How To Clean Vertical Blinds

Are your blinds dirty or dusty? Vinyl or plastic blinds can actually attack dust and dirt, making them look grimy quickly. While you cannot throw them in the washing machine, it’s easy to clean them with mild dish soap, a soft cloth, and water. Here are the basics you need to know about how to clean vertical blinds.

How Do You Clean Vertical Blinds?

Cleaning vertical blinds is easy, but it takes time to get the job done right. If you have plastic or vinyl blinds, you need a bucket, soap and warm water, and a microfiber cloth. Although not necessary, rubber gloves can make the process more comfortable.

However, contact the manufacturer for proper cleaning instructions if your blinds are made of fabric, wood, or another material. Cleaning some fabric blinds with soap and water can ruin the material or damage your blinds entirely. The same goes for wooden blinds.

Follow these steps to clean vertical slats or blinds made from vinyl or plastic:

1. Extend the blinds across the entire window, then turn them so the individual slats are perpendicular to the window surface.
2. Use your vacuum cleaner and dust each blind to remove dirt and fuzz buildup on the blind. Be sure to go over each slat thoroughly, paying particular attention to the edges and corners.
3. Next, fill a bucket with at least a gallon of lukewarm water. Then add two good squeezes of liquid dish soap and stir until it starts to foam.
4. Clean the blinds using soapy water and a soft microfiber cloth. Dip the cloth in the soapy water and wring it out. Then wipe down each blind from top to bottom and on both sides with the damp cloth. Gently scrub stubborn stains with the cloth, using a little more soapy water.
5. After wiping down the blinds, dry each slat with a clean and dry microfiber cloth. Be sure to dry the blinds thoroughly to prevent any water spots or streaks from forming. Leaving them open will help promote drying, but you can also use a fan if you are in a hurry.
6. Then clean the pull cord and the tilt chain. Most pull cords are made from plastic or metal, while tilt chains are either metal or heavy-duty thread. Wipe them down with the cleaning cloth.
7. Allow cloth cords and pulls to air dry, but wipe metal chains down with a dry cloth to prevent them from rusting.

It’s important to be thorough when cleaning vertical blinds. Be sure to go over each slat carefully and use a gentle touch to avoid damaging the blinds.

Is It Necessary To Remove Blinds To Clean Them?

In most cases, it is not necessary to remove the verticle slats or blinds in order to clean them. You can usually clean them while they are still hanging in place by using a soft, dry cloth to dust them off or a vacuum with a brush attachment to remove dirt and dust.

If your blinds are particularly dirty or have stains, you can wipe them clean with liquid dish soap, warm water, and a microfiber cloth. Be sure to rinse the blinds thoroughly and allow them to dry completely before closing them.

However, you can remove the blinds for cleaning if you want. The advantage of taking them down is that it’s easier to clean each individual blind slat. But getting the slat out of the latch can be tricky.

Look closely to see how the blind comes out to avoid damaging the latch or the blind itself. Never pull on the blinds, as this can cause them to crack or break.

Whether you clean them in place or remove them, it is important to handle your blinds gently when cleaning them to avoid damaging the slats or the mechanism that holds them in place. If you are unsure of how to clean your vertical blinds or if they are especially delicate, it is best to consult the manufacturer’s instructions or contact a professional cleaner.

Tips for Keeping Vertical Blinds Clean

With a little maintenance, you can limit how often you need to clean your vertical blinds. Follow these tips to keep them clean:

• Clean your blinds with a feather duster once a week to prevent buildup and keep them looking great for months or even years.
• Spot clean splashes or sprays with a soft sponge and dish soap. Just dab the spot until the stain is gone, then wipe the area dry.
• Vacuum and dust your house regularly to prevent a buildup of dirt and fuzz that can cling to your blinds.
• Clean ceiling fan blades every few months to prevent them from spreading dust particles throughout your house.
• Change your air filter once every three months to limit dust in your home.

How Often Do I Need To Clean My Vertical Blinds?

It is generally recommended to clean your blinds every three to six months, depending on the amount of dust and dirt in your home and how often you use your blinds. However, you may need to clean your blinds more frequently if you have pets, young children, or your home gets especially dusty.