Getting your window blinds clean can be a long and tedious process. That’s probably why most of us tend to skip this cleaning task until it’s absolutely necessary. While getting your blinds clean may take a little bit of time, it’s not a difficult job. In fact, you can clean your window blinds in just five easy steps.
See also: If you’re tackling the floors next, check out our tips for getting perfectly clean floors each and every time!
Types of Window Blinds
While window blinds come in a variety of styles, they’re typically made of three different types of materials:
- Vinyl
- Aluminum
- Wood
The good news is that the cleaning method used below works on any blind material! Since the tools and cleaning solutions used in this easy cleaning method are mild, there’s no need to worry about damaging your blinds based on the type of blinds you have in your home.
Supplies for Cleaning Window Blinds
Another great aspect of this easy blind cleaning method is that you only need a few simple cleaning supplies to get the job done. To clean your window blinds, you’ll need:
- Vacuum cleaner with brush attachment attached
- Microfiber clothes
- Dusting wand
- Dishwashing liquid
- Warm water
- Bucket
Start by mixing a couple drops of dish soap with warm water in the bucket. Bring the bucket, along with the rest of your cleaning supplies to the room where you’ll be cleaning so you have everything you need on hand.
Prep Your Blinds
One of my favorite things about this simple blind cleaning method is that there’s no need to take your blinds down from your windows to clean them! To prepare you blinds for cleaning, start by lowering the blinds to their full length, which may go past your window sill. To make cleaning easy, start by setting your blinds to face downward and fully closed.
Dust the Blinds
When your blinds are ready to be cleaned, start by removing visible dust and debris from the blinds. There are three simple methods for getting rid of dust from your blinds:
- Vacuum. Use the brush attachment on your vacuum to clear away the dust. Turn on the vacuum and run the brush along each blind, catching dust and debris as you move. Make sure to move the attachment slowly over each slat to ensure you catch all the dust on the blinds.
- Dusting wand. Another simple way to remove dust from your blinds is with a dusting wand. A reusable wand or a Swiffer dusting wand are both great for dusting blinds. To make sure you get all the dust off the blinds, run the duster over the top of each slat slowly. As you work your way through all the blinds in your home, make sure to clean the duster or replace the dusting head for each window.
- Microfiber cloth. Similar to cleaning the blinds with a dusting wand, a microfiber cloth is another great option for dusting. Run the cloth over each blind slat to catch the dust, shaking out the dust or grabbing a clean cloth as needed.
Clean Dirty Blinds
If your blinds are heavily soiled, they may need a deeper clean than a simple dusting. If your blinds need a good scrubbing, grab your soapy water and a clean microfiber cloth. Dampen the cloth and wring out excess water, then run the cloth over the top of each blind. Scrub dirty areas to remove debris or residue from each slat.
Be sure to rinse and wring out the cloth between cleanings to avoid water build-up on your blinds, especially if your blinds are constructed of wood. Wooden blinds should be dried after cleaning with water, while aluminum and vinyl blinds may be air dried.
Repeat on Opposite Side
After cleaning the front of your blinds, you’ll need to flip the blinds to clean the back of each slat. To do this, just flip the blinds so the slats are facing upward. Then, repeat the cleaning process:
- Dust the blinds using your chosen method.
- Scrub the blinds with soapy water to remove stuck-on dirt and residue.
- Dry blinds with a clean, dry cloth, if needed. To air dry your blinds, set the slats to an open position so air can circulate over the top and bottom of the blinds.
Clean Up Excess Dust
As you’re cleaning your blinds, you may notice excess dust falling onto your floor or window sill. After you have finished cleaning your blinds, take a few minutes to vacuum along the window sill and floor directly under your blinds to remove dust that may have fallen as you were cleaning.
Maintain Your Blinds
See also: Looking for a more natural clean? Opt for one of these all natural cleaning recipes!
To keep your blinds from gathering excess dust after you’re finished cleaning, take the time to regularly dust your window treatments. While they don’t need to be deep cleaned often, a weekly dusting with your vacuum’s brush attachment or a dusting wand can prevent dust and debris build-up on your blinds. And that will make your next deep cleaning quicker and easier to finish.
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