Cleaning Tips for Window Blinds and Shutters

Cleaning the blinds and other window coverings is a job that very few people want to tackle, because it’s time-consuming and tedious. Especially when you’re trying to clean blinds and shutters, with all those little slats, it can seem daunting. Fortunately, we’ve got some tips to help you keep your blinds and shutters looking great! 

Being proactive can make it easier to keep your window treatments clean. Dust or vacuum them every time you clean house, and you won’t allow as much dirt to build up. Periodically, give them a thorough cleaning. How often? This is largely dependent on how dirty they’ll get in your home. If you smoke, have kids or pets, or suffer from allergies, clean them more frequently.  

• There are several different techniques for dusting blinds.  

• Close the blinds or shutters and use a feather duster or soft cloth to clean all the way across each slat, working from the top slat to the bottom. Then turn them the other way and repeat the process.  
• Slightly open the slats, put a sock on your hand, and run your hand over and under each slat, back and forth. Once you’re finished, run a dryer sheet over the slats to repel dust.  
• Use a tool that’s specially designed to clean blinds and will let you swipe several slats clean at once.  
• Using the brush attachment of your vacuum cleaner, clean the slats, side to side, starting at the top and working your way down.  

• Periodically, you’ll want to remove the grime. Doing this requires different methods depending on the blind’s material.  

• Aluminum or vinyl blinds can be taken down and soaked in a tub, in a solution of water, vinegar, and dish soap.  Soak them, wipe them, rinse, and dry.  
• You can also take them outside and hang them on a clothesline or lay them flat on the patio or driveway. Spray them with soapy water, let them soak, wipe them clean, rinse with a hose, and dry.  
• Real wood blinds or shutters should never get wet. To deep clean them, use a soft cloth with furniture polish.  

• Vertical blinds present a unique challenge. Regularly dust or vacuum them, moving from top to bottom. When it’s time for a deep cleaning, use a sponge and soapy water to wipe them down.   
• Exterior shutters are not difficult to clean. Brush loose dirt from the shutters, hose them down, then wash with soapy water on a mop. Rinse before the soap can dry, and dry with a clean microfiber mop.  

When you’re looking for custom window blinds and shutters, trust Value Blinds and Shutters for high-quality products from top manufacturers, including Hunter Douglas. For over 18 years, our factory-trained team has served homes and businesses all over Douglas County, CO, offering free in-home consultations and a showroom where customers can see our large selection of window treatments. Call 720-606-6178, contact us to schedule a consultation, or visit our showroom Monday through Friday.