How to Clean Window Blinds, Shutters, Shades, and More!

New year, new you! What are your resolutions this year? For many folks it’s not just limited to being healthier, or saving more money, often they look to do more, to take better care of their cars, their homes. To that end we decided to whip up a bit of a handy guide on how to clean window blinds, shutters, shades and more this time on the Budget Blinds of Tempe and Central Phoenix blog!

How to Clean Window Blinds, Shutters, Shades and More

You have probably heard plenty of different tips about the best ways to clean your blinds. Some folks recommend dusting your blinds every time you clean house, others once a month. Maybe just every season. Well, all of that might make for a fine guideline but we know that individual homes make for unique situations. Weather, pets, people in the home, possible smokers, there’s a whole list of things that can impact when you should clean your window coverings. That’s up to you! But, when it comes time to get the job done, here are some quick tips to get it done right.

Vertical blinds

By virtue of their usual floor-to-ceiling size, vertical blinds can be challenging to clean, but regular dusting by hand or vacuum should keep the number of times you have to clean a year relatively low!

Starting at the top of each slat, hand dust or vacuum both sides all the way to the bottom.

Spot clean soiled areas as necessary. Use soapy water or an all-purpose spray cleaner on a clean, soft cloth; rinse with a clean, moistened cloth.

• For washing vinyl or aluminum blinds, place towels or a tarp under the blinds to catch drips.

• With a sponge and soapy water, wash the full length of each slat, both sides, until clean. (Vinyl vanes can also be removed and immersed in water.)

• Rinse and wipe dry with clean, dry cloth.

Sheer fabric vertical blinds can be washed by unsnapping the fabric from the vanes. Wash gentle cycle with Woolite, line dry, press or steam on low, snap fabric back on vanes.

Blinds and Shutters (aluminum, vinyl, painted wood, and faux wood)

There are two main ways to go about dusting blinds, by hand or using a vacuum.

Dusting by hand has  three popular methods:

• 1) For blinds, extend as far as they will go and close them as flat as possible. Use a feather duster or soft dust cloth and start at the top and work your way across each slat, all the way to the bottom. Flip the slats and repeat.

• 2) For a bit more ‘lo-fi’ method place a sock on your hand, slightly open the slats and run your hand back and forth, over and under each slat. When clean, do another “once over” with a dryer sheet to repel dust.

• 3) Use specialty tools for cleaning louvers that allow you to swipe several slats clean at the same time and both sides. This takes a bit more effort before hand as you need to have special tools, but once you have them it makes for short work!

Using a vacuum can make it go real quick.

• 1) Using a brush attachment go over the slats, side to side, starting at the top and working your way down.

• 2) Flip slats and repeat.

• 3) Finish by wiping slats with a dryer sheet or spraying with anti-static dust product to make your life easier next time around.

Washing Grimy Blinds (Vinyl or Aluminum)

If dusting or vacuuming isn’t enough to get the blinds clean, maybe they have a bit of grime built up, you can give vinyl and aluminum blinds a dip in the tub!

• 1) Lay blinds flat in the bathtub with just enough water to cover them.

• 2) Mix in two - three cups of white vinegar and a squirt of dishwashing soap.

• 3) Let blinds soak for five- ten minutes then wipe both sides of the slats with a sponge.

• 4) For hard to reach spots, use an old toothbrush to get a deep clean.

• 5) Rinse blinds in clean water and place on a towel rack or hook to dry, or lay flat on the floor.

• 6) Wipe dry with a clean cloth and replace them!

Real Wood Blinds and Shutters

Never get real wood blinds or shutters “wet.” This will damage the wood if left alone so be sure to prevent that and use furniture polish or lemon oil to help protect the wood and restore its beauty.

Lightly spray a soft cloth with furniture polish and dust the top, bottom and side of each slat while the blinds are still mounted.

If they’re really gross, some water may be necessary. Use a mild detergent in water and a clean cloth. Clean the area and rinse with clear water then immediately dry with the other cloth.

To prevent having to do this again, make regular dusting a part of your cleaning routine.

Exterior Shutters (Vinyl, Aluminum, and Composite)

Exterior shutters can easily be cleaned with a few simple tools, you’ll just need a  garden hose, a brush and mops. The process may require a ladder or helper.

1. Brush all loose dirt off the shutters.

2. Hose down the shutters. 

3. Scrub with soapy water and a mop.

4. Rinse shutters immediately (don’t let the soapy water dry!)

5. Wipe the shutters dry with a clean microfiber mop.

Hopefully this handy guide helps you keep your window coverings exactly as clean as you need them. Looking to get some new blinds or shutters for your home? Well give us a call and schedule your free in home consultation!