How to Clean Blinds

Blinds are a great way to dress up your windows and control the amount of light and privacy you want in your rooms. However, they can also accumulate dust, dirt, and stains over time, which can make them look dull and unhygienic. To keep your blinds looking fresh and clean, you need to know how to clean them properly and regularly. Here are some tips on how to clean blinds of different types and materials.

There are different methods to clean blinds depending on the material, the level of dust or dirt, and whether you want to leave them in place or take them outside or to a tub. Some common steps are dusting them with a microfiber cloth, a dusting brush, or a vacuum, wiping them with a solution of water and vinegar or dish soap, and rinsing them with clean water. You can also use a sock over your hand to clean each slat or a car-washing brush to clean them faster.

How to Clean Blinds in Place

If your blinds are not too dirty or stained, you can clean them while they are still hanging on the windows. This is a quick and easy way to remove dust and grime from your blinds without taking them down. Here’s how to do it:

• Close the blinds and gently wipe them down with a microfiber cloth, moving from the top of the blind down. For horizontal blinds, wipe from side to side. For vertical blinds, wipe from top to bottom.
• Turn the blinds the other way and repeat the process on the other side.
• If your blinds are made of metal or plastic, you can also use a solution of water and vinegar or dish soap to wipe them down. Mix one part vinegar or dish soap with four parts water in a spray bottle and spray lightly on the cloth before wiping the blinds. Avoid using liquid cleaners on wood or fabric blinds as they may damage or stain them.
• If your blinds have stubborn stains or spots, you can use a soft toothbrush dipped in the cleaning solution to scrub them gently. Be careful not to scrub too hard or you may scratch or tear the blinds.
• Open the blinds and let them air dry completely before closing them again.

How to Clean Blinds in a Tub

If your blinds are very dirty or stained, you may need to take them down and soak them in a tub of warm water and cleaning solution. This is a more thorough way to clean your blinds and remove any deep-seated dirt and grime from them. Here’s how to do it:

• Remove the blinds from the window and lay them flat on a large towel or sheet. Detach any cords, weights, or valances from the blinds if possible.
• Fill your bathtub with warm water and add some vinegar or dish soap to create a cleaning solution. You can also use bleach for white blinds or ammonia for colored blinds if they are very stained. Use about half a cup of bleach or ammonia per gallon of water.
• Place the blinds in the tub and make sure they are fully submerged in the water. Let them soak for about 30 minutes to an hour, depending on how dirty they are.
• Use a soft brush or sponge to gently scrub any stains or spots on the blinds. Be careful not to scrub too hard or you may damage the blinds.
• Drain the tub and rinse the blinds with clean water until no soap residue remains.
• Hang the blinds over a shower rod or outside on a clothesline to let them drip dry completely before reattaching them to the window.

How to Clean Blinds of Different Materials

Different types of blinds require different cleaning methods depending on their material and construction. Here are some tips on how to clean blinds made of wood, faux wood, fabric, vinyl, aluminum, bamboo, or cellular shades.

• Wood Blinds: Wood blinds are sensitive to moisture and heat, so avoid using liquid cleaners or soaking them in water. Instead, dust them regularly with a microfiber cloth, a dusting brush, or a vacuum with a soft brush attachment. If they have stains or spots, use a damp cloth with some wood cleaner or furniture polish and wipe gently. Dry immediately with another cloth.
• Faux Wood Blinds: Faux wood blinds are more durable and resistant to moisture than real wood blinds, so you can use liquid cleaners or soak them in water if needed. However, avoid using bleach or ammonia as they may discolor the blinds. Follow the same steps as for metal or plastic blinds for cleaning faux wood blinds in place or in a tub.
• Fabric Blinds: Fabric blinds, such as roman shades or pleated shades, are delicate and prone to fading, shrinking, or wrinkling, so avoid using liquid cleaners or soaking them in water. Instead, dust them regularly with a microfiber cloth, a dusting brush, or a vacuum with a soft brush attachment. If they have stains or spots, use a damp cloth with some mild detergent and blot gently. Dry immediately with another cloth or a hair dryer on low heat. You can also take them to a professional dry cleaner if they are very dirty or stained.
• Vinyl Blinds: Vinyl blinds are easy to clean and maintain, as they are resistant to moisture and stains. You can use liquid cleaners or soak them in water if needed. Follow the same steps as for metal or plastic blinds for cleaning vinyl blinds in place or in a tub.
• Aluminum Blinds: Aluminum blinds are also easy to clean and maintain, as they are resistant to moisture and stains. You can use liquid cleaners or soak them in water if needed. Follow the same steps as for metal or plastic blinds for cleaning aluminum blinds in place or in a tub.
• Bamboo Blinds: Bamboo blinds are natural and eco-friendly, but they are also sensitive to moisture and heat, so avoid using liquid cleaners or soaking them in water. Instead, dust them regularly with a microfiber cloth, a dusting brush, or a vacuum with a soft brush attachment. If they have stains or spots, use a damp cloth with some mild detergent and wipe gently. Dry immediately with another cloth.
• Cellular Shades: Cellular shades, also known as honeycomb shades, are made of fabric cells that trap air and provide insulation and sound absorption. They are difficult to clean and maintain, as they can easily trap dust and dirt inside the cells. Avoid using liquid cleaners or soaking them in water, as they may damage the fabric or the glue that holds the cells together. Instead, dust them regularly with a microfiber cloth, a dusting brush, or a vacuum with a soft brush attachment. If they have stains or spots, use a damp cloth with some mild detergent and blot gently. Dry immediately with another cloth or a hair dryer on low heat.

Wrap Up

Blinds are a great way to dress up your windows and control the amount of light and privacy you want in your rooms. However, they can also accumulate dust, dirt, and stains over time, which can make them look dull and unhygienic. To keep your blinds looking fresh and clean, you need to know how to clean them properly and regularly. You can use different methods to clean blinds depending on the material, the level of dust or dirt, and whether you want to leave them in place or take them outside or to a tub. Some common steps are dusting them with a microfiber cloth, a dusting brush, or a vacuum, wiping them with a solution of water and vinegar or dish soap, and rinsing them with clean water. You can also use a sock over your hand to clean each slat or a car-washing brush to clean them faster.

Dale

Dale is the colorful mind behind HuetifulHomes.com, where he shows you how to create a home that is as fun and fabulous as you are. He has a passion for color and a knack for DIY, with years of interior design experience he shares his tips and tricks on how to create a home that reflects your personality and style. He believes that color is the key to happiness, and he wants to help you make your home more Huetiful.