How to Clean and Maintain Window Blinds

Dust and dirt build up on blind slats quickly. Cleaning and maintaining your blinds extends their life and keeps them easy to operate.

This guide covers how often to clean blinds, what supplies you need, and step-by-step cleaning by material. 

How Often Should You Clean Window Blinds?

A clear routine keeps blinds in good shape without turning cleaning into a big project.

Routine dusting: Aim for weekly dusting in most rooms. Use a vacuum with a soft brush attachment or a microfiber cloth to cut down on dust buildup.

Deeper cleaning: Plan a full wipe-down with a mild cleaning solution every two months. That removes the layer of grime that dusting alone leaves behind.

When to clean more often: Go to monthly (or every two weeks in dusty areas) if:

• Blinds are in the kitchen (grease and steam)
• You have pets
• Windows are open often

Deep cleaning (bathtub or full wipe): For most homes, once or twice a year is enough. In dusty or humid environments, or if anyone has allergies, do it more often.

What You'll Need to Clean Window Blinds

You don't need special products. These basics cover routine and deep cleaning:

• Microfiber cloths – They grab dust better than regular cloths. Keep a few on hand.
• Vacuum cleaner with a soft brush attachment – A handheld or canister vacuum works. A HEPA filter helps trap fine dust so it doesn't blow back into the room.
• Mild dish soap and warm water – For wiping slats. Optional: gentle all-purpose cleaner.
• Non-abrasive sponge – Useful for spot cleaning stuck-on residue.

For deep cleaning non-wood blinds:

• Bathtub or large basin
• Old towels or a tarp – To protect the tub if you like

Optional: A bit of white vinegar in water for a quick refresh, or dryer sheets to wipe slats after cleaning. Avoid harsh cleaners, bleach, and wood spray on wood or faux wood; they can cause sticky buildup.

How to Clean Window Blinds Step by Step

This method works for most horizontal (Venetian) and vertical blinds: vacuum first, then wipe with a damp cloth and mild soap.

Position the Blinds

Close horizontal blinds so the slats lie flat with the wide part facing you. For vertical blinds, close them fully side to side.

After you clean one side, reverse the slats or turn the vertical vanes and repeat. If your blinds are inside mount, make sure you can reach both sides. 

Dust or Vacuum First

Removing loose dust first makes wiping easier. Start at the top and work down.

Use a vacuum with a soft brush and move in horizontal strokes (or top to bottom for vertical blinds). Do both the front and back of the slats. A telescoping duster helps for high or hard-to-reach blinds.

Wipe With a Mild Cleaning Solution

Mix a few drops of dish soap in warm water. Dampen a microfiber cloth and wring it well so it's damp but not dripping.

Wipe each slat in order (top to bottom or side to side). Rinse and wring the cloth as you go. Avoid dripping water on wood or wood floors.

Clean Cords, Tapes, and Headers

Wipe lift cords, decorative tapes, and the header with a damp microfiber cloth and soapy water to remove grime. Running cords through a damp cloth is an easy way to clean them. You can use a blow-dryer on a cool setting to loosen dust in the header; don't use heat on delicate materials.

Dry the Blinds

Use a dry microfiber or soft cloth to remove excess moisture right after wiping. Let the blinds air-dry fully before you raise or adjust them so you avoid streaking and water spots.

How to Deep Clean Blinds (Bathtub Method)

Use this only for aluminum, metal, or plastic/vinyl horizontal blinds that are very dirty or stained.

Do not use this method for wood, faux wood, fabric blinds, or blinds with decorative tapes. Submerging those in water can cause warping, rust, damage to mechanisms, or void warranties.

1. Fill a bathtub (or large basin) with warm water and a few drops of mild dish soap. You can line the tub with a tarp or old towels to protect it.
2. Remove the blinds from the window. Check manufacturer instructions if you're unsure how.
3. Open the blinds fully and place them in the water so the slats are submerged. Drape the top rail over the side of the tub to hold them in place.
4. Soak for about 10 minutes to an hour to loosen dirt.
5. Wipe each slat with a microfiber cloth.
6. Drain the tub and rinse the blinds with clean water.
7. Shake out excess water, dry thoroughly with a clean cloth, and rehang to air-dry.

Our installation guide will help you to reinstall

How to Clean Blinds by Material Type

Different materials need different care. Wood and faux wood must not be submerged. Metal and vinyl can be wiped or deep-cleaned in a tub when allowed.

Wood and Faux Wood Blinds

Do not submerge in water; too much moisture causes warping. Dust or vacuum regularly.

For wiping, use a barely damp microfiber cloth with mild soapy water and wring it well. Wipe and dry immediately. Avoid wood spray cleaner; it can leave a sticky film that attracts dust.

Metal and Aluminum Blinds

Dust or vacuum, then wipe with a damp cloth and mild soap. You can deep-clean them in the bathtub (see above) if they're very dirty. Dry them thoroughly to avoid rust. Don't use abrasive pads.

Vinyl and Plastic Blinds

Same as metal for routine cleaning. The bathtub method is fine for non-fabric vinyl or plastic slats. Dry them well before rehanging.

Fabric Blinds (Including Fabric Vertical Vanes)

Do not submerge fabric blinds. Use a vacuum with a soft brush and spot-clean with a damp cloth and mild detergent. Lay them flat when you can to avoid creases.

If the care label allows, some fabric blinds can be gently washed or dry-cleaned.

Vertical Blinds

Vacuum or dust both sides. Wipe vanes with a damp cloth and mild soap. Apply the material-specific rules above (fabric vs vinyl).

What Not to Do When Cleaning Window Blinds

• Do not use harsh cleaners or bleach. They can damage finishes and materials. Diluted dish soap and water are usually enough.
• Do not let cloths drip. Excess water can stain wood, sills, or floors and damage wood or faux wood slats.
• Do not submerge wood, faux wood, or fabric blinds. That causes warping, damage, and can void warranties.
• Do not skip drying. Dry slats and hardware after wiping to prevent water spots, rust, or warping.
• Do not use wood spray cleaner on wood or faux wood. It can create sticky buildup that attracts dust.
• Do not wait until dirt is heavy. Regular light cleaning is easier and better for longevity and air quality.

If cords or mechanisms are broken or frayed, refer to this guide for repair help. 

Tips to Keep Your Blinds Clean Longer

• Add a bit of vinegar and water to your cloth for a quick refresh between deeper cleans.
• Wipe slats with a dryer sheet after cleaning to help repel dust and reduce static.
• Dust or vacuum blinds when you dust the rest of the room.
• Keep windows and sills clean so less dirt settles on the blinds.
• Rotate or flip slats now and then if one side gets more sun.
• Limit long-term direct sunlight to reduce fading.
• Check mounting brackets and hardware periodically for looseness.

When to Replace Your Window Blinds

Even with good care, blinds eventually wear out. Severe fading, warping, or broken mechanisms often mean it's time to replace. 

When you do, use our installation guide for installation steps. 

Order your custom window blinds online today with us and we will ship it to your door step. 

Keeping Your Blinds Clean and Well-Maintained

A simple routine does most of the work: weekly dusting and a periodic wipe-down with mild soap and water. Do a deeper clean when needed based on your material.

That keeps blinds looking good and helps them last longer. Always follow your manufacturer's instructions for your specific product.