How To Clean Blinds: FAQs Guide

Posted on 17th March 2023 by Gemini Blinds

With warmer weather fast approaching, carrying out a thorough spring cleaning of your home may be top of your to-do list. One chore that you may be avoiding, however, is cleaning your blinds; this can seem like a fiddly and time-consuming process, with so many intricate parts to consider. 

If you’re worried about how to tackle your blinds, don’t fret! The team at Gemini Blinds are experts in the field and are here to provide a handy cleaning guide that will have your window blinds sparkling clean again in no time.

How often should you clean blinds?

It’s recommended that you perform a quick clean of your blinds every week or two. This doesn’t have to be a rigorous clean, you can simply wipe them with a damp microfiber cloth to prevent dust from accumulating. Every few months, a more thorough cleaning should be performed, just to remove any stubborn stains or grime.  

When considering how often you should clean your blinds, the location of the blinds should also be factored in. During cooking, steam, smoke and cooking fat vapours are produced, which can permeate your blinds. If left too long, this grime can build up to form a greasy film that permanently damages your kitchen blinds, therefore, blinds in this area should be cleaned on a more regular basis than those in other rooms.

How to clean Venetian blinds

Venetian blinds have an intricate, slatted design, which can make the prospect of cleaning them seem daunting.

However, it’s a simple enough task if you follow these easy instructions:

• Lower and shut your blinds completely as this makes it easier to spread out the louvre and clean between them.
• Clean the dust off of each slat. This can be done using a microfiber cloth, feather duster, or even a vacuum cleaner if fitted with the correct attachment. You should start in the centre and work your way out horizontally – that way you’re not streaking dust from one side to the other.
• Once this has been completed, use the roller to flip the louvre so that the underside of each slat is visible and you can then wipe away any dust or dirt.
• If your Venetian blinds are in need of a more thorough cleaning, you can gently scrub them with a mild cleaning solution. Commercial cleaners are available, or you can make your own using warm water and a generous squirt of dish soap, detergent or white vinegar (just be sure to test any solution first in an inconspicuous area to be sure it won’t damage the blinds). Simply dampen your cloth in the solution and lightly wipe from the centre of the slat outwards, working your way down the blinds from top to bottom. If you have wooden Venetian blinds then this step doesn’t apply as you should only ever use specialised wood cleaner or furniture polish. 
• If there are any particularly stubborn stains, you may wish to gently scrub them with a soft-bristle brush. Be sure not to apply too much pressure as this could damage the blinds.
• Once this is complete, wipe down every slat with a dry cloth to soak up any excess moisture.
• If your blinds are still wet, open them fully to allow them to air dry. 

How to clean fabric blinds

A weekly vacuum of your fabric blinds is an effective way to reduce any dust or grime. However, blinds are delicate and you should only ever vacuum them using a soft brush attachment to prevent damage. Once any dust has been removed, you should clean your blinds using a solution of mild dish soap and warm water. Dampen a microfiber cloth with this solution and gently dab across the blinds, blotting any stains. 

Your fabric blinds may be machine washable; if this is the case, you will need to carefully remove them, ensuring that all dowels and parts of the cord mechanism are removed. You should only ever use a gentle cycle to reduce the chance of damage.

How to clean wooden blinds

Wooden blinds are incredibly delicate and prone to scratches and damage, so the utmost care must be taken. That’s why dusting is the best method to clean your wooden blinds without damage. You should wipe down the blind with a dry microfiber cloth; avoid using water as excess moisture can cause warping and discolouration of the wood. 

If you want to restore the natural lustre of your wooden blinds, you should only ever use lemon oil or a specialised wood cleaner; cleaning solutions with harsh chemicals can cause the wood to become bleached and damaged.

What is the fastest way to clean window blinds?

If you need to clean your blinds quickly but are pressed for time, there are several ways to achieve a good clean. If you’re in the midst of a spring clean, you may already have a feather duster to hand. This offers a quick and easy way to remove dust whilst enabling you to reach the very top of your blinds. Similarly, you can also use your vacuum cleaner – provided it’s fitted with a soft brush attachment – to help clear the dust from those hard-to-reach areas. 

Of course, the best way to ensure you can clean your blinds quickly is to prevent them from getting too dirty in the first place. Scheduling a weekly dusting session can stop dirt and dust from settling to make cleaning your blinds an incredibly easy process.

How do you deep clean dirty blinds?

There are occasions where simply wiping down your blinds just won’t cut it. Sometimes, a proper deep clean may be needed. To achieve this, carefully remove the unit and place it in your bathtub*. Then, fill your bathtub half full with warm water, before adding in a few generous squirts of mild dish soap and a cup of baking soda – this has alkaline properties which make it an effective stain fighter. 

Leave the blinds to soak in this solution for an hour before rinsing them off with cold water. Then lay the blinds on a flat surface to allow them to dry completely before rehanging. This method is an effective way to lift any stubborn stains from your blinds without causing damage.

*Note, this technique is not appropriate for all blinds, please consult your manufacturer before attempting a deep clean.

Does white vinegar clean blinds?

Yes, white vinegar can be an effective tool when cleaning your blinds. Its natural acidity means it can quickly break down and dissolve dirt and grime. Unlike many other cleaning solutions, it is non-toxic and contains no harsh chemicals, so you can be sure it won’t damage your blinds. However, you should always dilute white vinegar with water – typically at a 1:1 ratio – to help balance its acidity.

Why do I need to clean my blinds?

Cleaning your blinds regularly helps to prolong their lifespan, ensuring they are in the best possible condition for years to come. Blinds are one of the first features to catch the eye upon entering a room, so cleaning them can help to enhance the overall appearance and ambience of your interior. Blind cleaning is also vital for health reasons; dust, dirt and allergens can build up over time, which can contribute towards poor indoor air quality.

Gemini Blinds has been providing high-quality blinds to homes throughout Liverpool, Manchester, Chester and beyond for over four decades. Our knowledgeable team has a wealth of expertise and is always happy to provide cleaning and maintenance tips with every installation. Give us a call today for more information about any of our services.