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venetian blinds by the window

How To Clean Blinds

by | Jul 14, 2022 | Cleaning Tips

It’s easy to notice when our windows are dirty – less so our window coverings. We often forget to clean blinds until we notice they’re covered in dust. You’ll open them one day and… oops.

Cleaning blinds is easy, though! For vinyl or wooden blinds, you can just use a dry microfibre cloth. Spot clean stains with a damp cloth with dish soap. For cloth blinds, use a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment. For heavily soiled blinds, you may need to place them in a bathtub filled with warm water.

Whether you own gorgeous wooden Venetian blinds or fabric roller blinds, we’re here to teach you how to clean blinds. Then you can look out your windows and enjoy the view – dust-free!

 

 

How Often to Clean Blinds

Dust your blinds at least once a month, and deep clean every six months. If your blinds are in the kitchen or any other room where they pick up residue more frequently, you should deep clean every three months.

Of course, if you’re using a professional home cleaning service, you can leave your blinds in their capable hands.

 

 

Cleaning Venetian Blinds

woman hand with yellow gloves holding a cloth to clean the blinds

Whether you’ve got PVC or wooden Venetian blinds – or faux wood blinds – you can clean Venetian blinds in the same way. You don’t even have to take them down! Start by fully lowering your blinds and tilt them downwards so they’re almost completely closed.

Wipe the blinds with a dry microfibre cloth. To clean vertical blinds, go from up to down; for horizontal blinds, wipe from one side to another and from top to bottom. If there’s still dust or dirt on the surface, follow with a damp cloth, then a clean cloth.

You can also use a vacuum with a soft brush attachment and low-suction setting.

Flip the blinds to remove dust from the other side.

If your vinyl or aluminium blinds are in the kitchen, they’ll be exposed to grease and other residues. Deep clean your blinds by placing them in a tub full of warm water, some dish soap, and a cup of baking soda. Soak them for half an hour, rinse, and completely dry.

If you’re soaking the blinds, make sure you leave the mechanical part at the top out of the water. You risk damaging your blinds if you get that area wet. Never soak wood or faux wood blinds.

 

 

Cleaning Fabric Blinds

Fabric is more delicate than wood, vinyl, or metal slats. You’ll need to be more careful and use the appropriate cleaning solution. Start by fully drawing your fabric window covers so the entire surface is exposed.

Use a vacuum with a soft brush attachment, or a dry microfibre cloth. Be gentle and don’t use excessive pressure. Remember to clean the other side as well!

If your fabric blinds are stained, mix a few drops of dishwashing liquid with 2 cups of warm water. Spot clean the stains by dipping a microfibre cloth into the mixture and carefully dabbing at the stain. For more stubborn dirt, dip the damp cloth in baking soda and gently scrub the affected area.

Leave your blinds fully extended so they can dry completely. Do not use a hairdryer or vacuum.

You may feel tempted to soak cloth blinds, but this can cause the fabric to warp or detach. It also risks mould and mildew if the blinds do not dry fully.

 

 

Cleaning Roman Blinds

Roman blinds

Much like fabric window blinds, you can clean Roman blinds using the same cleaning method. Lower the blinds and use a vacuum with a soft brush attachment. Make sure you’re extra-thorough on the bottom and the pleats, where dust tends to gather.

For stains, add a few drops of dish soap to 2 cups of warm water. Spot clean the stains with a microfibre cloth, then let the whole blind dry.

You can also double-check the manufacturing label to see if you can have your Roman blinds dry-cleaned.

 

 

Cleaning Roller Blinds

Window with sand coloured roll blinds

You can have roller blinds coated in vinyl, or ones made of fabric. You can clean a vinyl roller blind the same way you do Venetian blinds – with a vacuum cleaner and upholstery attachment, or a dry microfibre cloth.

For fabric roller blinds, use a vacuum and an upholstery attachment to remove dust, or wipe your window covers with a dry cloth. If there are stains, dip a soft cloth into a mix of water and dish soap. Dab at the stain – don’t rub! Then make sure to leave them fully extended afterward so they can air dry.

 

 

Tips for Cleaning Window Blinds

Mind when you clean your blinds! You should always clean before sweeping or vacuuming the floor – otherwise, you’ll have to do it all over again.

Don’t use an air freshener or any other sticky spray near your window covers. This will cause residue to build up faster.

Treat stains quickly so they don’t set and become difficult to remove.

Don’t use water without first dry wiping your blinds. For window covers made of wood or cellular shades, don’t use water at all.

If you don’t have a brush or upholstery attachment for your vacuum, you can use an old sock covering the nozzle.

And of course, clean your blinds regularly! Prevent them from collecting dust over time and posing a potential health hazard to your home. Knowing how to clean blinds is just another necessary skill for keeping your home clean – and not ruining a good view.

 

About Author

Sophie Franklin

Sophie is the subject matter expert within Maid2Match. Most importantly though she is our biggest fan girl and generous in sharing what she knows.

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About Author

Sophie Franklin

Sophie is the subject matter expert within Maid2Match. Most importantly though she is our biggest fan girl and generous in sharing what she knows.

Share