We spend a lot of time testing products, tips and tricks to find the easiest, quickest and most effective ways to keep everything inside and outside your home clean. We have tips for cleaning your windows, a step-by-step guide to keep walls looking freshly painted and more. Before you try any of the cleaning methods below, it’s a good idea to check your blind manufacturer’s website for instructions and precautions. Then, follow the simple steps below depending on the material of your blinds and just how deep of a cleaning they need.
How to Clean Blinds Without Taking Them Down
The best way to deep clean your blinds is by taking them down and laying them on a flat surface. It makes it easier to clean both sides and the top and bottom rails thoroughly, but you may not always have the time or energy for this. 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.
What You’ll Need
Cleaning your blinds can be a breeze if you have the right tools handy. Here’s a list of items you might need:
Cleaning Your Blinds with a Microfiber Cloth, Glove or Duster
Dip a microfiber cloth in a mixture of dish soap and water. To remove stubborn stains and sticky residue from metal, vinyl or faux wood blinds while they are hanging, dip a microfiber cloth in a bowl of warm water mixed with a few drops of dishwashing liquid. Squeeze out the excess water and wipe the blinds from left to right (or top to bottom if they’re vertical blinds). Make sure to wipe both sides of each slat to buff away any water spots or streaks. Use water sparingly, if at all, on real 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 your blinds as you clean.
Cleaning Your Blinds with a Vacuum
Vacuuming with a soft brush attachment is excellent for removing surface dust and is the only method we recommend for real wood and fabric blinds or cellular shades. The gentle suction can help suck away any loose dirt or dust without damaging the material.
How to Clean Blinds in a Tub
If you want to give metal, vinyl or faux wood blinds a deeper clean, your best bet is in the bathtub. Submerge the blinds in warm water mixed with a few drops of dish soap and let them soak for about an hour. This method is not suitable for cellular shades or real wood blinds as these materials become damaged when immersed in water. Remember to check the manufacturer’s instructions before proceeding with this method.
Can You Clean Blinds with Dryer Sheets?
You can, but it isn’t ideal. First, you’ll only want to use dryer sheets that have already been through a dryer cycle. When you wipe your blind’s slats with a new dryer sheet, the static attraction will pick up some of the dust, but you’ll be depositing the fabric softener that is built into the sheet onto the slats too. If you want to use old, used dryer sheets to clean your blinds you can, but it won’t do as good of a job as a microfiber cloth or vacuum.
When Do You Have to Replace Your Blinds?
Window blinds and shades are usually a long-lasting investment for a home. Most do not need to be replaced for up to 10 years. However, there are a few signs to determine if it’s time for a replacement:
Keep these tips in mind, and your blinds will stay looking sharp without the hassle of taking them down!
