It’s important to know how to clean blinds properly to make sure you avoid dust building up in your home.
If you think you know how to clean blinds efficiently, you might want to think again because certain sprays and chemicals can damage your blinds – and so can leaving water on them for too long. So if you're thinking of giving your home a spring clean, make sure you read our guide on how to clean blinds properly before you grab your cleaning products.
We ask experts in the world of homes and professional cleaners for the best methods to clean blinds, safely and efficiently to avoid dust build-up.
How to clean blinds
Cleaning blinds is one of those household tasks we put off, or simply don't even think about doing. But when it comes to cleaning blinds, it's less tricky than you think and a simple method can work on several types of blinds.
"Cleaning blinds can be a tricky task, but there are several effective methods that you can use to do it well," says Fantastic Services cleaning supervisor Lily Cameron.
While cleaning experts at Airtasker add, "Venetian blinds are one of those things people often forget (or avoid) to clean. These blinds could also be difficult to deal with, especially when dust, dirt, and stains have built up.
"Regular or light cleaning is the easiest way to clean your blinds. It's less time-consuming and can be done once every few days without taking down the blinds. With consistent light cleaning, you minimize or eliminate the need to give your blinds a deep clean. Here’s how to do it."
To get ready to clean your blinds, you'll need the following:
A clean microfibre cloth
Feather duster or a vacuum cleaner fitted with a soft brush attachment
A soft sponge
One bucket of warm water
Dish soap and/or a window cleaning or blind cleaning spray.
But be careful, as the team at Airtasker warn, "Before using a cleaning solution on your blinds, do a test sample on a small area first. This will help you ensure that the solution is safe to use and wouldn’t cause discoloration or any other damage to your blinds."
So with this in mind, grab your cleaning essentialsfromunder the kitchen sinkand follow these steps on how to clean blinds.
1. Close your blinds
While this isn't absolutely necessary to clean your blinds, according to experts at Airtasker, it can be helpful to close your blinds so that one side is flat and facing you, making it easier to cover the entire blind. It also means you won't get the sun in your eyes while you're cleaning.
2. Dust away the debris
Cleaning experts suggest that if you have closed your blinds, grab your feather duster or cloth to effectively get rid of dust. Dust one side of the slats from one end to the other, or from the topmost slat to the bottommost slat. Then dust the other side.
Lily adds, "Simply run the cloth or duster over the blinds to remove dust and dirt. When doing so, make sure to dust both sides of the blinds, including the slats and the top of the headrail."
Cleaning expert and Instagram influencer Laura Mountford adds, "If you have horizontal blinds then you canget a specific duster for blinds which has microfibre cloth attachments to clean multiple slats at the same time, making it a much quicker job."
3. Choose your wet cleaning solution
Once you've removed the loose debris with your feather duster or clean microfibre cloth, you need to choose your wet cleaning solution. Either fill a bucket of warm water and add a small amount of dish soap, or grab some window or blind cleaner.
"Mix the solution until it is evenly distributed," advises Ivo Iv, owner of the home inspiration destination Decor Home Ideas. "Then dip your microfiber cloth or sponge into the cleaning solution and wring out any excess water. Be careful not to soak the cloth, as this can damage the blinds." Use caution, the same as you would when cleaning laminate floors or cleaning hardwood flooring.
Remember, if you're using a cleaner, test it on a small section first to ensure it doesn't damage your blinds.
4. Wipe down the blinds
Now your blinds are dust-free, you can get stuck into cleaning them with your wet solution to remove dirt.
As when cleaning mirrors, it's all about using the right technique. "Starting from the top of the blinds, gently wipe each slat with the damp cloth, being careful not to bend or break them," says Ivo. "Work your way down the blinds, rinsing the cloth frequently in the cleaning solution to remove dirt and debris."
5. Focus on stubborn dirt marks
If your blinds are particularly dirty, or the step above hasn't removed all of the stubborn dirt or grease marks, you can give your blinds a deep clean.
This involves, essentially, giving your blinds a bath! It requires taking the blinds down from the windows, so bear that in mind.
Lily suggests, "For blinds that are heavily soiled, you can try washing them. Fill a bathtub or another large container with warm water and add a few drops of dish soap. Then remove the blinds from the window and place them in it. Gently scrub them with a soft brush or sponge." It's important not to leave them to soak for too long, to avoid potential damage to the material.
6. Rinse with clean water
Now that your blinds have been cleaned, you need to rinse them to ensure that your cleaning solution doesn't linger on the slats, as this can damage your blinds.
