How To Properly Clean Window Blinds Easily

This article has been written in collaboration with Factory Direct Blinds.

Are your window blinds looking a little bit worse for wear? Cleaning window coverings are among the most forgotten items when it comes to deep cleaning the home. Don’t worry – with a little effort, you can easily get them looking like new again!

And the best part is that cleaning blinds is not too difficult! If you prepare with the right cleaning tools, cleaning your window blinds is easy and quick.

In this guide, we’re going to show you how to clean window blinds quickly and easily. Whether your blinds are made of wood, plastic, or fabric, we’ve got some tips and tricks that will make cleaning them a breeze. So let’s get started!

Read my step-by-step guide to deep clean your entire house

How To Clean Window Blinds

Window blinds are an ideal window investment and will often last much longer than curtains. They offer a unique style to suit your home decor and the look of your home. They provide light control and privacy.

Having high-quality window coverings can also lower your heating and cooling bills.

Besides that, they’re affordable, easy to clean and come in a variety of textures and styles.

Important Note: Always read the care instructions on your blinds and window coverings if you have them available or contact the manufacturer if you are able to do so for their recommended cleaning tips. If you are uncertain about using a particular cleaning method, consider doing a spot test first before you clean blinds in their entirety for the first time.

As far as cleaning window blinds go, here’s how to clean different blinds that you will commonly find in the home:

How To Clean Fabric Window Blinds

Fabric blinds for windows are common and suitable for high-traffic areas. These blinds aren’t only classy but are also easy to clean.

Fabric window blinds lack horizontal slats; hence they don’t accumulate much dust like horizontal blinds and shutters.

The one thing that makes fabric blinds easy to wash is that you can remove them from the headrail and place them in a washing machine, if safe to do so.

However, not all are ideal for machine washing; hence you should check the care guidelines to avoid ruining the blinds.

How To Clean Roller Blinds

When cleaning fabric roman and roller blinds, you’ll need a vacuum installed with an upholstery brush. Set the vacuum low if you have multiple settings and begin removing the dust.

Move the vacuum towards the fabric weave, lest you damage the blinds. If your blinds have stains or grim, use a stain remover that’s safe for the fabric.

You can use baking soda, white vinegar, and other natural cleaning supplies for deeper spot cleaning and stain removal if needed.

Remember, it’s advisable to try any cleaning product on a small blind area to know if it’s safe before proceeding.

If your fabric blinds are layered, avoid vacuum cleaning at all costs. Instead, use a microfiber cloth to clean the layered blinds to avoid pulling and stretching the blinds. With a wet microfiber cloth, wipe the blinds following the blind’s weave.

How To Clean Vertical Blinds

Vertical window blinds can come in a variety of different materials, including fabric, plastic and vinyl. Cleaning your vertical blinds will depend on the material they’re made from.

Unlike horizontal blinds, vertical window blinds don’t collect too much dust because the slats on vertical blinds run up and down instead of side by side. Instead of collecting dust on the slats, most of the dust will be collected on the floor and other surfaces.

The exception often is if you have pets indoors. Cats and dogs will often rub against hanging blinds and leave pet hair on the surface so you may find that the bottom of your blinds are much grubbier than the top.

If you have fabric vertical blinds, similar guidelines to cleaning roller and roman-style fabric blinds apply here too. If they are lightly dusty, all you should need is a vacuum cleaner with an upholstery brush attachment or a small handheld vacuum cleaner.

This makes cleaning most vertical blinds easy since you only need a quick dusting procedure once a week to keep the blinds clean. For vinyl blinds, you can use a damp microfibre brush for persistent dust and marks.

However, if your vertical blinds are older and you want to give your blinds a deep clean once dirt and grime have started accumulating, you can easily do this using a bathtub or large sink and soapy water.

To do this you’ll need cold water, a microfiber cloth, appropriate detergent, and a large basin or a bathtub. First, remove the blinds from the headrail and place them in the basin or bathtub. Add warm water and a little detergent.

Ensure that the detergent you use is appropriate for your blinds to avoid ruining them and don’t use hot water since it can warp the blinds which can affect their integrity.

Make sure to continue rinsing the blinds until they’re clean. Once you’re confident that the blinds are clean, dry them by hanging them outside on your clothesline to dry them under the sun.

Before putting them back on the headrail, wipe the headrail area with a damp microfiber cloth to ensure it’s also clean.

How To Clean Horizontal Blinds

Cleaning horizontal blinds is usually one of the easiest options since they are typically made of a plastic and can be easily wiped clean with a damp cloth, a duster or even using an old clean sock on your hand to slide away the dust from the blind slats.

How To Clean Wooden Blinds

Wooden blinds are classy and found in modern homes with a natural touch. They come in different wood colours to fit different home styles.

Though wooden blinds are easy to clean, they require extra attention to prevent damage.

It’s vital to understand that water can damage real wood blinds because they have tiny holes that absorb water. For this reason, wooden blinds are ideal for dry areas such as living rooms and bedrooms instead of kitchens and bathrooms.

When cleaning real wood blinds, avoid using water. Instead, use a feather duster or a dry microfiber cloth to eliminate dust on the blinds. When dusting, ensure to attend to the upper and lower side of the slats. However, if the blinds have grime or stains, use a slightly wet microfiber cloth to wipe them off and avoid leaving any moisture on the blinds.

Faux wood blinds don’t warp since they’re waterproof. Therefore, you can use a wet microfiber cloth without worrying about destroying this window treatment with water.

What Are The Best Types Of Blinds For Your Home?

At the end of the day, choosing the right blinds for your home depends on your personal tastes and preferences. However, here are some guidelines to help you make a decision.

If you live in an area with high humidity or a lot of dust, faux wood blinds or quality vinyl blinds are ideal because they’re waterproof and easy to clean. This will reduce the risk of mould forming on your blinds. Or at least, make it easy to clean.

Venetian blinds are perfect for large windows as they provide a great way to control light and visibility in large rooms. Plus, they’re easy to adjust with the help of a pull cord or wand.

If you are seeking something that will block out sunlight, such as in the bedroom, then blackout roller blinds are the way to go. They’re ideal for privacy and blocking out light.

Finally, if you need an elegant design with extra insulation in your home, then layered blinds are perfect. They provide a great combination of style and performance that can improve your home’s energy efficiency while also providing a cozy atmosphere.

Cleaning window blinds need not be a dreaded chore! No matter which type of blinds you choose, make sure to take good care of them and clean them regularly to keep them looking as good as new. Following the tips above will help ensure that your window coverings last for many years!

I hope this guide on how to clean blinds helps you get yours in great shape again!