How to Clean Blinds to Remove Dust and Stains, According to Experts

When was the last time you cleaned your window blinds? If you can see visible dust build-up on the slats, then it's time to give them a deeper clean and add this task to your regular cleaning rotation. Not only will cleaning your blinds help your home feel, smell, and look fresher, but the maintenance will help your blinds last longer. We spoke with experts about how to clean traditional vinyl, wood, and fabric blinds and how to remove stubborn stains.

Materials Needed

• Microfiber cloth, old sock, or feather duster
• A vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment 
• Water
• Mild dish soap 
• White vinegar
• Spray bottle
• Baking soda
• Old toothbrush

How to Clean Vinyl and Wood Blinds

Generally speaking, for light cleaning, all you will need to do is dust your blinds regularly to keep them looking like new and prevent build-up. For a more in-depth cleaning on vinyl, wood, and even metal blinds, follow these instructions from Alicia Sokolowski, president and co-CEO of AspenClean.

1. First, dust your blinds with either a clean microfiber cloth, an old, clean sock, or a feather duster. Work from top to bottom. For dustier blinds, you can also use a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment instead.
2. Mix equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle; spray the mixture onto a clean microfiber cloth or a clean, old sock.
3. Wipe each slat individually.
4. Dry each slat individually with a dry microfiber cloth or sock. Do this immediately after cleaning to prevent water spots.
5. For wood blinds, consider finishing them off with some furniture polish. Spray some on a microfiber cloth and wipe each slat down to protect the wood.

How to Clean Fabric Blinds

Fabric blinds may require a little more elbow grease—you will have to remove them from the window instead of leaving them up to really get them clean. Follow the instructions below, according to Sokolowski.

1. Remove your fabric blinds from your window
2. Fill your bathtub with warm water and add a few drops of mild dish soap.
3. Submerge the blinds in the soapy water, and let them sit for about an hour.
4. After an hour, gently scrub any remaining stains with a microfiber cloth or sponge.
5. Drain the tub of the warm, soapy water and rinse the blinds thoroughly.
6. Hang them to dry, or lay them flat on a towel. Let them dry completely before re-hanging them on your window.

How to Clean Stains On Your Blinds

If you have a tougher stain on your blinds that isn't removed with a general cleaning, try spot cleaning with baking soda and an old toothbrush, says Sokolowski.

1. Make a baking soda pasta by mixing a few tablespoons of baking soda with water.
2. Apply the paste to the stain.
3. Using an old toothbrush, gently scrub the paste into the stain.
4. With a clean microfiber cloth, wipe down the slat to remove the baking soda paste.
5. Dry the slat promptly with a dry microfiber cloth to prevent water spots.

How Often to Clean Blinds

You should aim to lightly clean your blinds once a week to battle dust accumulation, but in general, cleaning them once a month is recommended by our experts. "If a once-a-month clean is not possible, aim to at least include them in your quarterly deep cleans, especially during seasonal changes," says Rhonda Wilson, quality lead cleaner at FreshSpace Cleaning.

Of course, if you can visibly see that your blinds are dirty, it's time to clean them. "If you see dust build-up, it’s a sign of a cleaning session," says Wilson. "If you or your family start sneezing a lot or get itchy eyes, it might be due to that dusty buildup. In kitchens, where blinds can be exposed to cooking grease, food splatters, and spills, they might even feel sticky or greasy."

Tips for Keeping Blinds Clean

Cleaning your blinds—and keeping them clean—is easy with our experts' tips.

• Dust weekly: The number one way to keep your blinds looking great is to regularly dust them. "Dust them weekly to prevent dirt buildup," says Sokolowski. "Regular dusting is key to keeping them clean."
• Add lemon juice: Adding lemon juice to your vinegar-and-water mixture is a great way to bring a fresh scent while also adding in extra cleaning power, says Sokolowski.
• Clean your windows first: Wipe your windows down before you tackle the blinds. "Clean the windows first before the blinds," says Wilson. "Dust transfer is the last thing you want after giving the blinds a deep clean!"
• Dry in the sun: If you removed your blinds from the window to wash them, set them out in the sun to dry. "If possible, let your blinds dry in the sun, as sunshine acts as a natural disinfectant and helps to eliminate odors," says Sokolowski.