We understand that keeping your home clean can be a task and a half, especially when it comes to those tricky areas like window blinds. Whether it’s maintaining that fresh-painted look on your walls or getting your windows sparkling, we have handy tips for all sorts of cleaning challenges. Before diving into the methods explained here, it’s always a good idea to check your blind manufacturer’s website for specific instructions and precautions. Now, let’s get started with some simple tips to keep your blinds spick and span without taking them down.
How to Clean Blinds Without Taking Them Down
Ideally, taking your blinds down and laying them flat would make it easier to clean every nook and cranny. However, we know that’s not always feasible. For a quick clean while your blinds are on the wall, you have a couple of reliable methods: using a microfiber tool such as a cloth, glove, or duster, or vacuuming with a soft brush attachment. Note that vacuuming is the best approach for cleaning real wood, fabric blinds, or cellular shades.
What You’ll Need
Cleaning Your Blinds with a Microfiber Cloth, Glove or Duster
Grab a microfiber cloth and dip it in a mixture of dish soap and water. For stubborn stains or sticky residue on metal, vinyl, or faux wood blinds, this method works wonders. Gently squeeze out excess water and wipe the slats clean. Make sure to go from left to right for horizontal blinds, or top to bottom if they’re vertical. Dry each slat with a clean microfiber cloth to avoid water spots. Exercise caution and use minimal water on real wood blinds as they can be sensitive to moisture.
Expert Tip: Shake your microfiber tool outside to remove collected dust periodically. This avoids transferring dust back onto the blinds as you clean.
Cleaning Your Blinds with a Vacuum
How to Clean Blinds in a Tub
For a thorough clean, especially for metal, vinyl, or faux wood blinds, you might consider using the bathtub. This method is not suitable for cellular shades or real wood blinds due to the risk of water damage. Always check manufacturer guidelines because prolonged exposure to water can lead to rusting on metal blinds. If cellular shades get stained, it’s best to contact the manufacturer for tailored advice or warranty assistance.
What You’ll Need
Can You Clean Blinds with Dryer Sheets?
You might have heard that dryer sheets can do the trick, but they aren’t the best option. If you decide to go this route, only use dryer sheets that have already been through a cycle in the dryer. New ones will attract dust with their static but will leave behind fabric softener residue. While old dryer sheets can be used, a microfiber cloth or vacuum will offer better cleaning results.
When Do You Have to Replace Your Blinds?
Blinds and shades are generally durable, with a lifespan of up to 10 years. However, there are some signs that it might be time to replace them:
