How to Clean Window Blinds.

How To Clean and Remove Stains From Blinds

This may seem like a tedious task, which is why we often don’t think to clean blinds on a somewhat regular basis, and it certainly can take some time but if you clean blinds regularly, all you really need to do is give them a light dusting.

This will save you time in the long run from having to do a moderate to deep clean. Blinds come in many shapes and sizes and materials. Blinds can be made of plastic, vinyl, pvc, wood, faux wood, fabric and aluminum.

If blinds do need more than a dusting, they can be cleaned, but again, it does take some time.

Cleaning Mini Blinds and Venetian Blinds

On hard surfaced Venetian blinds or mini-blinds, such as: plastic, vinyl, pvc, faux wood or aluminum, stains are relatively easy to remove since most are from atmospheric humidity but kitchen blinds can get occasionally spills and splatters.

Quick Cleaning Blinds

This cleaning method is for those that don’t want to take the blinds down to clean them.

1. Go over the blinds and get as much dust off as possible.
2. Mix a 50 / 50 solution of warm water and white vinegar.
3. Get an old but clean sock to slip on your hand, dip your hand in the cleaning solution.
4. Gently grip both sides of the slats and move your hand across to clean.
5. Get another old and clean sock, slip it on your hand and dry the slats.

Do this until all blind slats are clean. It works best if you clean a few slats at a time and then dry. This way you don’t end up with water marks.

Fabric softener sheets can be used to wipe off dust as this create an anti-static reaction on the blinds so dust will not settle or stick.

Taking the Blinds Down to Wash

Another effective way to clean blinds is to take them down and give them a good washing in the bathtub. This can be done one blind at a time.

1. Dust the blinds as best you can before taking them down.
2. Roll the blinds up about 3/4 of the way before removing them from the fittings.
3. Fill the bathtub with enough warm water to cover the blinds.
4. As you’re filling the tub, add 1 cup white vinegar and 3 tablespoons Dawn dishsoap.
5. Agitate the water as it’s filling to mix everything together.
6. Add blinds and let them soak for 1/2 hour to an hour.
7. With a sponge or soft bristled brush, clean both sides of the slats until all are clean.
8. Drain the bathtub and then rinse with cool shower water to remove any soapy residue.
9. Gently shake to remove excess water.
10. Place a towel under the blinds and dry slats with another dry towel to avoid water spots.
11. Let sit and air dry the rest of the way.
12. Rehang blinds.

Cleaning Wood Blinds

When it comes to wood blinds, it’s a different story. You want to use as little liquid on them as possible so you don’t risk warping them and cleaning can be done while they are hanging in place.

1. Get a good quality furniture polish.
2. Get an old clean sock and place it on your hand.
3. Lightly spray the polish on the sock.
4. Run your hand across both the front and back side of the slats.

Cleaning Fabric Blinds

We’ve saved the most difficult to clean for last as stains are harder to remove from fabric blinds especially if its been there a while. It’s best if you clean these on a regular basis and check how the manufacturer recommends cleaning.

1. Use the brush attachment and the crevice tool to carefully vacuum fabric blinds.

Removing Stains from Fabric Blinds

For most stains you can try and do a spot treatment using household strength hydrogen peroxide. Before using the hydrogen peroxide, do a spot test for colorfastness in an inconspicuous spot.

1. After doing the spot test, pour some hydrogen peroxide in a bowl.
2. Dip the cloth in the hydrogen peroxide and dab the stain.
3. Repeat as needed.

The hydrogen peroxide does not need to be rinsed as it turns to water when exposed to excess light.

Removing Greasy Stains from Fabric Blinds

If you get a greasy stain on your fabric blinds, these can be safely removed using a dry cleaning solvent.

If you have blinds that are just too large for you to attempt to take down and clean or you don’t want to clean them yourself, you can always call in professional cleaners.