Can You Machine Wash Vertical Blinds?

vwDingy, dusty vertical blinds dragging you down? Freshen up your window treatments with a spin in the washing machine! While regular dusting and vacuuming help prevent built-up grime, over time vertical blinds are prone to stains, odors and a dull appearance from exposure to pollutants and UV radiation.

If your vertical blinds are looking lackluster, don’t lose hope—restoring them to a bright, clean glow may be as simple as removing hardware, loading the louvers in the washer and air drying flat. We’ll walk you through how to machine wash fabric vertical blinds, the types that can withstand laundering and the steps to revive your window treatments without damage. Let’s get freshening, inspired interior improvers!

With some elbow grease and the right technique, you can banish built-up dirt and stains to get more mileage from your vertical blinds.

• Load your louvers into your washing machine and spread them evenly.
• Choose a gentle cycle with cold water and a low spin speed.
• Add a mild detergent (ideally non-bio) and avoid using any bleach or fabric softener.  

Remove them from the window

The first step to machine wash your vertical 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:

• Close the blinds so they are all facing one direction.
• Unhook each louver from the headrail by gently pulling it out of its clip.
• Carefully lay each louver on a flat surface or a tarp.

Remove the chains and weights from the bottom of the louvers

The next step is to remove the chains and weights from the bottom of each louver. These are usually attached with small plastic clips that can be easily unhooked. The chains and weights help to keep the louvers straight and stable, but they may get tangled or damaged in the washing machine. To do this, you need to do the following:

• Locate the plastic clips at the bottom of each louver.
• Unhook each clip from its corresponding chain link.
• Slide out each weight from its pocket at the bottom of each louver.

Remove the hangers from the top of each louver

The third step is to remove the hangers from the top of each louver. These are usually attached with small metal hooks that can be easily unhooked. The hangers help to connect the louvers to the headrail, but they may get bent or broken in the washing machine. To do this, you need to do the following:

• Locate the metal hooks at the top of each louver.
• Unhook each hook from its corresponding hole at the top of each louver.

Wash them in a gentle cycle with mild detergent

The fourth step is to wash your louvers in a gentle cycle with mild detergent. This will help to remove any dirt, dust, stains, or discoloration from your louvers. To do this, you need to do the following:

• Load your louvers into your washing machine and spread them evenly.
• Choose a gentle cycle with cold water and a low spin speed.
• Add a mild detergent (ideally non-bio) and avoid using any bleach or fabric softener.

Dry them flat

The final step is to dry your louvers flat. This will help to prevent any wrinkles or creases on your louvers. To do this, you need to do the following:

• Take out your louvers from your washing machine and blot them dry with a towel if they are very wet.
• Lay them flat on a large surface or a tarp and let them air-dry completely.
• Do not hang them on a line or reattach them to the headrail until they are dry.

FAQs

Q: How often should I machine wash my vertical blinds?

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

• The quality and durability of your vertical blinds. Some vertical blinds may last longer than others depending on their material, construction, and maintenance.
• The condition and appearance of your vertical blinds. Some vertical 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 machine wash their vertical blinds more often than others depending on their style, mood, or budget.

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

Q: How much does it cost to machine wash my vertical blinds?

A: The cost of machine washing your vertical 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 vertical blinds you will need and the more expensive it will be.
• The type and style of vertical blinds you have. Different types and styles of vertical blinds have different prices depending on their material, quality, and design.
• The detergent and water fees. You may need to pay for the detergent and water that you use to wash your vertical blinds, unless you have them readily available at home.

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

That’s all folks!

There you have it, vertical blinds vibrant once more! Follow our tips to machine wash your vertical blinds and restore them to freshly laundered glory. Remove hardware, choose a gentle cycle and air dry flat—your drapes will be spotless without damage.

With some elbow grease and the right technique, you can banish built-up grime and stains to get more mileage out of your vertical blinds. Let us know how your laundering escapade turns out and do send snaps of the sparkling 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.