How to Clean Venetian Blinds: Tips for Light and Deep Cleaning

Venetian blinds are a popular window covering found in many homes. Their horizontal slats allow you to control light and privacy while adding style to your windows. However, like any home furnishing, Venetian blinds attract dust and need regular cleaning. Here are tips for keeping your blinds looking their best with light dusting and occasional deep cleaning.

Supplies Needed

• Microfiber cloth, lambswool duster, "blinds duster" tool, or clean sock

• Feather duster

• Vacuum cleaner with brush attachment

• Mild detergent or dish soap

• White vinegar

• Clean bucket

• Soft sponge or cleaning brush

• Old towels

• Rubber gloves (optional)

Light Cleaning Tips

It's best to clean your blinds regularly to prevent dust and dirt buildup. Light cleaning once every one to two weeks works for most homes.

Here's how:

1. Dust the slats: Use a microfiber cloth, lambswool duster, "blinds duster" tool, clean sock or feather duster. Gently run across each slat to wipe away dust and debris.
2. Vacuum the blinds: Use your vacuum's soft brush attachment to suck up remaining dust and dirt. Make sure the vacuum is on its lowest setting to avoid damage.
3. Spot clean stains: Mix a mild detergent like dish soap with warm water in a bucket. Dip a soft sponge into the solution and gently wipe stains. Rinse the sponge and re-wet it as needed.
4. Dry the blinds: Wipe each slat again with a clean microfiber towel to remove excess moisture. Then tilt the blinds open to air dry completely before closing.

Deep Cleaning Tips

For a more thorough clean every six months to one year, deep clean your blinds:

1. Dust first: Before washing, dry dust your blinds with a microfiber cloth to remove loose debris that could cause scratches.
2. Fill a bathtub: Place an old towel in the bottom of your bathtub and fill it with warm water and a small amount of mild detergent. For aluminum blinds, add 1⁄2 cup white vinegar as well.
3. Soak the blinds: Immerse the entire set of blinds in the tub and let them soak for 1-2 hours. The warm soapy water will loosen caked-on gunk.
4. Clean each slat: Put on rubber gloves and gently scrub both sides of each slat with a soft sponge or cleaning brush. Rinse regularly.
5. Rinse: Lift the blinds from the tub and rinse thoroughly by spraying clean water from a detachable showerhead.
6. Air dry: Lay the blinds flat on top of old towels or hang them outside if possible. Let them dry completely before rehanging inside your windows.

Cleaning Wood Blinds

Wood blinds should only be dusted to prevent warping, cracking, and water damage to the natural wood. Follow these steps:

1. Dust: Wipe each slat front and back with a microfiber cloth. Use a feather duster for hard-to-reach areas near braces or tilters.
2. Spot clean: Use rubbing alcohol and a soft rag to gently blot stain spots. Avoid excessive moisture.
3. Air out: After dusting, open blinds to air out and allow wood to breathe.

Cleaning Vinyl or Faux Wood Blinds

Vinyl and faux wood blinds can be cleaned much like aluminum blinds. Follow the deep cleaning steps above using mild detergent, water and white vinegar to wash. Rinse and dry completely after cleaning.

Cleaning Fabric Blinds

Check your manufacturer’s instructions first. Then vacuum fabric blinds using an upholstery brush rather than washing. If needed, spot treat stains by gently dabbing with mild detergent and a clean sponge. Air dry fully after spot cleaning.

Cleaning Blinds Outside

If your blinds are too large to fit in a bathtub, take them outside for cleaning. Lay blinds on a flat surface covered by an old sheet or towels. Use your garden hose sprayer to rinse away debris. Then use a sponge with detergent and water to scrub each slat clean. Rinse again. Let blinds dry completely before rehanging inside.

Cleaning Blinds in Place

To clean blinds while still hanging, fill a spray bottle with equal parts white vinegar and warm water. Lightly mist a microfiber cloth with solution and wipe each slat clean. Dry immediately with a clean towel to prevent drips. Repeat on the other side.

Preventing Dust Buildup

To keep your blinds cleaner longer:

• Vacuum window sills and around blinds weekly

• Dust blinds every 1-2 weeks

• Wash windows and window frames monthly

• Keep room humidity low to deter dust mites

• Clean blinds thoroughly at least twice per year

With regular easy dusting and occasional deep cleaning, you can keep your Venetian blinds looking fresh and new. Follow these tips and you’ll have sparkling clean blinds enhancing your windows.