Want to learn about easy, practical tips to clean blinds, shades, curtains, etc.? Here are expert-approved cleaning tips to keep window coverings – from wood and vinyl blinds to fabric shades – in tip-top shape and limit the build-up of dust year round. This in-depth instructional guide will help you easily clean all types of blinds without damaging the slats or fabric vanes. Just imagine you open your blinds and shades in the morning, and all of a sudden, the sun shines in and you’re painfully reminded of all the dust and dirt that has accumulated on the inside and outside of fabric, vinyl slats, and chains. Or maybe you have guests coming over, and you realize with a start that your blinds are looking a little – shall we say – less than fresh. To help you with your task, here is a comprehensive blinds & shades cleaning guide. When it’s time to clean those window blinds and shades, where do you even start? Have no fear – in this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about cleaning window blinds and shade. We’ll also share some cleaning hacks for lazy people or people with pets/kids in their homes, and let you know how often you should clean blinds and windows. Finally, we’ll provide some signs that it might be time to replace your window blinds or shades entirely. So what are you waiting for? Let’s get started! Why You Should Clean Your Window Blinds Fabric, Vinyl, and Chains from Inside & Outside Most people don’t give much thought to their window blinds and shades, but they can be a breeding ground for dust, dirt, and even pests. Not to mention, they can be a real pain to clean. However, there are several good reasons why you should make an effort to clean your window blinds regularly in less than 30 minutes! To Keep Blinds Free of Dust/Dirt Cleaning window blinds and shades and their components from inside and outside will help to keep your home clean and free of dust. Dust can trigger allergies and respiratory problems, so it’s important to keep it under control. Make Them Look Better and Last Longer In addition, clean window blinds and shades will help your window coverings look better and last longer. Over time, dust and dirt can damage the surface of your windows, making them more susceptible to scratches and other wear and tear. So next time you’re cleaning your house, don’t forget to give your window blinds and shades a good dusting. One of the easiest window blinds to clean is a top-down bottom-up shade. It just might be the best thing you do all day. How to Clean your Window Blinds from Inside, Outside, Fabric, Vinyl, Chains Window blinds and shades are one of the most difficult things to clean in your house. They get dusty and dirty, and they’re hard to reach. However, there are a few steps you can take to make sure your window blinds are clean and look great. How to Clean Wooden Blinds & Shades Wooden Blinds If you have wooden blinds or shades, you will want to use a vacuum with a brush attachment to clean their wooden slats. Gently run the vacuum over the blinds to remove any dust or dirt from inside and outside of the wooden slats and chains, etc. 7 Steps to Clean Fabric of Blinds and Shades Cleaning If you have fabric blinds or shades, you may want to use a lint roller to remove any dust or dirt from the inside and outside of the fabric. Once you’ve removed the surface dirt, you will need to clean the blinds with a damp cloth. Be sure to wring out the cloth so that it’s not dripping wet. Otherwise, you may end up with water stains on your blinds. Here’s a step-by-step procedure to clean fabric blinds or shades from inside and outside: Step 1: First vacuum the fabric blinds from the inside and outside with a soft brush attachment to remove any loose dirt, dust, or debris. Step 2: Fill a bathtub with warm water and add a small amount of gentle laundry detergent or a fabric cleaner. Step 3: Remove the blinds from the window frame and gently immerse them in soapy water. Soak them for 15-20 minutes. Step 4: Use a soft cloth to gently scrub each slat of the fabric blinds, paying extra attention to any areas with stains or buildup. Step 5: Drain the soapy water and refill the bathtub with clean water. Rinse the blind slats thoroughly by immersing them in the clean water and swishing them around. Step 6: Squeeze out any excess water from your blinds and hang them outside to air dry or lay them flat on a towel. Step 7: Once your blinds are completely dry, reinstall them on the mounting brackets. 5 Step to Clean Vinyl Blinds & Shades Vinyl blinds Below is a step by step guide to clean vinyl blinds or shades: Step 1: To clean your vinyl blinds or shades, start by dusting them off with a soft-bristled brush or a piece of microfiber cloth. Step 2: Then, fill a basin with warm water and add a small amount of mild dish soap or vinegar in it. Step 3: Immerse your vinyl window blinds in the water and let them soak for 15 to 20 minutes. Step 4: Use a soft sponge to gently scrub each slat of vinyl blinds, and rinse with clean water. Step 5: Hang the blinds outside to air dry or lay them flat on a towel. Note: Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive scrubbers that can damage the vinyl material, and check the manufacturer’s care instructions before cleaning. Cleaning Aluminum Slats Cleaning aluminium slats If you have aluminum blinds, you will want to use a mild soap and water solution to clean aluminum slats. Use a soft cloth to wipe down the blinds from inside and outside and then dry them with a clean towel. 7 DIY Tips to Clean Chains of Window Blinds and Shades Cleaning the chains of blinds and shades is a simple process that can be done with some basic DIY items. Here’s a step-by-step procedure: Step 1: First, dust the chains of the blinds or shades with a soft-bristled brush or microfiber cloth to remove any loose dirt or debris. Step 2: Fill a small container with warm water and add a small amount of mild dish soap to wash the chains. Step 3: Dip a clean cloth or sponge into the soapy water and gently scrub the chains of the blinds or shades. Step 4: For tough stains, you can use a soft-bristled toothbrush to scrub the chains thoroughly. Step 5: Once you’ve cleaned the chains of blinds or shades, rinse them thoroughly with clean water to remove any soap residue. Step 6: Use a clean cloth or towel to dry the chains completely. Step 7: Finally, you should lubricate the chains with a silicone-based lubricant or spray to keep them running smoothly. By following these simple steps, you can keep your window blinds clean and looking great. What to Do If your Window Blinds and Shades are Particularly Dirty or