"Once you have cleaned all of the slats, rinse the blinds with clean water using a spray bottle or clean cloth," advises Ivo. "This will help to remove any remaining soap residue."
If you've given your blinds the deep clean in a tub, after you've rinsed them with water, hang them to dry completely before reinstalling them.
7. Finish with a final wipe to dry
Making sure you dry your blinds after cleaning them is essential to prevent any damage, similar to when washing your pillows. So for this last step, don't reuse a cloth that you already used during the cleaning process.
"Finally, use a clean, dry cloth or towel to remove any excess water from the blinds," says Ivo. "Be sure to dry them thoroughly to prevent water damage or mold growth."
And cleaning expert Laura has a pro tip. "Once your blinds are dry my top tip is to wipe using a tumble dryer sheet," she says. "They are a great way to remove any static, dust and they leave your blindssmelling divine!" A smart way to make your house smell good while you clean.
What is the best way to clean blinds without taking them down?
To clean your blinds without taking them down, you can simply follow the steps above, but avoid step number 5 which involves taking them down and immersing them in a bath tub of water.
Fantastic Service's cleaning supervisor, Lily Cameron, has some tips for if your blinds are particularly dirty but you don't want to take them down.
"Invest in a cleaning tool specifically designed for blinds," she suggests. "There are several cleaning tools on the market that are specifically designed for cleaning blinds. They usually have multiple microfibre fingers that can clean several slats at once. They're also flexible and make cleaning hard-to-reach areas very easy."
Alternatively, she suggests using the soft attachment on your vacuum cleaner. "If you have a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment, you can use it to clean your blinds without taking them down," she says. "Use it to gently remove dust and dirt from the slats."
How do you clean vinyl blinds?
When it comes to cleaning vinyl blinds, you can follow the steps above, you just need to be more careful when choosing your cleaning solution.
"To clean vinyl blinds specifically, it is important to use a mild cleaning solution and avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaning tools that could scratch or damage the vinyl," warns Ivo Iv of Decor Home Ideas.
So for vinyl blinds, it might be best to stick to warm water and a small amount of dish soap, rather than a harsh chemical spray.
Another option is cleaning with vinegar, using equal parts water and vinegar. Fantastic Service's Lily Cameron says, "Spray the solution onto a microfibre cloth or a duster and gently wipe the slats clean. This solution not only cleans the blinds but also disinfects them."
Or for tougher stains, she suggests a mixture of water and baking soda. "Mix baking soda and water in a bowl until it forms a paste, then apply the paste to the stained areas of the blinds," she explains. "Let the paste sit for 15 to 20 minutes and use a damp cloth to wipe it away. The stain should come off as well."
How do professionals clean blinds?
Professional cleaners use the methods they have recommended above when cleaning homes on a regular basis. If the blinds in question need a deeper cleaning they tend to use specialized equipment.
Decor Home Ideas's Ivo Iv explains, "Some professionals may use ultrasonic cleaning, which involves placing the blinds in a tank of water and using high-frequency sound waves to agitate and remove dirt and debris. Other professionals may use steam cleaning or dry cleaning methods, depending on the type of blinds and the level of cleaning required."
And Lily Cameron from Fantastic Services adds, "Ultrasonic cleaning is very effective and efficient, but it’s usually expensive. Another method professional cleaning companies use is steam cleaning. A special steam cleaning tool is used to blast the blinds with hot, pressurized steam, which loosens and removes dirt and debris from the slats. Steam cleaning is effective and safe for most types of blinds."
Revealing other methods professionals may use, Lily says, "Some professional cleaning companies use a dry cleaning method, which involves using a special powder that's applied to the blinds and then brushed off. The powder attracts dirt and grime, which is then removed along with the powder.
"Some professional cleaners may also hand clean the blinds, using a combination of specialized cleaning solutions and tools. This method is time-consuming but can be very effective for heavily soiled or delicate blinds."
FAQs
How to clean blinds: 7 expert tips for keeping them dust-free? ›
“Vacuum the blinds from top to bottom to ensure that they stay in place. You can also use a feather duster or soft paint brush to remove excess dust, or for more stubborn stains, you can use warm water and dish soap.” This method generally works well for wood, aluminum, and vertical blinds.
How do you clean blinds without getting dust everywhere? ›“Vacuum the blinds from top to bottom to ensure that they stay in place. You can also use a feather duster or soft paint brush to remove excess dust, or for more stubborn stains, you can use warm water and dish soap.” This method generally works well for wood, aluminum, and vertical blinds.
