How to Clean your Window Blinds
April 22, 2021
Cleaning window blinds is probably not your favourite job. Depending on the type of blinds, you probably consider the task finicky and time consuming. That being said, professional cleaners have some tips and tricks to make the job a little less daunting. Let’s take a closer look at some of these ideas for how to clean your window blinds.
Tips for All Blinds
Routine cleaning is the key to keeping your blinds looking great. Consider dusting or vacuuming your blinds whenever you are dusting or vacuuming your home. You should schedule more thorough cleaning of your blinds seasonally or more frequently if you live in a dusty environment, have pets or children, or smoke indoors.
Tips for Aluminum or Vinyl Blinds and Shutters
Close the blinds and shutters and wipe them with a soft cloth, feather duster, or microfiber cloth. Always start from the top of the blinds and work to the bottom. Next, use a soft sock or cloth over your hand and run them between each of the slats. Using a vacuum with a brush attachment instead can make the dusting go quicker.
If blinds are very dirty and they need to be washed, place them in the bathtub with just enough water to submerge them. Add approximately 2 cups of white vinegar and a small amount of dishwashing soap and allow the blinds to soak for at least 10 minutes. Wipe the slats with a sponge or cloth. You may also want to use a toothbrush to clean more difficult spots on your blinds. Finally, rinse your blinds with cold water and dry the blinds with a chamois or hang or lay them flat.
Tips for Wood Blinds and Shutters
You should not use soap and water to clean real wood blinds. Instead furniture polish or oil will not only clean your blinds but help to maintain their finish. Simply apply furniture polish or oi to a cloth and clean the closed blinds from top to bottom remembering to clean both sides of the blinds.
Tips for Vertical Blinds
Long vertical blinds can be especially challenging to clean which is why it is even more important to regularly dusting or vacuuming these blinds to delay the need for deeper cleaning. Nevertheless, you’ll likely need to clean these blinds more thoroughly at least once a year. Dust or vacuum both sides of each slat working from the top down. Inspect each slat for stains that can be spot cleaned with a spray cleaner or soapy water. If you’re cleaning vinyl or aluminum blinds, consider laying towels or plastic under the blinds to prevent soap and water from dripping on your floors. Be sure to also rinse and dry each of your slats when you’re done cleaning.