How to clean blinds like a pro.

How often should you clean your blinds?

Most manufacturers recommend dusting your blinds regularly so they remain in good shape all the time. Do a light dusting now and then to remove surface dirt.

Schedule a regular deep house cleaning to wash your blinds thoroughly. Let the cleaning service know that you'd like them to pay special attention to your blinds and window treatments.

What is the best thing to clean blinds with?

The best materials for cleaning your blinds depend on the type of blinds you have.

Some materials, like wood blinds, tend to be very sensitive. A duster, water, and a microfiber cloth (even a clean sock) should do the trick.

For others, like faux wood or plastic blinds, you can use mild soaps like dishwashing liquids. Be gentle with your blinds and avoid harsh chemicals, as they might ruin them instead of cleaning them.

How to clean wooden blinds.

Real wood blinds are usually made from light basswood or bamboo. Wooden blinds require a gentle cleaning with a vacuum or duster to keep them in top shape.

What you’ll need:

• A vacuum cleaner
• Soft, clean rags
• A feather duster

Step 1: Dust or vacuum your blinds.

Run your feather duster lightly over each slat of your blinds. You may also vacuum the blinds with a soft brush to remove the dirt and dust.

Step 2: Spot clean any dirty spots.

Rub dirt spots with a damp cloth. Don’t soak your wood blinds or apply too much water, as excessive water may cause the wood to warp. Also, never use chemicals, sprays, or other cleaning solutions that may damage your blinds. 

Dry your blinds immediately with a clean cloth.

Best way to clean faux wood blinds.

Cleaning faux wood blinds is simple and straightforward.

What you’ll need:

• A vacuum brush
• Soft, clean rags
• A duster
• Soap
• Warm water

Step 1: Dust your faux wood blinds.

Give your blinds a regular dusting between each slat so it prevents dust from accumulating. You can use a feather duster, other synthetic dusters, or a soft, dry cloth as a dusting tool. If you’ve only got light dirt and dust, you can vacuum your blinds with a soft brush.

Step 2: Wash your blinds with soap and water.

If your blinds have a lot of stains or you want to do deep cleaning, take them down and wash them with water. Mix liquid dish soap with warm water and wash your blinds. Rinse the blinds, and wipe them dry. Make sure they're completely dry before hanging them up again.

Be sure not to use any harsh detergents or spray cleaners so they don’t damage the blinds’ integrity.

How to clean aluminum blinds.

Aluminum blinds are pretty straightforward to clean. Keep the dust and dirt from accumulating by cleaning them regularly.

What you’ll need:

• A vacuum brush
• Soft, clean rags
• A duster/Swiffer
• Warm water
• Dishwashing liquid

Step 1: Dust your aluminum blinds.

Use a synthetic duster or a product like a Swiffer that grabs hold of dust without expelling it back into the air or spreading it all over the floor. You can try to use a feather duster, but the results might not be as good.

Step 2: Vacuum your aluminum blinds.

Use a small round brush at the end of the hose to suction up dust and dirt. Remove cobwebs by vacuuming your aluminum blinds.

Step 3: Wipe your aluminum blinds.

Wet a rag with warm water and wipe each slat of your aluminum blinds. Put your hand under to support the area you wipe. Be sure not to press too hard, as you might bend the slats. Rinse the rag after wiping each slat, so you have a clean rag every time you wipe a new slat.

Step 4: Wash your aluminum blinds.

Take down your aluminum blinds and soak them in a large bucket. Mix a few drops of mild dish soap into warm water and let the blinds sit in the solution for 15 minutes. Rinse them thoroughly before hanging them out to dry.

Best way to clean plastic blinds.

If you want your plastic blinds to last long, you’ll need to clean them regularly. Fortunately, the cleaning method for plastic blinds is a simple and easy process.

What you’ll need:

• A duster
• Paper towels
• A sponge
• Mild soap

Step 1: Dust your plastic blinds.

Use a feather or synthetic duster to dust your blinds. You can also use a soft, dry cloth to wipe them.

Step 2: Wash your plastic blinds.

If you’re dealing with stubborn stains or want to do a deep cleaning of your blinds, take them down and wash them. Add some non-abrasive soap to warm water and scrub gently with a sponge.

Rinse them well after washing them and dry them thoroughly with paper towels before hanging them again.

How to clean fabric blinds.

Fabric or cloth blinds require a lot of love and care. Be careful when you clean them so they don’t get damaged.

What you’ll need:

• A feather duster or soft hand broom
• A vacuum with a dust brush attachments

Step 1: Dust your fabric blinds.

With the help of a feather duster or a soft hand broom, remove the dust and dirt from your fabric blinds.

Step 2: Vacuum your fabric blinds.

If you spot old dirt or caked dust on your blinds, switch to a vacuum. Turn it on to a low suction and brush over the entire surface.

Best way to clean vinyl blinds.

While vinyl blinds are not as sensitive or over-delicate as other blinds, you still need to be careful when handling and cleaning them.

What you’ll need:

• A feather duster or soft hand broom
• A vacuum with a brush attachment
• A sponge or soft cloth
• Lukewarm water
• All-purpose cleaner
• Mr. Clean Magic Eraser

Step 1: Vacuum your vinyl blinds.

If your blinds are particularly dirty, turn on your vacuum to a low suction and remove surface dirt. Use the brush attachment in the vacuum and go over the entire surface.

Step 2: Deep clean your vinyl blinds.

If your blinds are extra dirty, put them first at half mast so it’s easier to clean. Dip a sponge or well-wrung cloth in a solution of an all-purpose cleaner (a squirt) and warm water. Wipe the shades in sections — you can start at the top and work your way to the bottom or the other way around. Rinse each section after you wash it.

Step 3: Dry your vinyl blinds fully.

Extend your vinyl shade so it dries. If you spot additional tough stains, you can try to scrub them gently with a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser. 

Hire a cleaning service near you.

If you've got a lot of blinds or don't have time to do deep cleaning, hire a professional cleaning service instead. Download the Thumbtack app today and start getting free cost estimates.

FAQs.

Can you clean blinds without taking them down?

You can leave your horizontal or vertical blinds hanging up while cleaning them, working on each slat until you clean the entire shade. Leave them open to air dry, and only close the blinds when they're completely dry.

However, it’s sometimes better to take down your blinds. Soaking your blinds in a tub can help you wash them better.

How do you clean blinds with Dawn?

You can also use store-bought cleaners, like Dawn, to clean your window blinds. Check first to see if you can clean your blinds with liquid soap. If yes, remove your blinds and place them in a bathtub with warm, soapy water. Add a few squirts of the Dawn dish soap and let your blinds soak before hanging them to dry.