How to clean your blinds

Cleaning blinds is easily put off, often because you are not sure of the right way to go about it. If yours came with care instructions, follow those first; otherwise, here is how to clean the different types of blind in your home.

Table of contents

• PVC and aluminium venetian blinds

• Wooden venetian blinds

• Fabric blinds: roller, roman and honeycomb

• Vertical blinds

• Handy cleaning tips

PVC and aluminium venetian blinds

If they are just dusty, close them completely, hold from the bottom for stability and vacuum with a dust-brush attachment (not on the highest setting, which can damage them), doing both sides. If dust has become a layer of grime, vacuum first then wipe with a sponge or rag and hot soapy water. For greasy faux-wood blinds in the kitchen, wipe with equal parts white vinegar and water.

Deeper cleaning

For a thorough clean, take blinds down one at a time and soak in the bathtub with a little dishwashing liquid to break down grease, then gently scrub with a soft brush or cloth (bath jets, if you have them, do much of the work). Rinse, and air-dry flat on towels before rehanging, using fresh water for each blind.

Wooden venetian blinds

Wood blinds are often treated to repel dirt, so furniture polish and a soft cloth may be all you need. If water is needed for tougher muck, use it sparingly and wipe dry immediately so the timber does not warp. Our guide on cleaning wood venetian blinds goes step by step.

Fabric blinds: roller, roman and honeycomb

Vacuum these with the dust brush on low suction, holding the bottom for stability. To reach dust inside pleats or honeycomb cells, blow it out with a hairdryer set to cool (also the way to remove any bugs caught in the cells, do not squash them). Treat minor marks with a damp sponge or microfibre cloth, blotting gently without over-wetting, and let them dry before raising. Major stains may need professional cleaning. For romans specifically, see our guide on the best ways to clean roman blinds.

Vertical blinds

Depending on whether your vertical blinds are fabric or vinyl, follow the relevant method above. A clothing lint roller is also a handy way to lift dust and cobwebs off the vanes.

Handy cleaning tips

• A cotton sports sock over your hand makes a great cleaning cloth with good control.

• Make a slat tool by attaching microfibre cloths to a pair of tongs with rubber bands, then pinch and run along each slat.

• Clip a clothes peg to the last slat you cleaned to keep your place, and dust regularly so it never becomes a dreaded big job.

• Hanging sheer curtains in front of your blinds helps reduce how much dust settles on them.

Thinking it might be time for new blinds instead? Request a free in-home consultation and one of our consultants will talk you through easy-care options for every room.