You’ve cleaned the whole house, but something still feels off — and then you see it. You completely neglected your vertical blinds!
With their long, vertical slats, vertical blinds are often used to cover tall windows and glass doors.
They’re usually made from fabric or vinyl (PVC) and are great for controlling light.
Because of the vertical design, these window coverings don’t collect dust as much as horizontal blinds (like Venetian ones).
That makes them easy to overlook, but they can still get grimy over time!
So, how to clean vertical blinds?
For a quick refresh, all you need is a microfibre cloth and a vacuum. But for a deep clean, get ready to soak the slats!
What You Need | Regular Cleaning | Deep Cleaning | Removing Stains | Maintenance Tips
Before Cleaning Vertical Blinds
Before you clean your vertical blinds, read the care label or product manual. Cleaning methods can vary between different materials.
When it comes to cleaning products, stick with gentle ones. Always spot test on a hidden area first to avoid discolouration or damage.
Also, avoid using rough sponges or hard brushes, as they can scratch the surface.
If you’re doing a deep clean or dealing with mould, make sure the area is well-ventilated.
In these cases, wear gloves and a mask to protect yourself from harmful irritants!
Materials for Cleaning
No need for fancy tools to clean vertical blinds!
Grab these materials before you get started:
- Water
- Microfibre cloth
- Dish soap or mild detergent
- Vacuum cleaner with a soft brush attachment
Regular Cleaning Steps for Vertical Blinds
For routine upkeep, you can clean your vertical blinds without removing them. Just use some microfibre cloths and a vacuum cleaner.
Ideally, do this once or twice a month to prevent dirt buildup.
We’re not gonna lie, though — cleaning vertical blinds is not the easiest task, especially if you have back issues.
Consider hiring expert home cleaners if you’d rather skip the hassle!
Step 1: Dust off each slat
To start, tilt your vertical blinds open slightly. Then, grab 2 dry microfibre cloths and hold one in each hand.
Sandwich the slat between the cloths. Gently remove dust by wiping down both sides at the same time, going from top to bottom.
Another option is to use a microfibre cloth and a vacuum cleaner with a soft brush attachment.
This works especially well for fabric vertical blinds, but it’s safe for vinyl ones too.
Hold the microfibre cloth behind the slat. With your other hand, gently vacuum down the front of the slat.
As you vacuum down the slat, move your other hand down with it for support. That way, you clean both sides of the slat in one go without bending it.
Whichever method you’re going for, remember to be careful. Do not pull too hard, or you could snap the slats from the hooks!
Step 2: Spot clean stains
After cleaning all the slats on your vertical blinds, it’s time to spot clean stains!
Gently scrub any stains using a microfibre cloth dampened with a mixture of warm water and a bit of dish soap.
Once the stains lift, rinse any soap residue with another clean, damp cloth.
Step 3: Let everything dry
For vinyl blinds, wipe dry any damp spots to prevent streaks.
For fabric blinds, we suggest using a blow dryer on a cool or low heat setting to avoid water stains.
Make sure everything is dry before closing your vertical blinds!
How To Deep Clean Vertical Blinds
Your vertical blinds can get dirty over time, especially if you have a busy household or love keeping the windows open.
To deep clean blinds, you’ll need to take them down. For best results, do this at least once a year.
But you might be able to stretch that to every two years if you’ve kept up with regular maintenance!
Preparing your vertical blinds for deep cleaning
The slats of vertical blinds are usually attached individually with a hook, so they’re easy to remove.
But to be safe, check the product manual for any specific dismantling instructions.
For fabric blinds, you’ll need to remove the metal weights and linking chain at the bottom before unhooking them.
Grab a sturdy step ladder or chair. Carefully climb up to unhook the slats one by one.
With the slats down, use a damp cloth to wipe the headrail. Be sure to remove all the dust from the top surface!
Afterwards, it’s time to give your blinds a good soak.
How to deep clean vinyl vertical blinds
To clean vinyl vertical blinds, all you need is warm water and some mild detergent!
First, fill your tub with warm water. Add about ¼ cup of a mild detergent or dish soap. Swirl the water to mix thoroughly.
Soak the slats for about 15 minutes. For tougher grime, leave them in longer.
Next, use a soft bristle brush or a sponge to gently scrub each slat, focusing on any stained areas.
Once the stains are gone, drain the tub and rinse off any soap residue using your shower head.
Afterwards, take the slats out of the tub. Lay them flat on a surface lined with clean, old towels.
Then, wipe each slat dry with a soft cloth to prevent water spots.
Once they’re completely dry, reattach your blinds and enjoy the fresh, clean look!
How to deep clean fabric vertical blinds
Handwashing is often the best way to deep clean fabric vertical blinds, but double-check the care label first.
Some blinds could be made from delicate fabrics and may be dry cleaning-only.
If your blinds are washable, fill the tub with cool water. Add ¼ cup of dish soap or 2–3 tbsp of mild detergent.
