How to Clean Blinds Without Taking Them Down + Deep Cleaning

If there’s one chore we absolutely hate, it’s cleaning our window blinds. It’s a tedious, time-consuming task. There's nothing worse than seeing a build-up of grime, dust, and pet hair on our blinds. But we can’t ignore them forever; eventually, we have to face the music and give them a good cleaning.

Thankfully, cleaning your blinds doesn’t have to be difficult. In fact, it’s a lot easier than you think. Read on to learn more about the different types of materials used to make blinds and how to care for them. We’ll also cover how to remove blinds to clean them, how to clean vinyl blinds, and how to keep blinds dust free.

Cleaning Your Blinds Without Removing Them

Let’s face it: cleaning window blinds can be a hassle. It’s not as easy as cleaning curtains, which can be removed and thrown into a washing machine. When it comes to window blinds, cleaning is a little more hands-on. The good news is that it is possible to give your blinds a thorough cleaning without having to take them down.

First, open up the blinds and dust each slat using a non-abrasive cloth or duster.

Next, use a vacuum to remove any dust that has accumulated on other components of the blinds.

Your next step will depend on the type of material your blinds are made of. If your blinds are made of aluminium, vinyl or faux wood, they can be washed with a window blinds cleaner made of gentle antibacterial soap and water. Dunk a cloth in the water and wipe down a slat at a time, starting at the top and working your way down.

If you have fabric shades or blinds, you should avoid washing them and simply spot clean any areas where there may be dirt. Never use water to clean wood blinds at all. Instead, regularly clean them with a dry cloth or vacuum.

The final step when cleaning your blinds is to also make sure to clean the pull strings, as these can easily be discoloured by dust, dirt and sun damage. Dip a white cloth in a mixture of warm water and a fabric-safe cleaning solution and use this to grip the strings and move down.

Types of Window Blinds

Window blinds come in a variety of forms, from horizontal slats and vertical blinds to mini blinds, Venetian blinds, and more. They’re also made from a number of different materials, each with their own unique benefits and care instructions.

Let’s discuss the various types of materials used to make our window coverings and how best to clean each one.

Metal blinds

Metal blinds, usually made from aluminium, are known for their durability. They’re able to withstand long periods of exposure to the sun without damage. Like vinyl blinds, when cared for properly, metal blinds can last for years. All of our mini blinds are crafted from metal and treated with Anti-Static to repel dust.

What you’ll need:

• Warm water
• Mild dish soap
• Soft cloths or sponge
• Vacuum with brush attachment

How to do it:

1. Begin by mixing warm water and mild dish soap in a bowl.

2. Next, use a soft cloth or sponge to wipe down each slat, front and back. Be sure to rinse the cloth or sponge frequently to avoid streaking.

3. Once you’ve wiped down all of the slats, use a vacuum with a brush attachment to remove any remaining dust.

4. Finally, open the blinds and let them air dry completely before closing them again.

There's no need to use soap and water every time – just on occasions where they need a more thorough cleaning. For regular cleaning, a dusting with micro-fibre cloths will suffice.

Wooden Blinds

Wooden blinds are known for their style, beauty and sophistication. They’re also known for being comparatively more expensive than blinds made out of other materials. Nothing beats the look and feel of natural wood, but when it comes to cleaning wood blinds, it’s important to be extra careful.

What you'll need:

• Dry feather duster
• Soft cloth
• Bristle brush
• Antibacterial spray

How to do it:

1. Start by using a dry feather duster or soft cloth to remove any surface dirt, dust, and debris. Be sure to go over both the front and back of each slat.

2. If your blinds are particularly dirty, you can use a hard-bristle brush to scrub away any stubborn grime. Just be sure not to use too much force, as you don’t want to damage the wood.

3. Once you’ve dusted or brushed the blinds, it’s time to disinfect them. You can do this by spraying a light layer of antibacterial spray on a soft cloth and wiping down each slat.

4. Let the blinds air dry completely before closing them again.

One thing you should never do is wash your wooden blinds with water, as this can cause warping and discoloration. You should also avoid using harsh chemicals that can potentially damage the blinds. Instead, simply use a dry feather duster or soft cloth to gently wipe away any dust and dirt.

Faux Wood blinds

Wood blinds look great, but they’re not for everyone. For those who want the natural look of wood, but without the high price tag, faux wood blinds are a great option. Plus, when it comes to cleaning and maintaining them, the benefits of faux wood blinds far outweigh those of natural wood.

What you'll need:

• Duster or cloth
• Warm water
• Mild dish soap
• Bucket
• Sponge
• Towel

How to do it:

1. Start by using a duster or soft cloth to remove any surface dirt, dust, and debris from the blinds. Be sure to go over both the front and back of each slat.

2. Use a sponge with mild dish soap and warm water to clean the blinds, being sure to rinse them well afterwards.

3. Once you’ve cleaned the blinds, use a towel to dry them off completely.

4. Let the blinds air dry completely before closing them again.

Faux wood blinds are much easier to clean than natural wood blinds, as they’re not as susceptible to staining and damage. Plus, you can use water and mild soap on the slats without having to worry about warping or discoloration.

Plastic blinds

Plastic blinds (most often made of vinyl or PVC) are a popular choice for their affordability. They flex easily, are washable and are less likely to break and are much easier to maintain than other types of blinds.

What you'll need:

• Duster or cloth
• Warm water
• Mild dish soap
• Bucket
• Sponge
• Towel

How to do it:

1. Plastic tends to attract dust, so remove this first with a duster and then a micro-fibre cloth.

2. Fill a bucket with warm water and mild dish soap then use a sponge to wipe down each slat, front and back. Rinse the blinds well after cleaning.

