How to Clean Blinds: The Complete Guide for Every Type

Dusty blinds ruin the look of even the most beautifully decorated room. But cleaning them? That feels like a massive chore.

Here's the truth: it doesn't have to be.

With the right techniques for your specific blind type, cleaning takes minutes instead of hours. This complete guide shows you exactly how to clean every type of blind, from quick weekly maintenance to deep annual cleaning.

Your Blind Cleaning Toolkit

Before we dive into specific blind types, gather these essentials.

The Basic Kit (Works for All Blinds)

• Microfiber cloths: Better than feather dusters, which just move dust around
• Vacuum with brush attachment: Gentle suction without damage
• Warm water: Simple but effective
• Mild washing-up liquid: For stubborn marks
• Bucket or basin: For deeper cleans
• Old towels: For drying and protecting floors

Specialty Items (Blind-Type Specific)

• Blind cleaning tool: Multiple slats at once (brilliant for venetians)
• Wood cleaner: For wooden blinds only
• White vinegar: Natural cleaning boost
• Fabric cleaner: For stubborn stains on fabric blinds

How to Clean Venetian Blinds (Metal & Plastic)

Venetian blinds are dust magnets. But they're also surprisingly easy to clean.

Quick Weekly Clean (5 Minutes)

Deep Monthly Clean (20 Minutes)

For blinds with visible grime or sticky residue:

1. Close blinds completely
2. Mix warm water with a few drops of washing-up liquid
3. Dampen (don't soak) a microfiber cloth
4. Wipe each slat individually, top to bottom
5. Dry immediately with a clean dry cloth
6. Flip blinds and repeat on the other side

Annual Deep Clean: The Bath Method

For seriously grubby blinds, nothing beats a proper bath:

1. Remove blinds from brackets (mark orientation first)
2. Fill bath with warm water and washing-up liquid
3. Submerge blinds completely
4. Let soak for 20-30 minutes
5. Gently agitate to loosen dirt
6. Rinse thoroughly with clean water
7. Hang to dry (outdoors in shade is perfect)
8. Reinstall when completely dry

How to Clean Wooden Venetian Blinds

Wood requires extra care. Water is the enemy here.

Regular Maintenance (Weekly)

Dry dusting only. Use a slightly damp microfiber cloth if absolutely necessary, but immediately dry each slat.

Never soak wooden blinds. Water causes warping, cracking, and finish damage.

Monthly Clean

• Use wood-specific cleaner or polish
• Apply sparingly to cloth, never directly to blind
• Wipe each slat gently
• Buff with clean dry cloth
• Avoid getting moisture into the mechanism

Dealing with Wood Blind Stains

Spot-clean only the affected area. Use minimal moisture. Consider wood touch-up markers for scratches or worn finishes.

How to Clean Roller Blinds

Roller blinds are the easiest to maintain. Mostly.

Regular Cleaning (Weekly)

Roll blinds down fully. Use a vacuum with brush attachment on lowest suction. Work top to bottom in straight lines.

For marks, spot-clean with barely damp cloth. Blot, don't rub.

Deep Clean for Fabric Roller Blinds

Check the care label first! Some roller blinds are machine washable. Most aren't.

For non-washable roller blinds:

1. Roll blind down completely
2. Lay old towels underneath to catch drips
3. Mix warm water with mild detergent
4. Use a soft sponge, damp not wet
5. Clean in sections from top to bottom
6. Blot with dry towel immediately
7. Leave rolled down to air dry completely

PVC Roller Blinds (Kitchen/Bathroom)

These are incredibly forgiving. Wipe with damp cloth and mild cleaner. They handle moisture well.

For kitchen grease: Add white vinegar to your cleaning solution. Works brilliantly.

How to Clean Roman Blinds

Roman blinds need gentle handling due to their pleated design.

Routine Dusting

Lower blind fully. Use vacuum on lowest setting with brush attachment. Follow the fabric folds carefully.

Spot Cleaning

Always test cleaning solution on hidden area first. Blot stains gently, working from outside in to prevent spreading.

Professional Cleaning

Roman blinds often benefit from professional cleaning annually, especially lined versions. The complex mechanisms and fabric layers make DIY risky.

Cost: £15-£30 per blind for professional service. Worth it for expensive fabrics.

How to Clean Vertical Blinds

Large surface area means dust accumulation. But cleaning is straightforward.

Weekly Quick Clean

Close blinds so slats face you. Wipe each slat from top to bottom with microfiber cloth. Turn blinds 180 degrees. Repeat.

Or use vacuum with brush attachment. Much faster for lots of slats.

Deep Clean Method

For fabric vertical blinds:

1. Remove slats from track (note their order)
2. Check care labels for washing instructions
3. If machine-washable: gentle cycle, cold water, mild detergent
4. If not: wipe each slat with barely damp cloth
5. Hang to dry completely before reinstalling
6. Never tumble dry (causes shrinkage)

For PVC vertical blinds:

These are the easiest. Wipe with damp cloth and mild cleaner. Done. They're virtually indestructible.

How to Clean Pleated Blinds

Pleated blinds trap dust in their folds. Handle with care.

Regular Maintenance

Use a soft brush or vacuum on absolute lowest suction. Work gently along each pleat.

A hairdryer on cool setting blows dust out of pleats brilliantly. Hold 30cm away, sweep across the blind.

Spot Cleaning Only

Never attempt to deep clean pleated blinds yourself. The delicate pleats and specialized fabrics require professional attention.

For marks: Use a barely damp cloth on the specific spot only. Blot, don't rub.

Your Cleaning Schedule: How Often Should You Clean Blinds?

Consistency beats occasional deep cleans. Here's your maintenance schedule:

Room-Specific Cleaning Tips

Different rooms need different approaches.

Kitchen Blinds

Cooking grease is your enemy. Clean monthly minimum.

Best tip: Add a tablespoon of white vinegar to your cleaning solution. Cuts through grease brilliantly.

PVC or faux wood blinds work best in kitchens. They handle grease better than fabric.

Bathroom Blinds

Moisture and potential mold require extra vigilance.

Prevention: Open blinds after showers to let air circulate. Use bathroom extractor fan.

Cleaning: Weekly wipe-down prevents mold. Use vinegar solution for any mildew spots.

Bedroom Blinds

Dust accumulation affects air quality and allergies.

Weekly dusting is essential, especially for asthma or allergy sufferers. Consider anti-dust treatments.

Living Room Blinds

These face the most scrutiny. Keep them pristine with weekly attention.

They collect less grime than kitchens but show dust more obviously in natural light.

Common Cleaning Mistakes to Avoid

Even with good intentions, these mistakes cause damage:

When to Replace vs Clean

Sometimes cleaning isn't enough. Know when to let go.

Replace blinds if:

• Mechanisms are broken or unrepairable
• Fabric has permanent stains or sun damage
• Wood is warped or cracked beyond repair
• Blinds are over 15 years old and showing wear
• Cleaning costs exceed replacement costs

Modern blinds are more affordable and higher quality than ever. Sometimes a fresh start is the smart choice.

Need replacement blinds or professional cleaning advice? Explore our range of easy-clean roller blinds, low-maintenance vertical blinds, and more. Our team can recommend the easiest-care options for your lifestyle. Get in touch today.