How to Clean Blinds

Woman cleaning blinds with a cloth

Before you begin, look for a tag on blinds that may provide cleaning instructions. Otherwise, follow the tips below, which are safe for any type of blind material.

Begin by using a vacuum cleaner to remove loose dust. Vacuums come with several attachments — there are even accessories specifically made for mini blinds. Use the upholstery tool to brush and vacuum the blinds. Move the brush parallel to the blinds, not against. If you’re cleaning vertical blinds, only wipe downwards.

Follow up with a damp microfiber rag to remove as much dust as possible. Blinds that are in the kitchen may be greasy. If this is the case, wipe the blinds down with soapy water or follow the instructions below for cleaning metal and vinyl blinds.

How to Clean Metal & Vinyl Blinds

  1. Remove the blinds and take them outside.
  2. Lay them on your patio.
  3. Fill a bucket with soapy water and use a brush to scrub each side of the blinds.
  4. Once you’re satisfied, rinse the blinds off with a garden hose and dry with a towel.
  5. Lay them in the sun to remove all moisture.

How to Clean Fabric Blinds

  1. Spot clean any stains with an all-purpose cleaner.
  2. A rubber sponge (dry cleaning sponge) is also very effective at cleaning fabric blinds.

Use firm pressure to wipe across the blinds. It may be best to remove the blinds, so you don’t bend them in the window frame as you wipe. If this doesn’t do the trick, you may need to remove fabric blinds and take them to your dry cleaner for thorough cleaning.

How to Clean Wooden Blinds

Never saturate the blinds with water. If there is a lot of dust buildup, dip a clean rag into white vinegar and wipe the blinds. Once dry, use a spray on furniture polish with lemon oil to restore the appearance of the blinds.

How to Keep Blinds Clean & Reduce Dust

Once your blinds are dust free, keep them that way longer by running a used dryer sheet over the slats. This trick can help repel future dust from settling. Forced air from furnaces, air conditioning and open windows move dust, pet hair and more around homes with gusto. Mark your calendar every three months to change your furnace filter, which will reduce the amount of airborne debris. While you’re changing the filter, shine a flashlight down the ducts, if you see buildup on your duct walls, it’s probably time to schedule air duct cleaning.

Help When You Need It

Once you’re finished, give your home a deep clean to make your home shine. However, if you’re tired of cleaning, we understand. We also know that your time is valuable. At Molly Maid, our house cleaning services can take care of the rest of your home while you spend time doing what you truly enjoy. Request a free estimate online today.