Can You Bleach Blinds?

Dingy, dirty blinds got you down? Brighten up your windows with a bleaching bonanza! While frequent dusting and vacuuming can help prevent built-up grime, over time blinds are prone to stains, discoloration and a generally dull appearance from exposure to pollutants and UV radiation. If your blinds are looking lackluster, don’t despair—restoring them to their original glow may be as simple as a soak in bleach solution.

We’ll walk you through how to bleach mini blinds, faux wood blinds, vertical blinds and more, the types that can withstand lightening and the steps to revive your blinds without damage. Let’s get brightening, design dynamos!

Soak them in a bleach solution

• Fill a large tub or container with cool water and add some bleach. The amount of bleach will depend on the size and condition of your blinds, but generally you can use one part bleach to two parts water. 
• Submerge your blinds in the solution and let them soak for about 15 to 20 minutes. You may need to extend your blinds fully if they are too long for your tub or container. 
• Scrub any stubborn spots with a sponge or a brush.  

Remove them from the window

The first step to bleach your blinds is to remove them from the window. This will make it easier to clean them thoroughly and avoid damaging your window frame or wall. To do this, you need to do the following:

• Raise the blinds all the way up and tilt the slats horizontally.
• Unhook the blinds from the brackets that hold them in place. You may need to use a screwdriver or a plier to loosen some screws or clips.
• Carefully lift the blinds off the window and place them on a flat surface or a tarp.

Soak them in a bleach solution

The next step is to soak your blinds in a bleach solution. This will help to remove any dirt, dust, stains, or discoloration from your blinds. To do this, you need to do the following:

• Fill a large tub or container with cool water and add some bleach. The amount of bleach will depend on the size and condition of your blinds, but generally you can use one part bleach to two parts water.
• Submerge your blinds in the solution and let them soak for about 15 to 20 minutes. You may need to extend your blinds fully if they are too long for your tub or container.
• Scrub any stubborn spots with a sponge or a brush.

Rinse them with clean water

The third step is to rinse your blinds with clean water. This will help to remove any bleach residue and prevent any damage or discoloration to your blinds. To do this, you need to do the following:

• Drain the tub or container and refill it with fresh water.
• Rinse your blinds thoroughly until no bubbles or bleach smell remain.
• Wipe your blinds with a soft cloth or towel.

Dry them thoroughly

The final step is to dry your blinds thoroughly. This will help to prevent any mold or mildew growth on your blinds. To do this, you need to do the following:

• Hang your blinds outside in a sunny and airy spot. You can use a clothesline or a fence to support them.
• Let them air-dry completely before bringing them back inside.
• Reattach your blinds to the window and adjust them as needed.

FAQs

Q: How often should I bleach my blinds?

A: There is no definitive answer to how often you should bleach your blinds, as it depends on several factors, such as:

• The quality and durability of your blinds. Some blinds may last longer than others depending on their material, construction, and maintenance.
• The condition and appearance of your blinds. Some blinds may get dirtier, stainier, or more discolored than others depending on their exposure to sunlight, moisture, air pollutants, and other factors.
• Your personal preference and taste. Some people may want to bleach their blinds more often than others depending on their style, mood, or budget.

Generally speaking, you may want to bleach your blinds every few months, or whenever they look visibly dull or dirty.

Q: How much does it cost to bleach my blinds?

A: The cost of bleaching your blinds can vary widely depending on several factors, such as:

• The size and number of windows you have. The larger and more windows you have, the more blinds you will need and the more expensive it will be.
• The type and style of blinds you have. Different types and styles of blinds have different prices depending on their material, quality, and design.
• The bleach and water fees. You may need to pay for the bleach and water that you use to soak and rinse your blinds, unless you have them readily available at home.

According to HomeAdvisor, the average cost of cleaning blinds in the US is between $15 and $25 per window, while the average cost of bleach is between $2 and $5 per gallon. However, these are only estimates and the actual cost may vary depending on your location, situation, and preferences.

Q: What are some tips for bleaching my blinds?

A: Here are some tips for bleaching your blinds:

• Check the label or instructions of your blinds before bleaching them. Some manufacturers may recommend against using bleach or water on your blinds, which may cause damage or void your warranty.
• Test a small area of your blinds with bleach before soaking them. This will help you avoid any adverse reactions or discoloration to your blinds.
• Wear gloves and eye protection when handling bleach. Bleach can be harmful to your skin and eyes, so make sure to protect yourself and follow the safety precautions on the label.
• Use a mild or non-chlorine bleach if possible. Chlorine bleach can be harsh on your blinds and may cause fading or yellowing over time. You can also use alternative natural cleaners such as vinegar, baking soda, or lemon juice.

That’s all folks!

There you have it, blinds made bright again! Follow our tips to bleach your blinds and restore them to a freshly bleached glow. Test for colorfastness, choose a non-chlorine bleach when possible, soak, rinse and air dry completely. Reattach your blinds to find windows revived and radiant once more!

With some elbow grease and the right technique, you can banish built-up grime and stains to get more mileage out of your mini blinds, faux wood blinds and beyond. Let us know how your bleaching blitz turns out and do send snaps of the sparkling clean results. Now off you go, inspired interior improvers—may your blinds be spotless and your windows washing-machine fresh! Toodles for now, you crafty cleaners! 

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.