Yes, It’s Possible to Clean Your Blinds Without Taking Them Down

Cleaning your blinds is one of the most frustrating household tasks. No one wants to go through the hassle of awkwardly removing blinds from the windows whenever they need dusting. The good news is with a bit of planning and patience, you can make your blinds look like they’ve just come home from the store without having to wrestle them into the tub for a deep clean.

How to Clean Plastic Blinds

Dip a clean sponge into a bucket filled with warm water and mild dish soap, and gently wipe down each blind — yes, while they're still hanging. Be sure to lay a blanket or tarp underneath them to catch any dripping water. Dry with a clean towel and air dry for an hour before returning the blinds to their normal position. This process can be used on plastic, faux wood, and other similarly-manufactured blinds.

How to Clean Wooden Blinds

Never use water to clean wooden blinds; it can warp the material and cause discoloration. Instead, use a feather duster and a bristle brush for any stubborn dirt. After removing any debris, lightly spray the blinds with antibacterial spray and wipe with a dry cloth. Let the blinds air dry for an hour before returning to their standard position.

How to Clean Metal Blinds

Metal blinds can be pre-treated with anti-static chemicals to repel dust, but they must still be cleaned to remove any grime and build-up. Use a sponge and warm, soapy water to clean the blinds. Wipe them off with a dry cloth to prevent streaking before vacuuming with a brush attachment to remove any remaining dust. Let the blinds air dry.

How to Clean Fabric Blinds

The best way to clean fabric blinds is by running a vacuum with a brush attachment over each panel to remove dust. Next, mix 2 cups of warm water with a few drops of mild dish soap and gently dab any stains — avoid rubbing, which can damage the fabric. Finish using a hair dryer on low heat to dry the damp fabric.

Tips for Success

• Open the blinds before cleaning so each slat is slanted perpendicular to the floor.

• Work from top to bottom so any dust that falls will still be cleaned up.

• Spot-test all cleaning products to make sure they don’t damage the material.

If you have trouble reaching high blinds, wrap a microfiber cloth around a pair of tongs, secured with a rubber band. This will add extra height for removing any debris.

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