3. Use a towel to dry the blinds, or if you have time, leave them to air dry completely before closing them.

Cleaning plastic blinds is a breeze and can be done quickly and easily with just a few household supplies. Our vertical blinds are a great, easy-to-wash option!

Fabric Blinds and Vinyl Blinds

You most often see synthetic fabric used in roller shades, roman shades, cellular shades, pleated shades and fabric vertical blinds. They’re great for filtering light and have the added advantage of coming in a number of colours and styles.

What you'll need:

• Vacuum cleaner with brush attachment
• Lint roller
• Feather duster
• Damp cloth
• Hair dryer (optional)

How to do it:

1. The best way to clean fabric blinds is to vacuum them with the brush attachment. This will remove any surface dirt and dust.

2. For a deeper clean, use a lint roller or a feather duster to remove any remaining dust particles. Lint rollers are also great for getting rid of pet hair.

3. To clean any stains, dampen a cloth with water and mild soap. Gently dab and pat the stains, but don't rub, as this can damage the fabric.

4. Once the stains are gone, dry the blinds with a hair dryer on a low setting or leave them to air dry completely.

Cleaning fabric blinds is quick and easy, as most of the tools are ones that you probably already have at home. Just be careful with stubborn stains and always test a small, hidden area first to avoid damaging your blinds.

Check out our collection of Faux Wood Blinds!

How To Deep Clean Your Blinds

For whatever reason, blinds sometimes get incredibly sticky, dirty, or even moldy. Perhaps you experience extreme wet weather conditions where you live, or maybe your blinds are just old. In these cases, dusting and spot cleaning may not do the job.

If you've got metal, vinyl, plastic, or faux wood blinds, here's how to give them a good deep cleaning:

1. Remove all slats from the window. If your blinds are the type that fold up into the headrail, pull them all the way down so that you can access each slat individually.

2. Vacuum both sides of each slat with a soft brush attachment to remove any surface dirt or dust. If your blinds are very dirty, you may want to vacuum them outside so that you don't make a mess in your home.

3. Fill a sink or small tub with warm water and add a drop or two of dish soap. Gently wash each slat, one at a time, making sure to rinse it thoroughly with clean water when you're done. You may need to use a toothbrush or other soft brush to scrub off any stubborn dirt.

4. If your blinds have any mold or mildew on them, mix up a solution of equal parts water and bleach and gently scrub the affected areas with this mixture. Rinse well with clean water when you're done.

5. Lay the slats out on a towel to dry. If they're still wet after a few hours, you can set them in front of a fan or open window to help speed up the drying process.

6. Once they're completely dry, put the slats back in the window and enjoy your clean blinds!

If your blinds are particularly coated with stubborn dirt, why go through the hassle of cleaning each one individually? Fill a bathtub with warm water and add a cup of vinegar along with a few drops of dish soap. Submerge the entire blind in the tub and let it soak for an hour or two before proceeding to step 3 above.

How To Re-Whiten Old Blinds

The nature of most plastics is that they tend to yellow over time, especially when exposed to sunlight. If your white blinds have seen better days and are looking a little yellow, here's how you can brighten them back up:

1. Take the blinds down from the window and remove all of the slats.

2. Fill your bathtub with cold water and add 2-3 cups of bleach.

3. Submerge the slats in the mixture and let them soak for around 10 minutes.

4. To keep your self safe, open doors and windows for ventilation while the blinds are soaking.

5. Take the slats out of the tub and rinse them well with clean water. Use gloves to protect your hands from the bleach.

6. Lay the slats out on a towel to dry or hang them up to drip dry.

Once they're completely dry, put the slats back in the window and enjoy your clean, white blinds!

Dos and Don'ts for Cleaning Blinds

Before you start cleaning the dirt and dust off your blinds, there are a few things you should know. Here are some dos and don'ts for cleaning blinds:

• DO dust your blinds regularly to avoid build-up, as this can be more difficult to remove.
• DON'T use harsh chemicals or abrasive materials, as this can damage the blinds.
• DO use a clean, microfiber cloth to avoid leaving streaks.
• DON'T soak your blinds in water unless they are made of waterproof material.
• DO use a soft brush attachment on your vacuum to clean both sides of the blinds at once.
• DON'T add water to your blinds until you've dusted them, as the dust will just settle in the water and be more difficult to remove.
• DO use a mild soap and cool water if your blinds are very dirty.
• DON'T scrub the blinds too hard, as this can damage them.

With these tips in mind, you can clean your blinds quickly and easily, without damaging them.

There you have it. Now you have the tools and information to keep your blinds clean, no matter what they’re made out of.

Have questions or need help choosing the right custom blinds for you? Contact Factory Direct Blinds today!

FAQs for Cleaning Blinds

How do you clean blinds with mold?

To clean blinds with mold, mix one part bleach to 10 parts water in a bucket. Use a sponge to apply the mixture to the affected areas and scrub gently. Rinse the blinds with clean water and allow them to air dry completely.

How do you clean dirty vinyl blinds?

To clean dirty vinyl blinds, mix one part vinegar to 10 parts water in a bucket. Use a sponge to apply the mixture to the affected areas and scrub gently. Rinse the blinds with clean water and allow them to air dry completely.

How do I clean my blinds with a vacuum?

To clean blinds with a vacuum, attach the upholstery attachment to your vacuum. Set the vacuum on low and start at the top of the blinds, moving back and forth until all of the dirt and dust has been removed.

How do you clean blinds that are covered in dust?

Dust is tricky because it can easily turn into stubborn mud if you're not careful. The best way to clean blinds that are covered in dust is to vacuum them first with the upholstery attachment. Then, use a microfiber cloth dampened with water to wipe down the slats.