How to Clean Wooden Window Blinds

If you’ve own wooden floors or furniture, you know how finicky they can be. The same can be said for wooden window blinds. While you can’t beat the aesthetic they bring into your home or their timeless nature, they do come with one major drawback: cleaning them. Unfortunately, it’s not as easy as taking a damp cloth and wiping them down. Excessive moisture can warp your wood — it soaks into it and changes its shape. 

Keep in mind that faux wooden window blinds are a lot easier to clean. You don’t have to use the same level of care. If you’re not sure what type you have, you can check the weight and grain. Real wood blinds are very heavy and have a different wood grain pattern on each of the blinds. Faux wood is lighter and all of the individual wooden slats have the same grain. 

So for real wooden window blinds, you’re going to need a gentle cleaner and a gentle touch.  

How Often to Clean Wood Blinds

Wood blinds should be dusted weekly to prevent excessive dirt and grime from becoming a thick coat that is difficult to remove. You can use any soft duster or soft cloth to get this done quickly. 

Running a dryer sheet along each blind will help keep dust and grime from sticking too. 

Your wood blinds should be thoroughly cleaned at least twice a year, especially if they’re in the kitchen. Wood blinds in kitchens often gather a lot of grease particles, which can permanently stain your blinds!

What You Need To Clean your Wooden Window Blinds

Any soft duster or cloth will work for weekly dustings, as mentioned above. For heavy-duty cleaning, you’re going to need a wood cleaner (floor or furniture cleaners work fine), and lemon oil or wood preservative if you want to help further protect your blinds. 

You’ll also need: 

• Microfiber duster, microfiber cloth, or vacuum with upholstery brush
• Small bowl or bucket
• Soft cleaning cloths
• Sturdy step ladder

How to Clean Wood Blinds

The first thing you should do is give your blinds a thorough dusting — both the top and bottom of them! This will prevent any excessive build-up when you use the cleaning product. If you don’t dust, you will simply smear any debris across the wood and potentially scratch its surface. 

While you are dusting, don't forget to clean the header of the blinds and the window sill.

Then, wipe on the cleaning solution. Always read the label directions to ensure you don’t need to dilute the solution. Depending on the solution, you can spray it directly onto the blinds or pour it into a small bowl. If it’s in a bowl, dampen your cloth with it and run it carefully over the entire surface area of the blind. 

Starting at the top of the blinds, with the blinds flat against the window, wipe down each slat. As you finish each slat, wring out your cloth to avoid excessive moisture. Proceed down the blinds. Rotate the slats to the other side and repeat the process.

As the cleaning solution or cloth becomes soiled, replace it to avoid scratching the wood. 

Clean the Ladders On Your Blinds

The strings that hold the slats on vertical blinds are called ladders. Many don’t consider cleaning them, but they can get covered in dust and grease, and fade over time. They can make your wood blinds seem dated, even if the wood is immaculate. 

Apply shaving cream on a clean and white cloth. Rub with cloth up and down the string and repeat as needed. You don’t need to rinse. Avoid the blinds as much as you can to avoid getting excessive moisture on them. 

How to Treat Water Stains on Wood Blinds

Some water stains on wood can be treated, but not all of them can be. If your wooden window blinds are stained with a lot of moisture or if the damage is substantial, consider calling Budget Blinds of Tempe to help replace them. Damp wood is a prime suspect for mold, splintering, and other health concerns. 

If the stains aren’t too bad, you can try to apply a wood conditioner. A wood conditioner will help dull and faded spots in your blinds. It should restore your blinds to their former sheen. Be sure to follow the label and to avoid the hardware or strings between the wood slats to avoid stains. 

If this doesn’t work, you can try hiding the stain by always having your blinds facing one way, or you can look into replacing them. Schedule a free consultation today with Budget Blinds of Tempe to find the right look, the right style, and the right maintenance-free blinds for you.