How to Clean Wood Blinds: The Ultimate Step-by-Step Guide

Getting ready for a thorough cleaning but wondering where to start when it comes to real wooden blinds? They can be one of the trickiest things in the house to clean. 

While you can dust them off occasionally, even mini blinds require more attention to detail to keep them looking their best. 

Luckily, it’s not as daunting a task as it may seem. Below, we'll examine:

• Why wooden blinds can be so challenging to clean
• What supplies you will need
• Step-by-step instructions on how to best clean your wooden blinds
• Some common mistakes that keep people from getting the job done right

Ready to get your gorgeous Venetian blinds looking as good as new? Let’s get started!

How to Clean Wood Blinds Easily

Because wood is porous, unlike many other materials that are often used for blinds, it can be more difficult to clean. They’re prone to staining, and dust and dirt can accumulate in the crevices because of the wood grain.

Sometimes, you might notice that the blinds have become slightly discoloured once you actually inspect them carefully or flip them over to the other side.

Real wood blinds also need a lighter touch, as harsh chemicals or too much moisture can ruin the finish. Let's dive into the supplies you'll need and some basic instructions on how to clean them. 

Tools and Supplies for Cleaning Wooden Blinds

There are a few different methods of cleaning wooden blinds, but for the most part, you will need a soft cloth and some water.

A few additional supplies that will make the task easier include:

• A vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment
• Clean white rags 
• Microfiber cloths
• Mild detergent (or white vinegar)

Giving the blinds a once-over with the vacuum first will remove any cobwebs, dust, and loose debris. But it can often miss the dirt that has worked its way into the grain of the wood. That's where the rags come in handy. 

For a nice polish, microfiber cloths are perfect for removing that last bit of dust or any streaks left behind.

Basic Cleaning Process

For the average person, a simple once-a-year cleaning will be enough. It does take some time to complete, but here are some easy-to-follow instructions on how to clean wood blinds quickly.

1. Start by vacuuming the blinds with a dust brush attachment to remove debris and dirt.
2. Now grab a soft cloth, mild detergent or vinegar, and warm water in a bowl,  bucket or spray bottle.
3. With your dampened cloth, start wiping down the slats from top to bottom in one direction, using gentle pressure as you go – don’t scrub too hard! 
4. After cleaning each side of every slat, use a clean white rag to dry it off and give it that extra shine.
5. Finally, use a microfiber cloth to wipe the dust off of the headrail and other metal parts.

To make sure you don't damage the blinds, wring out the cloth after every use so that it's damp but not dripping.

How to Dust Wooden Blinds

You might only have one full cleaning a year, but dusting your blinds should be done more often. This is the best way to keep your wood blinds looking clean and new.

Start at the top of each slat with your regular feather duster and gently brush out each one. You can also use a dryer sheet to wipe them down by hand.

If you have vertical blinds, dusting is a bit more difficult. A damp rag can be used to wipe each one down, but make sure you don’t pull too hard!

How to Deep Clean Wooden Blinds

There's a neat trick for getting deep into the slats of your blinds — a toothbrush!

Dip a soft-bristled toothbrush into the warm soapy water and scrub each slat. This will get into the crevices of your wood blinds that you otherwise couldn't reach with a duster or rag. 

Once all the slats are done, take a clean microfiber towel and wipe them down until they're dry. Make sure to use gentle circular motions while wiping; this will help bring out any shine in the wood grain previously hidden by dirt and dust. 

Remember to flip the blinds over and clean both sides!

How to Maintain Wooden Blinds

A simple maintenance routine will go a long way in keeping your wood blinds looking great all year round. 

First, dust them at least once every few weeks — more if you have pet hair floating around or the windows are often opened. 

Secondly, deep clean your wooden blinds once or twice a year, or whenever you notice they look dull and dirty. 

Finally, check for any signs of wear and tear throughout the year. If any slats are warped or cracked, it's best to replace them as soon as possible so that they don't affect the overall look of your window treatments. 

Tips for Cleaning Different Types of Wood Blinds

Remember, not all window blinds are equal! There are

• Faux wood blinds
• Stained blinds
• Painted blinds
• Woven wood blinds

Each type of wood requires a slightly different approach to cleaning. 