Difficult to Clean If your window blinds and shades are particularly dirty or difficult to clean, there are a few things you can do to make the job easier. Step 1: First, try dusting the blinds and shades with a microfiber cloth. This will help to remove any surface dirt or dust. Step 2: If the blinds or shades are still dirty, you can try cleaning them with a vacuum cleaner fitted with a soft brush attachment. Be sure to vacuum both sides of the blinds to remove all the dirt and dust. Step 3: If the blinds or shades are still not clean, you can try wiping them down with a damp cloth. Use mild soap if the blinds are very dirty. Be sure to wring out the cloth well before wiping down the blinds, as too much water can damage them. Step 4: Once you’ve cleaned the blinds and shades, be sure to dry them completely to prevent any water spots from forming. Cleaning Hacks for Lazy People or People with Pets/Kids Cleaning Cleaning window blinds and shades is one of the most tedious household chores. But it’s easy to make it less time-consuming by using a few simple hacks. For example, use an old sock to dust the blinds in a fraction of the time it would take with a cloth or feather duster. Or, if you have pets or small children, fasten a pair of old pantyhose over your hands to create a dust-resistant barrier. Either way, you’ll be able to clean your window blinds more quickly and efficiently. And who knows, maybe you’ll even enjoy it! How Often You Should Be Cleaning Your Window Blinds & Shades Window blinds and shades are one of those household items that tend to get forgotten about when it comes to cleaning. But the truth is, they should be cleaning them regularly! Dust and dirt can quickly build up on the slats, making them difficult to open and close and causing them to look dull. In addition, dust can be a trigger for allergies, so it’s important to keep your blinds and shades as clean as possible. How often you need to clean them will depend on how dusty your home is – if you live in a particularly dusty area or have pets, you may need to clean them more frequently. The best way to clean window blinds and shades is to vacuum them with a brush attachment. Alternatively, you can use a microfiber cloth or duster. Once you’ve vacuumed or dusted both sides of the blinds, use a damp cloth to wipe down each slat. And that’s it – simple but effective! Signs that It’s Time to Replace your Window Blinds and Shades There are a few signs that it may be time to replace your window blinds and shades. If you notice any cracks, chips, or damage to the blinds themselves, it’s probably time for an upgrade. Similarly, if the mechanism for opening and closing the blinds is starting to fail or is no longer working properly, it’s also time to replace them. Another sign that your window blinds need to be replaced is if they no longer block out light or provide privacy the way they used to. If you find yourself having to put up additional curtains or shades to achieve the level of darkness or privacy you want, it’s probably time for new blinds. Finally, if your window blinds or shades are simply outdated or no longer match your home decor, you may want to replace them even if they’re still in good condition. Window treatments can be a major part of your home’s overall look, so if you want a different style, don’t hesitate to replace your old blinds. Conclusion Cleaning window blinds and shades is a chore that many people dread. But it doesn’t have to be difficult or time-consuming! By using a few simple hacks, you can make the job easier and faster. And don’t forget to vacuum or dust them regularly to keep them looking their best. If you’re unsure about whether or not it’s time to replace your window blinds, keep an eye out for signs like damage, poor functioning, or outdated style. Otherwise, enjoy your clean and dust-free blinds! FAQs How do you clean blinds without getting dust everywhere? To avoid getting dust everywhere when cleaning blinds, clean them in a zigzag pattern. Clean one section or slat at a time. Step 1: Start cleaning a vertical section. Step 2: Vacuum the top slat in one direction, moving from left to right. Step 3: Once you reach the end of the slat, drag the vacuum down to the slat below, this time starting on the right side of the slat and working your way left. How do professionals clean blinds? When cleaning blinds, professionals typically dust the fabric vanes or slats with a powerful vacuum brush attachment. To remove tough stains, they wash the blinds with a cloth damped with mild soapy water. In the cause of porous surfaces, such as honeycomb or cellular fabrics, experts recommend using diluted, gentle dish soap. Whatever method you use to wash blinds, remember to always wipe dry the fabric and lever let it drip. What is the best thing to clean blinds with? Vacuum is the best thing to clean blinds from top to bottom to ensure that they are thoroughly cleaned and stay in place. To remove excess dust, you can use a feather duster or soft paint brush. Use warm water or dish soap to more stubborn stains from the slats or fabric. This method of cleaning generally works well for aluminum, wood, and vertical blinds. What to put on blinds to keep dust off? The best solution for keeping dust off your window blinds is the use of dust repellent. Combine 4 parts water with 1 part liquid fabric softener; pour the solution in a labeled spray bottle, and thoroughly spray the horizontal blinds, like wood blinds or aluminum blinds to repel dust from collecting on the slats. What’s the best way to clean really dirty blinds? The best way to clean really dirty blinds is to give them a good soak in a bathtub filled with warm, sudsy water, prepared using a grease-busting dish soap. Then give them a gentle wash with a soft cloth or sponge, wiping along the edges, where dirt and dust tend to accumulate most. Next, drain the dirty water, rinse the blinds thoroughly, and finally dry them. How do you clean blinds that are fabric? You must follow the following essential steps to clean the blinds and shades that are fabric: Step 1: Fill the bathtub with warm water, add detergent, and mix well to prepare a homogeneous cleaning collusion. Step 2: Scrub the fabric with a soft brush or cloth. Step 3: Drain the water and rinse the fabric. Step 4: Leave the fabric to dry. Once dry, reattach it to the headrail and hang back on the window. Need More Help? Still unsure how to easily clean your blinds or shades? Get in touch for free consultation! Use 24/7 live chat or give us a call at (800) 863-6109 to contact our window treatment cleaning experts for DIY cleaning tips.