How to Clean Those Dirty Window Blinds

Whether your blinds are made of wood, aluminum, vinyl, or fabric, if you clean your blinds on a regular basis, your task will be much easier.

To get started, move any nearby furniture away from the area you're going to attack first. If you're planning to use any kind of liquid spray or soapy water, place a thick layer of newspaper or old towels on the floor underneath the window to protect your carpet or flooring. Otherwise, you'll have another job to do once your blinds are clean.

Here are six (6) tips to make the job easier:

1. Use the soft brush vacuum cleaner attachment, a lightweight duster or any anti-dust spray and a soft cloth.

2. Always be sure to clean in the direction your blinds are constructed; clean your vertical blinds vertically and your horizontal blinds horizontally.

3. Regardless of the method you choose, clean gently to avoid bending or denting your blinds.

4. Clean blinds in both open and closed positions to ensure the entire slats are thoroughly cleaned.

5. A great tip is to put a pair of old gloves or socks on your hands and rub them along the blinds to remove the dust.

6. Another idea is to use a small paintbrush to dust off the slats.

If your blinds have been neglected for a while, you will probably find more than a light film of dust, you may find a thicker layer of dirt. This requires a little more effort to get your blinds really clean. Several methods will do the job; you can try whatever seems best for your particular situation.

Vinyl or Aluminum Blinds

Use a damp sponge, cloth, or paper towel along with an all-purpose cleaning product or soapy water.

For blinds that require heavy cleaning, it may be necessary to remove the blinds from the window and clean them outside with a water hose.

Another method is to line your bathtub with old towels to avoid scratching the surface of the tub, run enough warm water to cover the blinds, add liquid soap, and place the blinds in the open position in the warm soapy water to soak for about thirty minutes. Wipe away the dirt and dry gently; then hang them back up to dry completely.

Fabric Blinds

Light vacuuming

Gently clean with a damp sponge and warm water

Wood Blinds

Light vacuuming

Use an all-purpose wood cleaner and soft cloth

Using the old cotton gloves or socks along with your wood cleaner is a great method for wood blinds.

Do not clean wood blinds with water; this may cause your blinds to warp.

Regular cleaning will make cleaning your blinds much easier. When you vacuum your floors, take the time to vacuum your blinds as well (at least once a month). This is particularly important for fabric blinds; if dirt is allowed to build up on your fabric blinds, permanent spotting may occur and there isn't a good method for rectifying this problem.

One last tip: once you've cleaned your blinds well, try going over the slats with a sheet of fabric softener to help keep dust from building up so quickly!