Easy Methods for Cleaning Window Blinds and Shades

Window blind cleaning can be easy and make even cheaper blinds look spotless and attractive. These simple instructions will tell you how to clean vertical blinds, clean wood blinds, clean faux wood blinds, clean fabric blinds, and more!

When tidying around the house, it’s easy to forget to dust the blinds. The best way to clean your blinds is prevention: regularly dust them and you won’t have to worry about stains and dirt build up, which are more difficult to clean. However, if you do forget, here are some cleaning methods. Here are some general tips for all types:

• Remember, the best method is a regular dusting. You can use a feather duster, dusting cloths, or even an old sock.
• You can also vacuum once a month to keep them spotless.
• Make sure you get both sides. To do this you can turn the slats at a 45 degree angle, dust, then turn them at a 45 degree angle in the opposite direction. If you close the blinds completely to clean them, you might miss spots hidden behind the overlap.
• While dusting or cleaning blinds that are still hanging (if you don’t take them down), lay a sheet or garbage bag below the blinds to catch any dust or dirt that might fall. When finished with one set, take it outside and shake it out before moving on to the next set.
• Only use warm water where necessary. Hot water can cause damage.
• Once blinds are clean, you can use a fabric softener to prevent static (which attracts dust). Note: if using a liquid softener, make sure it is only damp (excess water can damage wood blinds).
• If you have any questions or doubts, you can also refer to a manual or call the manufacturer.

Some types require specific methods of cleaning.

Wood blinds

Remember to dust regularly; vacuuming will work as well. Be careful when cleaning the cheaper wood blinds. Do not use water or get these wet! Water can seep into the wood, even with higher quality finished shades, and cause warping. Also, make sure the blinds are clean and dust free before using a furniture wax based furniture polish. The wax can trap dirt and dust – so do not use a wax based polish before cleaning! If slats are really dirty, you may use a small amount of oil soap, but be careful.

Faux wood blinds

These fashionable blinds are cheaper and easier to clean than real wood blinds. Dust regularly; a vacuum with a brush attachment is also ideal for cobwebs and bugs. If more extensive cleaning is necessary, you can use a sponge or cloth with warm water (you may need to add soap as well; dish soaps are good). Do not use hot water. It may be easier to take them down to clean them. Make sure you let them dry before hanging. If they are hanging, you can point a fan towards them to help them dry faster.

Vinyl Blinds and Aluminum Blinds

As usual, dust and vacuum. If necessary, use a mild detergent with warm water. While washing these more affordable blinds, take care so you don’t bend or break the slats. To clean aluminum blinds, you can wipe them regularly with a damp cloth.

Fabric Blinds

Try to vacuum these regularly. You can use mild detergent and warm water for small stains. When using water, wring out the cloth to get rid of excess water. You can wipe them with a dry sponge.

Honeycomb

These are usually stain resistant and anti-static, so they probably will not require as much cleaning. They can be vacuumed (low setting), and you can use water for stains, but not often as it may cause discoloration. Do not use magnetic cleaners as they can damage the room-darkening backing.

Vertical Blinds

These might seem like bargain blinds, since you may think they require less cleaning (less dust will settle on vertical blinds). They still do need to be dusted and vacuumed, as neglect can cause dirt build up or stains. When vacuuming, make sure you start at the top and go down. There are special attachments for vertical blinds

If you have to clean them, it will probably be difficult if they are hanging, so you’ll want to take them down. Fabric vanes have a weight in the bottom of them; take this out before cleaning. Be careful not to bend or be too rough with vinyl or aluminum

There are also blind cleaning services out there, but why not save money and use these do-it-yourself methods?