Venetian blinds are a timeless favourite across many homes, as they suit almost any interior style.
They have horizontal slats that can be tilted to any angle, so it’s easy to control how much light you let into a room.
But if you have Venetian blinds, you’ll know their one little downside: they can collect dust and grime pretty quickly.
So, how to clean Venetian blinds?
For routine upkeep, you can clean your Venetian blinds while they’re hanging — just use a duster or a vacuum cleaner.
For a deep clean, check the material first. If your blinds are made from metal or vinyl, they’re more tolerant of moisture.
But for wooden Venetian blinds, use as little water as possible to prevent damage!
Routine Cleaning | Deep Cleaning | Metal Blinds | Vinyl Blinds | Wooden Blinds | Maintenance Tips
Before Cleaning Your Venetian Blinds
Before you begin, check the product manual for specific care and installation instructions.
See if it lists any compatible cleaners recommended for your blinds.
When it’s time for a deep clean, you’ll need to take your Venetian blinds down. Make sure to follow the manual to prevent damage.
Avoid using harsh chemicals and abrasive cleaners like steel wool. These can ruin the finish or cause permanent scratches on your Venetian blinds.
Instead, here’s what you’ll need:
- Dish soap
- Warm water
- White vinegar
- Microfibre cloths
- Feather duster or vacuum cleaner
- Wood-safe cleaner (for wooden blinds)
Lastly, always wear gloves and a mask for protection!
Routine Cleaning Steps for Venetian Blinds
Don’t wait until your Venetian blinds are coated in grime. A regular, light cleaning every 2 weeks is best — and no need to take the blinds down!
STEP 1: Roll the blinds down fully and close them.
STEP 2: Run a duster or a vacuum with a soft brush attachment across the slats to remove as much dust as possible. Work horizontally, and go from top to bottom.
STEP 3: Spot-clean any stains using a soft cloth dampened with soapy water. Then, wipe off the cleaning solution with a dry cloth.
STEP 4: Flip the blinds by closing them in the opposite direction, then repeat the steps.
Another option is to use a blinds cleaner to wipe several slats at a time without closing your Venetian blinds.
Got too many Venetian blinds to maintain? We suggest calling a house cleaning pro to help!
How to Deep Clean Venetian Blinds
Compared with roller blinds — which are made from a single sheet — Venetian blinds have many horizontal slats. This means they trap more debris and grime!
We recommend deep cleaning your Venetian blinds 1–2 times a year or whenever they start to look shabby.
Preparing Venetian blinds for deep cleaning
Start by unmounting the blinds — refer to the product manual for specific instructions.
Carefully climb onto a sturdy chair or ladder, and take a screwdriver with you if needed. Keep track of all screws and parts so they’re easy to find later.
Once your Venetian blinds are down, detach the slats from the headrail (the box-like casing at the top).
Give the headrail a good wipe with a damp microfibre cloth, or use a vacuum cleaner with a soft brush attachment.
For the slats on the Venetian blinds, the cleaning process depends on the material.
How to clean metal Venetian blinds
Metal Venetian blinds are usually made from aluminium. They hold up well to moisture, but we suggest giving them a gentle scrub instead of soaking.
Prolonged and repeated exposure to water can corrode aluminium!
Work in a spacious area like your garage. Find a flat surface — the floor or a large table will do.
Line the surface with some old towels to protect your aluminium Venetian blinds from scratches (and the surface from dirt).
Mix some dish soap and warm water in a spray bottle. Lightly spray the slats, then carefully wipe them down with a soft sponge or a damp microfibre cloth.
Work horizontally for a more thorough clean. Do not scrub too hard to avoid denting or bending the slats.
Next, flip the blinds to clean the other side.
For mould and other stubborn stains, spray them with a solution of 1 part vinegar and 3 parts water, then scrub lightly.
When you’re done, wipe away any leftover cleaning solution with a damp cloth.
Finally, hang your Venetian blinds up on a sturdy rack. Let them air dry completely before reinstalling.
How to clean vinyl Venetian blinds
Vinyl or PVC Venetian blinds can be safely soaked and cleaned in the tub.
To start, fill your tub with warm water and add about ¼ cup of dish soap. Swirl the water to mix.
Place the Venetian blinds in the tub. Let them soak for 10–15 minutes to loosen tough build-up.
Next, use a soft sponge or a microfibre cloth to gently scrub the slats, focusing on stubborn stains. Flip the blinds over to clean the other side.
Afterwards, drain the tub and rinse off any soap residue using your shower head.
If any stains remain, spray them with a mix of 1 part vinegar and 3 parts water. Scrub with a microfibre cloth, then rinse again.
Take your Venetian blinds out of the tub, then lay them flat on some old towels. Wipe them dry with a soft cloth.
Let the blinds air dry completely before putting them back up.
How to clean wooden Venetian blinds
Wooden (and even faux wood!) Venetian blinds are sensitive to moisture, so hopefully they’re not in your bathroom or kitchen!
When deep cleaning your wooden blinds, opt for a wood-safe oil soap and use water sparingly.
Meanwhile, faux wood blinds can handle water a little better, so you can just wipe them with a slightly damp cloth.
First, lay the blinds on a flat surface lined with towels. Use a vacuum with a soft brush attachment to remove loose dust.
Follow the instructions on your oil-based cleaner, then wipe down each slat with a soft cloth. Use a clean cloth to remove any residue from the cleaning product.
For any stubborn spots that the oil soap didn’t lift, dip a microfibre cloth into soapy water. Wring it out well, then gently scrub the spot.
Once the stains are gone, wipe the area dry ASAP. Repeat the steps on the other side of the blinds.
You can also apply a wood-safe furniture polish to restore the shine and help protect the finish on your wooden Venetian blinds.
Tips to Keep Venetian Blinds Clean for Longer
Regular light dusting every couple of weeks is key to keeping your blinds clean for longer.
If you have Venetian blinds in your bathroom or kitchen, clean them more often to prevent greasy build-up and mould.
Don’t forget to clean your windows too. This will help reduce the dust and debris collecting on your blinds.
You can also minimise dust in your home using an air purifier.
But if you don’t have one, consistent general cleaning — such as vacuuming and wiping the walls — makes a huge difference!
