We put in a lot of effort to test different products, tips, and tricks to discover the easiest and fastest ways to keep your home clean, both inside and out. We have helpful advice for cleaning your windows, a detailed guide to make your walls look like they were just painted, and much more. Before you start using any of the cleaning methods listed below, it’s smart to visit your blind manufacturer’s website for specific instructions and safety tips. After that, just follow the easy steps based on the type of blinds you have and how thorough of a cleaning they require.
How to Clean Blinds Without Taking Them Down
To really clean your blinds well, the best method is to take them down and place them flat on a surface. This way, you can easily clean both sides and the top and bottom parts completely. However, sometimes you might not have enough time or energy to do that. If your blinds are still hanging, you can get rid of dust in two ways: by using a microfiber cloth, glove, or duster to dust them off, or by vacuuming them with a soft brush attachment. Vacuuming is especially important for cleaning real wood, fabric blinds, or cellular shades.
What You’ll Need
- Microfiber cloths, duster or dusting gloves
- Vacuum cleaner with attachments
- Warm water
- Dishwashing liquid
Cleaning Your Blinds with a Microfiber Cloth, Glove or Duster
- Open the blind and wrap the microfiber cloth tightly around both sides of a slat or grab both sides with your glove.
- To clean horizontal blinds, which are also known as venetian blinds, begin at the top slat and move downwards. This way, you won’t accidentally have to clean a slat again because dust from the slat above falls onto it. When wiping, go from left to right. If you have a double-sided duster, like the GH Seal star double-sided duster from Swiffer, you can clean the top of one slat and the bottom of the slat above it at the same time as you move the duster in between them.
- To clean vertical blinds, securely wrap a microfiber cloth around both edges of the blind and wipe from the top to the bottom. There is no concern about transferring dust to other slats in this process; however, moving from the leftmost slat to the right (or the opposite direction) will help you monitor which slats have already been cleaned.
Dip a microfiber cloth in a mixture of dish soap and water. To eliminate persistent stains and adhesive residue from metal, vinyl, or faux wood blinds while they remain in place, immerse a microfiber cloth in a bowl containing warm water combined with a few drops of dishwashing liquid. Proceed to wipe the slats using the damp microfiber cloth. Afterward, ensure to wring out any excess water and clean the blinds in a left-to-right motion (or top-to-bottom for vertical blinds). Finally, dry the slats with a clean microfiber cloth, ensuring that both sides of each slat are wiped to remove any water spots or streaks. It is advisable to use minimal water, if any, on genuine wood blinds.
Expert Tip: Be sure to shake your microfiber tool outside as you start to notice it collecting dust to avoid depositing dust back on to your blinds as you clean.
Cleaning Your Blinds with a Vacuum
- Turn down your vacuum’s suction to the lowest setting.1. Affix the soft dusting brush attachment to your vacuum cleaner and adjust the suction power to the lowest setting possible. In cases where your vacuum is equipped with a single suction mode, ensure that it is not powerful enough to harm your blinds. The objective is to collect dust without causing the vacuum to adhere tightly to the slats of the blinds.
- Close the blind, hold the slats taut and vacuum slowly. Ensure that the blinds remain taut and gently traverse the horizontal blinds from left to right. For vertical blinds, grasp each slat and vacuum a small area, progressing from the top to the bottom.
- Go over each blind again. Vacuum each slat once more, this time moving in the opposite direction to collect any dust that may have been overlooked during the initial cleaning.
- Open and close the slats in the opposite direction. Upon completion, invert the slats to close them in the opposite direction and proceed to vacuum each slat once more.
How to Clean Blinds in a Tub
For a more thorough cleaning of metal, vinyl, or faux wood blinds, utilizing the bathtub is the most effective approach. However, it is crucial to adhere to the care instructions provided by the manufacturer when employing this cleaning technique. Prolonged submersion of blinds in water may lead to rusting of metal components. This method is not advisable for cellular shades or genuine wood blinds, as these materials can sustain damage when exposed to water. In the event that cellular shades become stained, it is recommended to consult the manufacturer for guidance on appropriate cleaning methods or to inquire about the warranty associated with your product.
What You’ll Need
- Towels
- Warm water
- Dishwashing liquid
- Microfiber cloth
- Line the tub with towels and fill it with warm water and dish soap. The towels will prevent the blinds from damaging the tub. Utilize warm water along with a small amount of dish soap. Stir to ensure that the detergent is fully dissolved.
- Extend the blind and open the slats before submerging the blind into the tub. Ensure that the top rail remains positioned over the edge of the tub, and introduce only one blind into the water at any given moment.
- Soak for up to 20 minutes. Use a cloth to remove any stuck-on stains or dirt.
- Rinse the blinds. Empty the bathtub and utilize fresh water to wash away the soapy residue from the blinds. If available, a handheld shower sprayer can facilitate the rinsing process.
- Allow blinds to dry completely before replacing. To eliminate as much moisture as possible, use a clean microfiber cloth to dry them, and then position the blinds flat to allow for thorough drying.
Blind Cleaning Dos & Don’ts
- It is advisable to conduct your blind cleaning prior to sweeping or vacuuming your floor. Failing to do so will necessitate a repeat of the floor cleaning process afterward.
- Do rehang your blinds only after they are completely dry.
- It is advisable to refrain from using water on your blinds until you have first removed any dust with a dry microfiber cloth. For wooden blinds and cellular shades, it is recommended to avoid the use of water entirely.
- Do check your blind manufacturer’s instructions before cleaning any blinds with water.
Can You Clean Blinds with Dryer Sheets?
It is possible to use dryer sheets for this purpose, although it is not the most effective method. Initially, it is advisable to utilize dryer sheets that have already completed a drying cycle. When you clean the slats of your blinds with a fresh dryer sheet, the static charge may attract some dust; however, it will also leave behind the fabric softener contained in the sheet. While you may opt to use previously used dryer sheets for cleaning your blinds, this approach will not yield results as satisfactory as those achieved with a microfiber cloth or a vacuum cleaner.
When Do You Have to Replace Your Blinds?
Window blinds and shades are a usually long-lasting investment for a home. Most do not need to be replaced for up to 10 years.
There are a few signs you can look out for when deciding if it is time to replace your blinds:
- The slats of the blinds may be distorted, fractured, or warped due to exposure to humidity or heat. In cases where only a limited number of slats are affected, certain manufacturers of blinds may offer repairs specifically for the damaged slats.
- The operation of your shades has become an exceedingly challenging endeavor. Over time and with frequent use, it is anticipated that the cords of your blinds will begin to loosen, resulting in difficulties when attempting to allow light in during the day or to close your shades at night.
- The blinds and their cords exhibit signs of discoloration, with a yellowish tint or fraying edges. Over time, the quality of household items tends to deteriorate, particularly those exposed to continuous direct sunlight, such as blinds.
- Your blinds are out of style or ill-fitting on new windows. Windows are not made in one universal size. Different windows will require different shades that fit the size of the new window, plus some styles just don’t look right on all windows.