How do you deep clean dusty blinds? ›Fill your bathtub with warm, sudsy water (use a grease-busting dish soap) and give the blinds a good soak. Then gently wash them with a sponge, wiping along the edges, where dust tends to accumulate most. Drain the dirty water, and then rinse the blinds thoroughly.
Do dryer sheets clean blinds? ›Clean Window Blinds
Just like with the TV, dryer sheets will repel dust and make blinds easier to clean over time.
The second way to clean mini blinds is to take them down and clean the blinds in your tub with a small amount of Dawn dish soap. Use a soft brush, sponge, or soft mop to go over both sides of the slats, then drain the dirty water and refill the tub with clean water to rinse.
How do you clean blinds without scrubbing them? ›There are two ways you can remove dust from blinds while they are still hanging: dusting with a microfiber tool like a cloth, glove or duster and vacuuming with a soft, dusting brush attachment. Vacuuming is also the only way we recommend cleaning real wood and fabric blinds or cellular shades.
Why do blinds collect dust? ›Roman blinds are constructed of folds or pleats of fabric, and if they're left in the same position for a long time and not dusted regularly, dust settles into these folds, and can also become engrained in it. Opening and closing the blind regularly will prevent this.
What is the fastest way to clean vinyl blinds? ›To clean dirty vinyl blinds, mix one part vinegar to 10 parts water in a bucket. Use a sponge to apply the mixture to the affected areas and scrub gently. Rinse the blinds with clean water and allow them to air dry completely.
Is vinegar good for cleaning blinds? ›White vinegar is a quick and easy blind cleaner. Simply put a clean soft cloth over your hand and dip your covered fingertips into a bowl of vinegar. Swipe your hand across the top and bottom of each slat and voila!
Can you use Clorox wipes to clean blinds? ›Keeping your mini-blinds clean with Clorox® Triple Action Dust Wipes is a great excuse to spy on the neighbors. Here's how: Fully extend the blinds. Close the blinds loosely so the top of the slats are facing you.
Do dust mites live on blinds? ›
Not only can you not be allergic, but also can make your house look new. Fabric curtains or roller blinds such as cotton or linen or polyester fabrics tend to gather dust inhabited by mites and promote the spread of mites in hot and humid climates, while anti-mite roller blinds help keep them growing.
What is the white powder coming off my blinds? ›This is oxidation and is caused by sun exposure on unprotected shutters. It's not uncommon; in fact, it can affect almost any material including plastic, car paint and metals and will result in the surface of the material becoming chalky.
What are the best window treatments for dusty homes? ›Hard window treatments such as blinds and shutters come in a variety of materials from wood, vinyl, faux wood, and composite options. All of these materials will attract less dust over time than fabric options. Any window treatment with horizontal vanes or slats creates an easy collection place for dust.
Do dryer sheets repel dust? ›Repel dust: Ditch your can of dust-attracting spray and use a dryer sheet to dust your electronics, blinds, ceiling fans, baseboards, and other dusty areas of your home. It leaves behind a trace of anti-static residue for a fresh scent and effective dust repellent.
Should you dust with a dryer sheet? ›Consider using a dryer sheet to get rid of dust. Dryer sheet are meant to trap dust, so it shouldn't take too much work. Also, a dry sheet can help prevent dust from sticking to your baseboards and furniture.
Does Swiffer really work on dust? ›Feather dusters largely stir dust into the air, but Swiffer Duster Heavy Duty excel at picking up and trapping dust and allergens* around the house. The thousands of dirt-locking fibers on Dusters ensure that dust isn't stirred around; it's picked up and locked in for truly exceptional dust capture and removal.
Does Swiffer Duster work on blinds? ›Much like changing your toothbrush, we recommend cleaning blinds regularly. Once every other week is good, or even once per week if you want to get rid of dust. According to Bryant, the easiest way to clean any kind of blinds is with a Swiffer.
Can you clean blinds with baby wipes? ›Baby wipes also work well for wooden blinds, and washing up liquid can be used for aluminium blinds.
Why put tennis balls in dryer with pillows? ›When you're washing anything down-filled, such as a comforter or bed pillows, adding a few new, clean tennis balls to the dryer will help fluff them up. If you've ever pulled a freshly-washed pillow out of the dryer to find it's become lumpy and misshapen, the tennis ball trick can prevent that.
Why you should stop using dryer sheets immediately? ›Dryer sheets can leave a coating of residue inside your dryer. The residue can get on your dryer's sensors and interfere with its ability to properly dry. Sheets are disposable, that means you have to keep buying them and they create waste that goes into landfills.
