Main Office: 20541 Pascal Way Lake Forest, CA 92630
Stay Connected:

How To Clean Your Blinds: Window Treatment 101

Cleaning the blinds and window treatment around the house is a common task, but some people may not know the best way to do it. Blinds are an important part of the home, so it’s important to take care of them properly.

Some people may observe the blinds while cleaning because they’re unsure of how to clean them effectively. It’s not always done intentionally – it can just be a lack of knowledge on the right cleaning methods for blinds.

Regardless of the reason, being aware of how to properly clean blinds is helpful for keeping your home looking its best. With the right techniques, you can efficiently maintain your home’s blinds and window coverings.

Cleaning your window treatment, blinds, or shades depends on their material. Are they wood, vinyl, or fabric blinds? Keep reading for practical cleaning tips.

How Do I Clean Fabric Blinds?

Fabric cleaning does not require much effort since fabric blinds rarely show dirt like wood and vinyl do. If you encounter any dirt or stain, blot it with a clean rag dampened in soapy water, then allow the blinds to dry. If the marks or dirt persist, take your blinds to the dry cleaners. For regular cleaning, you can use a hairdryer. Set the drier to cool settings and blast the slats to effectively remove dust from hard-to-reach surfaces. Use a vacuum cleaner to clean the floor afterward.

How Do I Clean Wood Blinds?

To give your faux-wood blinds a thorough scrub:

  1. Mix warm water and some dishwashing soap in a bucket.
  2. Dip a clean sock or a microfiber cloth in the bucket solution.
  3. Use the dampened cloth or old sock to wipe off each slat.

If your blinds are actually wood, use a moderate amount of plain water. You can also use quality-recommended furniture polish applied directly to a cloth. Saturating the wood while cleaning may damage the coating. Finally, dry the wood thoroughly to prevent moisture from soaking the wood blinds.

Blinds Window Treatment

There are different ways to do window treatment for your blinds. We recommend bathing your vinyl blinds if they are incredibly stained, greased, or too dusty. Fill your bathroom tub with warm water and mix with soap. Soak the blinds in the solution for a few minutes. Wash each slat with a cloth or sponge and rinse with clean, warm water to remove the remaining debris. Hang the blinds from the shower metal to dry.

If you don’t want to use water to clean your blinds, try using this method. Look for a silicone or rubber sponge and run it over each slat without dipping it in water to trap loose debris particles.

Is One Method Better Than Another?

Use either or all of the above methods to clean your blinds the next time you decide enough is enough. The secret to cleaning your window treatments, shades, or blinds faster is to use a vacuum to speed up the dust-picking process. A soft cloth, fighting spirit, vacuum, and clean water are the best ways to clean your blinds.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is The Best Window Treatment for Types of Blinds?

The cleaning method depends on the type of blinds you have. For vinyl and aluminum blinds, dusting with a microfiber cloth or using a vacuum with a brush attachment is usually sufficient. Wooden blinds should be wiped gently with a dry cloth or a wood-safe cleaner to avoid warping.

How Often Should I Clean my Blinds?

It’s recommended to dust your blinds once a week to prevent dust and dirt buildup. For a deeper clean, such as washing or wiping down slats, aim to clean them every few months or as needed, especially in high-traffic or humid areas where grime accumulates faster.

Can I Wash my Blinds in a Bathtub?

Yes, certain types of blinds, such as vinyl, aluminum, and some fabric blinds, can be washed in a bathtub. Fill the tub with warm water and a mild detergent, then soak the blinds for about an hour. After soaking, gently scrub with a soft brush to remove any stubborn dirt.

What Should I Use to Clean Blinds Without Taking Them Down?

To clean blinds without taking them down, use a microfiber duster, a vacuum with a brush attachment, or a specially designed blind cleaner tool. You can also wipe each slat with a damp cloth dipped in a mild cleaning solution.

How do I remove stubborn stains from blinds?

For stubborn stains on blinds, use a gentle cleaner appropriate for the material. For vinyl and aluminum blinds, a mixture of water and mild dish soap usually works well. For fabric blinds, use a fabric stain remover and test it on a small area first.

References

How to Clean Blinds, Shades, and Curtains the Right Way

Helpful Hints for Cleaning Window Blinds – Bob Vila