Household

How to Clean Blinds

A clean blinds makes a bigger difference than you'd think. Here's the most effective method, plus the mistakes most people make.

What You'll Need

  • Soap-Man Vibes Multi-Surface Cleaner
  • Microfiber cloth or sock
  • Warm water
  • Tongs and rubber bands (for a cleaning tool)
  • Vacuum with brush attachment

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. 1

    Dust with a microfiber cloth

    Close the blinds flat and wipe each slat from left to right with a microfiber cloth. Reverse the blinds and repeat on the other side.

  2. 2

    DIY blind cleaning tool

    Wrap microfiber cloths around tongs and secure with rubber bands. Clamp each slat and slide across -- cleans both sides simultaneously.

  3. 3

    Spot clean stains

    Spray Vibes Multi-Surface Cleaner on a cloth and wipe stubborn spots on each slat. Don't spray directly on blinds to avoid dripping.

  4. 4

    Deep clean when needed

    For aluminum or vinyl blinds, remove them and soak in a bathtub of warm soapy water for 30 minutes. Wipe clean, rinse, and rehang.

Pro Tips

  • TIPDust blinds weekly as part of your routine. Five minutes of dusting prevents the need for an hour of deep cleaning.
  • TIPClose blinds flat against the window when dusting -- this gives you a solid surface to wipe against.
  • TIPFor wood blinds, avoid soaking. Use a barely damp cloth only -- excess moisture warps and stains wood.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • XSoaking wood or faux-wood blinds, which causes warping, bubbling, and permanent damage to the finish.
  • XSpraying cleaner directly onto blinds, which drips into the mechanisms and causes them to stick.
  • XIgnoring blinds for months, which allows thick dust buildup that becomes greasy and much harder to remove.

Frequently Asked Questions

Dust weekly. Deep clean every 3-6 months. Kitchen blinds need more frequent cleaning due to airborne grease.