Why use dryer balls instead of dryer sheets? ›
Dryer balls are a chemical-free, economical alternative to fabric softener and dryer sheets. They are made from either plastic or wool and are used to reduce drying time, decrease static cling, and soften clothes. Unlike other alternatives, dryer balls do not contain any compounds or ions.
How do you keep dust off vinyl blinds? ›Use a dryer sheet to keep dust at bay. Vinyl and Aluminum Blinds – Dust often and spot clean stains with mild detergent using warm water and then blot them dry. Tilt the slats up and down slightly to dust both sides, moving along each slat. Avoid pressing down too hard, so you don't bend or break them.
What can I use to clean vinyl vertical blinds? ›To remove dust from vinyl vanes, wipe down the slats with a microfiber cloth. For tougher grime or dirt, you can wipe the vanes with soapy water and a microfiber cloth, or allow them to soak in a tub. Abrasive cleaners may scratch the surface of your blinds, so use caution.
How do you clean dirty 2 inch blinds? ›Mix 1 part water, 1 part white vinegar to create a germ-killing solution. Swipe all slats with the solution and a clean cloth. Dry each slat with another cloth.
What is a homemade cleaning solution for window blinds? ›If the blinds are plastic or metal, and you want to leave them in place to clean them, make a 50/50 solution of warm water and white vinegar in a bowl or bucket. Mix in a little mild dishwashing soap. Dip a sponge in the solution and wipe down each slat.
How do you clean blinds with dawn and vinegar? ›For plastic or metal blinds, make a 50/50 mixture of warm water and white vinegar with a few drops of dish soap mixed in. Wet a sponge in the solution, wring it out well, and wipe down each slat. Dry with a soft cloth or let air dry.
Can you use hydrogen peroxide for cleaning window blinds? ›Using Hydrogen Peroxide on Fabric Blinds. Hydrogen peroxide is an excellent stain remover, but it can also damage and discolor fabric. Try to avoid using it, or start with a small test spot first.
Why you should stop using Clorox wipes? ›Though they will disinfect your plates, Arthur Andrew Medical says the chemicals left behind by the Clorox wipes can be harmful to consume. According to the Missouri Poison Center, bleach can aggravate your skin, mucus membranes, and your gastrointestinal tract.
Can you use magic eraser to clean blinds? ›The ingredients in the Magic Eraser work immediately on scum and don't leave any residue on the blinds. I am so glad that I had those on hand for when I finally had the time and energy to clean my blinds.
Is it safe to clean inside of microwave with Clorox wipes? ›The products that easily wipe away grease and grime on the outside of the microwave and other kitchen appliances can't be used on the inside.
What is the best blinds cleaning method? ›
Mix in a little mild dishwashing soap. Dip a sponge in the solution and wipe down each slat. Finish by wiping each slat again with a sponge dampened in fresh, clean water. Let the blinds air-dry or wipe them dry them with a cloth.
How do you keep faux wood blinds dust free? ›What's the easiest way to dust faux wood blinds? You can swipe slats clean with a microfiber cloth or feather duster. Prevent dust buildup by wiping with a dusting spray.
What's the best way to clean material blinds? ›Use around a tablespoon of soap and about a litre of water, mixing together until the water turns sudsy. We don't recommend using harsh chemicals or bleach as these can discolour your blind fabric. Submerge a dishtowel or sponge in the water and wring it out before wiping the blind.
What can I use to clean vinyl blinds? ›To clean dirty vinyl blinds, mix one part vinegar to 10 parts water in a bucket. Use a sponge to apply the mixture to the affected areas and scrub gently. Rinse the blinds with clean water and allow them to air dry completely.
What are the most washable blinds for? ›Roller Blinds
These “all-time favourite” blinds must be right up there near the top of the list when it comes to being the easiest to clean and ongoing maintenance.
The wet wipes work with the Original Swiffer Sweeper stick.
What is the most efficient way to clean wood blinds? ›You can use a soft cloth, microfiber mitt, or a vacuum with a dust brush attachment. You can also use a wood cleaner to condition your wooden blinds or a wood soap cleaner to remove stubborn dirt. Use a microfiber towel and keep it damp instead of wet. Run the fabric across each slat to ensure maximum cleanliness.
How do you clean faux wood blinds? ›To clean your faux wood blinds, start by using a vacuum cleaner with a soft brush attachment to remove any loose dust. Next, use a slightly damp cloth to wipe down each slat, taking care not to overcrowd the cloth and create streaks. Finally, use a dry cloth to buff the slats until they shine.