Awesome Orange cleaner/degreaser (this is an amazing, low-odor cleaner you can buy at Dollar Tree). Leave it a few minutes to soak, then blast with the shower. You can also do this outside and rinse them with a hose.

Way faster, and better results, than trying to wipe them down.