4 Types of Window Blinds and How to Clean Them Efficiently

Window blinds are a popular choice for those who prefer a more modern touch to their interior decor. They are not only a practical window treatment to use, but unlike curtains or drapes, blinds allow you to control how much light comes into the room while adding a uniform and beautiful appearance to the interior. 

Depending on the look or ambience you want to create for the space, there are a variety of window blinds to choose from. Along with aesthetics, however, it is important to keep in mind their cleaning and maintenance needs. The method used to clean one particular set of window blinds may not be suitable for another (particularly if it consists of a different material). Nevertheless, it’s not that difficult to maintain these types of window treatments if you know the best way to clean window blinds. 

Read on to find out the specific maintenance and cleaning requirements of four distinct window blinds.

How to Clean Venetian Blinds

Venetian blinds are typically made of vinyl and aluminum which makes cleaning them easy, whether attempted whilst on the window, or taken down. There’s no need for any special cleaning products as soap and water do a fine job at getting rid of mild dirt and stains.

On the Window

If you don’t have much time, cleaning blinds while they’re still up on the window is much faster. Simply close the slats till they lay flat (like a curtain). If they are only a bit dusty, you can clean them up with a vacuum cleaner and brush attachment, however, avoid applying too much pressure as it might dent the slats. If the blinds haven’t been cleaned for a while and appear or feel grimy, take a non-abrasive sponge dipped in soapy water, squeeze out excess water and gently scrub along the blinds. Wipe up the dampness with a clean cloth and you’re done! 

Off the Window

Takedown the blinds and lay them flat on the bathroom floor. Alternatively, if you have a garden, you can clean your window blinds outdoors by placing them flat down on a clean plastic sheet. With all the slats properly closed (flat), spray the blinds using a gentle water pressure setting to wash away mild dirt. For heavily soiled blinds, the soapy water and sponge method can be applied here as well. Leave the washed window blinds out to dry in a shaded spot and hang them back up when fully dry.

How to Clean Roller Blinds  

Roller blinds that are coated with vinyl are normally smooth and waterproof. They can more or less be cleaned the same way (and with the same cleaning solution) as Venetian blinds. Once again, if cleaning while on the window, unroll the blinds till they hang straight down. Use your vacuum cleaner with the brush attachment and lightly go over them. Do this for the back of the blinds as well. 

If your roller blinds are made of a cloth-like material, they may require more extensive cleaning which can be done in your bathtub in the following manner: 

1. Fill the tub with warm water and mix in a mild detergent.
2. Submerge the blinds in it and allow them to soak for an hour or so. During this time, dirt and grime will loosen up.
3. Scrub the blinds clean with a non-abrasive sponge whilst still in the tub. Stubborn spots and stains can be tackled by scrubbing the affected area with a cloth or soft-bristled toothbrush. 
4. Rinse off the dirt under running water or in a clean tub of fresh water, and spread over a rack to dry fully. Make sure that your roller blinds are completely dry before you put them back up as you may unknowingly roll them up while still damp, causing mould and mildew to grow. 

How to Clean Roman Blinds

Roman blinds are a beautiful addition to rooms but not when they are covered in dirt. Although the fabric is one that’s easily pleated when raised up and does not leave visible crumple marks, dirt/dust lines certainly show. 

Luckily, cleaning roman window blinds requires very little effort and can be done while on the window itself using the steps below:

1. Unfurl the blinds and use either a regular vacuum or a hand-held one with the upholstery attachment. In a downwards motion, suction away all the dirt and debris including the bottom and sides which normally attract a lot of dirt. 
2. If there are stains present, spray the area with a stain-removal product specifically designed for the type of fabric, and lightly rub with a clean cloth till the stain lightens or disappears altogether. 
3. Roman blinds can also be dry-cleaned, the information for which can be found on the label. Be sure to adhere to their specific cleaning requirements when dry cleaning Roman window blinds.

How to Clean Vertical Blinds

Vertical blinds are made up of two materials, either vinyl or cloth. Here’s how you can clean both types safely and efficiently.

For Vinyl

Regular cleaning of vinyl vertical blinds can be done similarly as Venetian vinyl blinds (refer to “How to Clean Vertical Blinds” above). For a thorough deep clean, on the other hand, it’s best to remove the vanes from the clips at the top by using a credit card to slide into the clip, allowing you to gently ease out the vane. Lay them out on a clean surface and run a clean, microfiber cloth along the length. Avoid harsh or abrasive cleaners/tools as they can scratch and damage the vinyl. Spot clean stains with soap and water before rinsing with a damp cloth, and wipe dry.

For Fabric

This type of vertical blind can be cleaned while still hanging up as opposed to removing each vane. To do this, place one hand behind the vanes and run your vacuum cleaner with the brush attachment over them from top to bottom to remove dust and dirt. Stains can be treated by spritzing a little cleaning solution (fabric specific) onto the blinds and gently dabbing (repeatedly) until the stain lifts. Never rub stains on fabric blinds as they will only spread further. Bear in mind that cloth vertical blinds cannot be machined washed as they have a protective dust-repellent coating that would wear off while the constant movement would cause the material to lose its shape.

Cleaning window blinds isn’t rocket science, but knowing the specific cleaning requirements of each type makes all the difference in achieving satisfactory results.  Using the helpful cleaning methods and how to’s above, your window blinds can be made to look new again with just a little time and effort. f you can't find time to do it yourself we offer blind cleaning as apart of our deep and end of lease cleaning service.