Cleaning Faux Wood Blinds

You're in luck! Faux wood blinds are pretty easy to clean, as they are water-safe and don't require much special attention. You'll need a damp cloth and some mild detergent — still no harsh chemicals on faux blinds! 

Unless you have cordless blinds, you must also clean the drawstring. This can also be done with a damp cloth and some mild detergent, but make sure not to oversaturate it. 

Cleaning Stained Wood Blinds

Some stained woods can be more sensitive to moisture because of a lack of protective coating. This means you'll need to be extra careful when cleaning them, and avoid using abrasive tools or harsh chemicals. 

Gently wipe down the stained wood blinds with a slightly damp cloth, and use a mild detergent if necessary. To help protect the finish of your blinds, you can also apply a small amount of appropriate furniture polish once they've dried completely. 

Cleaning Painted Wood Blinds

The worst thing you can do to painted wood blinds is scrub them too hard and leave brush marks. If a wet cloth isn't cutting it for those stubborn stains, use a non-abrasive sponge to gently scrub away the dirt. 

Make sure to rinse the blinds thoroughly after cleaning them, and use a dry cloth to remove the moisture quickly, so the paint doesn’t peel. 

Cleaning Bamboo or Woven Wood Blinds

One of the most intimidating tasks is cleaning bamboo or woven wood blinds. It's almost impossible to get between the slats or fibers with a cloth, and dusting just doesn't seem to get the job done. 

Here are some instructions on cleaning bamboo blinds:

1. Remove the blinds from their brackets (carefully!)
2. Fill a bathtub with warm water and a small amount of soap
3. Let them soak for 10 minutes
4. Use a soft sponge to gently scrub the blinds
5. Rinse them off with water and let them air dry 
6. Put them back in their brackets

Good as new! 

Common Cleaning Mistakes to Avoid

It's easy to get carried away with cleaning wooden blinds, but there are a few mistakes to avoid. 

• Using harsh chemicals: Even simple grocery store cleaning supplies can have some harsh chemicals in them. Make sure to use mild wood cleaner, vinegar, or soap and warm water only, as anything else can damage the wood finish.
• Getting the blinds too wet: Wood is porous, so excess water can seep into the material and cause it to warp or crack over time. Be sure to use a damp cloth rather than soaking your blinds for hours in water. 
• Scrubbing too hard: Wood is a delicate material, and you don't want to rub too hard and remove the finish. Use a soft cloth or brush with only gentle pressure when cleaning wood blinds. 

Once you get the hang of it, cleaning wooden blinds is easy.

Get the Best Wooden Blinds from Factory Direct Blinds

Following these simple steps will ensure that your wooden blinds stay looking as good as new for years to come. With just a little bit of maintenance, they'll remain beautiful additions to any room in your home!

Don't just settle for any blinds for your windows — get the best from Factory Direct Blinds. Our collection of wood blinds come in various styles and colours, so there's something to fit any home décor. 

We offer budget blinds and cellular shades for customers looking to spend less money. Plus, all of our wooden blinds are made from high-quality materials that will last for years with proper care.

FAQs

How do you clean wooden blinds?

To clean wooden blinds, use a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment to remove any cobwebs, dust buildup, and loose dirt. Then, dampen a soft cloth or brush in mild soap or wood cleaner mixed with warm water and wipe the slats down. Finally, dry off each individual slat with a clean rag or microfiber towel. 

How should I wipe faux wood blinds with a cleaning solution?

For faux wood blinds, use a very mild cleaning solution or simple soap and water. Make sure to avoid getting the cleaning solution on any of the cords, as this could cause damage. Finally, dry off each slat with a clean rag or microfiber cloth.

What is the best way to clean blinds without taking them down?

With a little bit of patience, you can easily learn how to clean wood blinds while hanging with a damp cloth. Even a deep cleaning can be completed by using a soft-bristled toothbrush to get those hard-to-reach areas. 

What’s the best thing to clean blinds with?

The best thing to clean blinds with is a soft cloth or brush dampened in mild soap or wood conditioner mixed with warm water. You can also use a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment to do a quick dusting. Finally, dry off each slat with a microfiber cloth to make sure they are streak-free.