How to Deep Clean Your Blinds & Shades Without Damaging Them

Your blinds might be the biggest dust collectors in your home—and you might not even notice until sunlight hits them just right. Over time, fabric blinds can trap lingering kitchen smells, while venetian blinds can gather layers of dust and residue. Learning how to clean blinds properly will keep them looking fresh and extend their lifespan.

In this guide, we’ll cover simple maintenance tips and deep-cleaning methods for every type of blind and shade. You’ll learn how to remove dust without damaging delicate fabrics, tackle stubborn stains, and keep your blinds looking their best all year round—plus insider tips for tackling even the toughest cleaning challenges.

General Tips for Cleaning Blinds

Before diving into specific techniques for different blind types, let's cover the universal principles that apply to cleaning blinds of any material or style.

1. Start with the right tools. Your cleaning arsenal should include a microfibre cloth, vacuum with brush attachment, mild dish soap, and a bucket of warm water. For stubborn grime, keep white vinegar and baking soda on hand—they're gentle yet powerful natural cleaners.
2. Work from top to bottom. Always begin cleaning at the top of your blinds and work downward. This prevents clean areas from getting dirty again as dust and debris fall.
3. Test first, clean second. Test any cleaning solution on a small, hidden area before applying it to the rest of the surface. This quick test can help prevent accidental damage or discolouration to your blinds.
4. Close and open for complete coverage. Clean your blinds with the slats tilted fully in one direction, then in the other, to reach every surface and crevice where dust hides.

Ready to tackle specific blind types? Keep reading for targeted cleaning hacks that will transform your window treatments from grimy to gorgeous.

And if your blinds have seen better days, it might be time to explore our custom window blinds for a fresh, made-to-measure upgrade.

How to Clean Different Types of Blinds?

Different materials and mechanisms require tailored approaches. Here's how to clean blinds based on their specific type and construction.

Vertical Blinds

The best way to clean vertical blinds depends on their material, though most can be cleaned while hanging.

For fabric vertical blinds, start by vacuuming each slat with your brush attachment. Work from top to bottom, holding each slat steady to prevent damage. For spot cleaning, combine a small amount of mild detergent with water, then gently blot stains using a clean cloth.

Vinyl or PVC vertical blinds are more forgiving. Remove loose dust with a microfibre cloth, then wipe each slat with a damp cloth. For heavy soiling, you can often remove individual slats and wash them in warm, soapy water.

How to clean vertical blinds without removing them? Keep the blinds fully extended and clean each slat individually, supporting it with one hand while wiping with the other.

Horizontal Blinds

Horizontal blinds are among the easiest to maintain with regular care. Use the "sock trick"—slip a clean sock over a ruler or spatula, lightly dampen it, and slide it along each slat for quick, even cleaning.

For deeper cleaning, close the blinds in one direction and spray a light mist of your cleaning solution across multiple slats. Wipe immediately with a microfibre cloth, then repeat with blinds tilted the opposite way.

Fabric Blinds

When learning how to clean fabric blinds, a gentle touch is key to avoiding shrinkage or warping. Start by vacuuming with a brush attachment on low suction, paying attention to folds and pleats where dust builds up.

For washable blinds, follow the care label—some can be machine washed on a gentle cycle with mild detergent. For non-washable fabric blinds, spot clean stains with a mixture of mild detergent and water. Blot, don't rub, to avoid pushing stains deeper into the fabric.

Roller Shades

The steps for how to clean roller shades are simple. Roll the shade all the way down, vacuum with a brush attachment, and wipe with a slightly damp microfiber cloth from top to bottom in smooth strokes.

Heavily soiled roller shades may need to be removed from their mounting brackets. Lay them flat on a clean surface and gently scrub with a soft brush and mild soapy water. Rinse with a clean, damp cloth and allow to air dry completely before rehanging.

Venetian Blinds

Here’s how to clean venetian blinds efficiently so every slat gets attention: Close them in one direction and wipe each slat from the center outward with a slightly damp cloth. Then reverse the slats and repeat.

For quicker cleaning, use a venetian blind cleaning tool—these specialized tools have multiple fingers that clean several slats simultaneously. If you don't have one, the sock-and-ruler method works just as well.

Roman Shades

Roman shades combine the elegance of curtains with the functionality of blinds, but their fabric construction requires careful handling.

Vacuum regularly using your brush attachment, paying special attention to the folds where dust settles. For deeper cleaning, many Roman shades can be removed from their mounting hardware and either machine washed (check the care label) or professionally cleaned.

Spot clean stains right away to stop them from setting. Use a mild detergent solution and blot gently with a clean cloth.

Wooden & Faux Wood Blinds

When cleaning wooden blinds, avoid using too much water, as it can cause the slats to warp. Dust them regularly with a clean, dry microfibre cloth or vacuum using a brush attachment. For a deeper clean, lightly dampen a cloth with a mild soap solution or wood cleaner, then wipe each slat dry straight away.

Faux wood blinds are a bit easier to care for since they can handle slightly more moisture. You can clean them the same way, with the option to use a damp cloth more freely for stubborn spots.

Zebra Blinds

To clean zebra blinds, start by fully closing them and vacuuming the surface with a brush attachment. Then open them to reveal the alternating layers, wiping the fabric portions with a slightly damp microfibre cloth. Be sure to clean both the solid and sheer sections so every part of the dual-layer design stays fresh and dust-free.

Deep Cleaning Blinds

Sometimes regular dusting and wiping isn't enough to restore your blinds to their former glory. When you're dealing with built-up grease, stubborn stains, or blinds that haven't been cleaned in months, it's time to bring out the heavy-duty techniques. Deep cleaning doesn't mean harsh chemicals or aggressive scrubbing—it means using the right methods to tackle tough grime while protecting your investment.