For heavily soiled blinds or large batches, slightly increase the concentration.
Soak the slats for 15–20 minutes, or longer if needed. Then, gently scrub any stubborn stains with a soft-bristle brush.
Once the slats are clean, rinse them thoroughly by draining and refilling the tub until the water runs clear.
To dry, roll the slats in a clean towel and press out excess water. Do not wring or twist the slats, as this can cause damage.
Next, bring the blinds to an airy but shaded area. Lay them flat on a surface, with towels underneath.
Do not hang the fabric slats while wet, as this can stretch the fabric.
Use a fan to speed up drying, and flip the slats once the first side is dry. When the blinds are fully dry, you can hang them back up!
Removing Stains from Vertical Blinds
To keep your vertical blinds looking fresh, spot clean stains as you see them!
You can do this without taking the blinds down. But for tougher stains, it’s best to unhook the affected slats and give them a proper soak.
Always make sure your blinds are fully dry before closing them or putting them back up. A fan or a hair dryer can speed things up.
How to clean food stains from vertical blinds
To remove food stains from your vertical blinds, mix a few drops of dish soap with a cup of water.
In a bowl, dip a microfibre cloth into the solution, and gently dab the stain.
Once it lifts, use a fresh, damp cloth to wipe off any soap residue.
How to clean mould off vertical blinds
To clean mould off vertical blinds, spray the area with a solution of equal parts vinegar and water.
Let it sit for 1 hour, then gently blot the excess moisture with a clean, damp cloth.
You can also take down the mouldy slats and soak them in a basin filled with a vinegar solution.
Wait for an hour before rinsing the slats. Then, wipe them dry or let them air dry on a flat surface.
How to remove water stains from vertical blinds
Water can leave unsightly spots on fabric vertical blinds, especially if they didn’t dry evenly.
To remove water stains, it’s best to re-wet them.
Unhook the stained slats, and soak them in a basin filled with 3 parts water and 1 part vinegar.
Wait for 15–20 minutes, then drain and refill the basin with clean water to rinse the slats.
Next, roll the slats in a towel and gently press out the excess moisture.
Lay them flat on a clean surface and aim a fan at them for faster drying. Flip the slats when it’s time to dry the other side.
How to Keep Your Vertical Blinds Clean for Longer
Cleaning your blinds regularly may not be at the top of your to-do list, but it’s worth it!
It’s easier to do a quick clean every couple of weeks instead of waiting to do a big, deep clean.
Additionally, spot treat any stains on your vertical blinds as soon as you see them. Letting them sit can make them harder to remove later.
In humid areas like bathrooms and kitchens, use an exhaust fan or dehumidifier to help prevent mould.
Lastly, keep the surrounding areas (like your windows and walls) clean. This can help stop dust from settling on your vertical blinds.
FAQs on Cleaning Vertical Blinds
Got more questions? Here’s how to keep your vertical blinds looking fresh!
Is there a hack for cleaning vertical blinds?
To speed up the cleaning process for your vertical blinds, try the good old sock trick!
Slip a clean, old sock over each hand, and wipe both sides of each slat at once.
You can also buy microfibre dusting gloves if you don’t want to use a sock!
Another option is to wrap microfibre cloths around both ends of your kitchen tongs and secure them with a rubber band.
Can you use vinegar to clean vertical blinds?
Yes, you can use vinegar to clean vertical blinds! It works well for fabric and vinyl blinds, especially for killing mould.
For fabric blinds, you can add vinegar to the final rinse to help remove detergent residue and even bad odours.
Vinegar is generally safe for delicate fabrics. But if you’re unsure, do a spot test first and check for any damage or discolouration.
How to clean vertical blinds in a washing machine
If the care label allows, you can machine wash fabric vertical blinds!
Use a gentle cycle with cool water, but always double-check the care label for any temperature guidelines.
Opt for a mild detergent that’s safe for delicate fabrics like silk or wool. If that’s not available, a detergent for baby clothes works, too.
Place the slats in a mesh laundry bag to prevent tangling during the wash.
For extra cleaning power, add 1 cup of white vinegar to the final rinse cycle.
After washing your fabric blinds, do not tumble dry. High heat can distort or fray the fabric.
Instead, air drying is best. Take your blinds to a well-ventilated, shaded area. Lay the slats on a flat surface lined with towels.
Use a fan to help speed up drying. Once one side is dry, flip the slats to dry the other side.
Can I use a steam cleaner for my vertical blinds?
Yes, but with caution. Too much heat can damage vertical blinds, especially fabric ones, so check the care label first to be safe.
Start by vacuuming loose dirt from your blinds.
For vinyl blinds, use a low steam setting and move the nozzle down each slat. Wipe the slats right after with a dry microfibre cloth.
For fabric blinds, test a small spot first to make sure it’s okay to steam clean.
Once you confirm it’s safe, use a low setting and hold the nozzle a few inches away from the slats, working from top to bottom.
Allow your blinds to air dry fully to avoid mould and water spots.