Can you wash your blinds in the tub?

Washing blinds in the tub is one of the most effective methods for heavily soiled vinyl, aluminum, or faux wood blinds that can handle water exposure.

Before you begin, take a photo of your blinds to remember their orientation, then carefully remove them from their brackets. Then, follow these steps to clean blinds in the tub:

1. Fill your bathtub with warm (not hot) water and add a few tablespoons of mild dish soap. The water level should be deep enough to fully submerge the blinds.
2. Gently lower the blinds into the soapy water, making sure all slats are covered.
3. Soak the blinds for 15–20 minutes to loosen stubborn dirt and grease.
4. Use a soft brush or sponge to gently scrub each slat. Pay special attention to areas where dirt tends to accumulate, like the edges and corners.
5. Rinse thoroughly with clean, lukewarm water to remove all soap residue. Any leftover soap can leave streaks or attract more dirt later.
6. Shake off excess water and either hang the blinds over your shower rod or lay them flat on clean towels to air dry completely before reinstalling.

A key warning: never put wooden blinds in water, as this can cause warping or cracking. For fabric blinds, only use this method if the manufacturer's care label specifically allows it.

Best tools and products for cleaning your blinds

Having the right equipment makes cleaning blinds faster, easier, and more effective. Here's what every homeowner should have in their blind-cleaning toolkit:

Essential tools

• Microfibre cloths (at least three—one for dusting, one for damp cleaning, one for drying)
• Vacuum cleaner with brush attachment for gentle dust removal
• Soft-bristled brush for stubborn spots
• Spray bottle for applying cleaning solutions evenly

Specialized equipment

• Blind cleaning tool with multiple slats—these ingenious devices clean several slats simultaneously
• Extendable duster for high windows and hard-to-reach blinds
• Lint-free cloths to prevent leaving fibres behind

Cleaning solutions

• Mild dish soap mixed with warm water (one tablespoon per cup)
• White vinegar solution (one part vinegar to three parts water) for streak-free cleaning
• Commercial blind cleaner for tough jobs
• Wood polish specifically designed for wooden blinds

DIY alternatives

If you don't have specialized tools, create your own blind cleaner using a clean sock slipped over a ruler or spatula. This makeshift tool works surprisingly well for horizontal blinds and costs virtually nothing.

For spray application, any clean spray bottle works perfectly. Old fabric softener bottles are ideal once thoroughly cleaned—they often have excellent spray mechanisms.

Can you use household products like baking soda?

Some of the most effective blind cleaners are probably in your kitchen right now. They are budget-friendly, gentle alternatives to commercial products, but always test any solution on an inconspicuous area first.

• Baking soda – Create a paste with three parts baking soda to one part water to tackle stubborn grime on vinyl and aluminum blinds.
• White vinegar – Mix equal parts vinegar and water for a powerful, streak-free solution that naturally cuts through grease and soap scum.
• Lemon juice – Use a mix of one part lemon juice to four parts water for natural cleaning power and a fresh scent. Be sure to test it first on wooden blinds, as the acid can affect finishes.
• Dryer sheets – Used dryer sheets are a great hack for dusting blinds; they remove dust and leave a coating that helps repel future buildup.
• Dish soap – A few drops of mild dish soap in warm water creates a gentle cleaner suitable for almost all blind types, especially for spot-cleaning fabric blinds.

Tips for removing mould from your blinds

Discovering mould on your blinds is concerning, but it's manageable with the right approach. Mould often develops in humid areas, so ensure good ventilation and never mix cleaning products.

• For light mould – Spray the affected area with a solution of equal parts white vinegar and water. After it sits for a few minutes, wipe it clean with a damp cloth.
• For stubborn mould – Make a paste with three parts baking soda and one part water. Apply the paste, let it sit for 10 minutes, and then gently scrub with a soft brush before wiping it clean.
• For fabric blinds – For washable fabrics, add white vinegar to the rinse cycle. For non-washable fabric, use the vinegar spray method, but be aware that heavily affected blinds may need to be replaced.
• Prevention – Always ensure blinds are completely dry before closing them. To reduce mould growth in the future, improve ventilation or use a dehumidifier in humid spaces.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the easiest way to clean dirty blinds?

For routine cleaning, the "sock trick" is one of the easiest methods. Simply slip a clean sock over a ruler or paint stirrer, dampen it with a cleaning solution, and run it along each slat. For a deeper clean, remove the blinds and soak them in a tub of warm, soapy water.

How do you clean blinds while they are still hanging?

Close the blinds in one direction and wipe each slat with a microfiber cloth or your blind cleaning tool. Tilt and repeat on the other side. Support each slat as you clean to avoid bending.

How to unclip blinds to clean?

Most blinds have simple clips or brackets. Gently lift the blind upward to release it from the bracket or open the tabs. Take a quick photo before removing to help with reinstallation.

Can I put my blinds in the washing machine?

Only machine-wash blinds if the care label specifically allows it—usually select fabric blinds. Use a gentle cycle with mild detergent and air dry. Never machine-wash wood, faux wood, vinyl, or aluminum blinds.

How often should you wash your blinds?

Light dusting weekly and a deeper clean every 3–6 months is ideal. Kitchens or high-traffic areas may need more frequent attention.

Can you hand wash blinds?

Yes! But always check the care label first. Most fabric blinds and sturdy vinyl or aluminum blinds can be hand washed in a tub with lukewarm water and mild soap. Gently agitate, rinse, and air dry. Avoid soaking wood blinds.