How to Clean Mini Blinds the Easy and Fast Way
Have you ever thought about the unsung heroes of home maintenance? Let’s shine a spotlight on one such champion: mini blinds.
These nifty window coverings, whether they’re the tough vinyl kind that can take on almost anything or the elegant aluminum ones that shimmer in the sunlight, do so much more than just dress up a window. They’re where practicality meets style in a way that’s unique in our homes. That’s precisely why I’m thrilled to bring you this detailed guide on how to clean mini blinds.
But, let me tell you, this guide is more than just about whisking away dust from slats. It’s a deep dive into the world of caring for your mini blinds. We’re talking everything from quick dusting to comprehensive cleaning strategies.
Our goal? To arm you with the know-how to not only clean those blinds, but to ensure they stand out as a key feature in your home. So, ready to get started? Let’s dive in and transform those blinds from merely clean to absolutely sparkling!
Table of Contents
The Expert’s Comprehensive Guide to Mini Blinds Maintenance
The best way to clean mini blinds depends on the material they’re made of and the level of dirt or grime present. Here’s a detailed guide to effectively clean your mini blinds:
Routine Mini Blinds Cleaning: Dry Dusting Techniques
- Dusting Mini Blinds: Dust the blinds weekly to monthly to remove light dirt and debris. Fully extend the blinds and turn the slats closed until their convex side faces you. Use a feather or microfiber duster, soft cloth, or clean sock to gently sweep in the direction of the slats. Rotate the blinds 90 degrees to clean the sides and repeat for the other side.
- Vacuuming Mini Blinds: For more persistent dust, a vacuum with a small brush attachment is ideal. Remember to adjust the suction to a low setting to avoid damaging the blinds. Alternatively, a compressed air sprayer or a hairdryer on the cool setting can blow away loose dust particles.
DIY Mini Blinds Deep Cleaning Instructions
Here are my step-by-step cleaning instructions to achieve clean mini blinds.
- Preparation: Remove the mini blinds from their mounting hardware and place them in a bathtub, shower, or inflatable yard pool.
- Soaking: Fill the tub with water and add enough liquid dish soap to create suds. Soak the blinds in the solution for five minutes to loosen up grit and grime.
- Scrubbing: Use a soft mop, sponge, or non-abrasive brush dipped in the soapy solution to gently clean each slat from top to bottom. Ensure the solution reaches between the slats.
- Rinsing: Rinse the blinds thoroughly using a shower attachment or a garden hose’s spray nozzle, ensuring no suds are left that could cause spots.
- Drying: Hang the blinds on a shower rod to air dry, or towel dry them. Re-mount the blinds in the window frame with the slats partially open to ensure complete drying.
Recommended Reading:
Specialized Mini Blind Cleaning Instructions
- Wood Blinds: Use high-quality furniture polish on a soft cloth or clean sock. Rub the polish gently into both sides of each slat in a circular motion, and dry the blinds completely with a clean cloth. If stubborn spots remain, lightly dampen a cloth with water and immediately dry off the excess water.
- Fabric Blinds: Regular vacuuming should suffice. For stains, a cloth with warm water and mild soap works. In case of persistent stains, professional cleaning is recommended.
Additional Quick Blind Cleaning Tips
- Safety First: Always check what the manufacturer says, especially for wood or fabric blinds – you don’t want to mess those up.
- Maintenance: Regular dusting is your best friend here; it keeps the heavy-duty cleaning at bay.
- Chemical Caution: A word to the wise – steer clear of harsh chemicals, especially on delicate materials. Stick to these simple steps, and your mini blinds will stay clean and keep looking great.
By adhering to these steps, you ensure your mini blinds are not only clean, but also maintain their aesthetic and functional value.
How to Clean Mini Blinds FAQs
Can I clean all types of mini blinds the same way?
Different materials require specific cleaning methods. Wood and fabric blinds, for instance, need gentle care compared to vinyl or aluminum.
How often should I dust my mini blinds?
Aim for a weekly dust-off to keep the dirt from building up.
Is it safe to use a vacuum cleaner on mini blinds?
Absolutely, just remember to use a soft brush attachment and keep the suction low.
What should I do if there are stubborn stains on my fabric mini blinds?
Start with mild soap and water for spot cleaning. If that doesn’t cut it, you might need to call in the pros.
How can I deep clean my mini blinds?
The full Monty: take them down, soak them, give them a good scrub, rinse, and dry.
What is the best way to dry mini blinds after washing them?
Let them air dry, either hang them up or lay them flat.
Mini Blinds Cleaning and Maintenance: Conclusion
Remember, cleaning your mini blinds is more than just ticking off another box on your cleaning checklist. It’s about actually caring for your home. With these no-fuss tips and tricks, you’ll keep your mini blinds in prime & pristine condition, making sure they add to the charm of your home for a long time. Remember, blinds might be small, but they make a mighty big difference in your home decor!
I have been contemplating this task all winter, thank you for the gentle nudge =)
I hang them on an extra tension shower rod near the back of my tub/shower.(attach each end w/ strong rubber bands like the ones you get on broccoli) Spray with vinegar & Dawn mixture…..twist them the opposite way….spray the other side….rinse with hand held shower head. I even do this in the winter.
Has anyone tried both the bath tub with vinegar and dish soap method and the hanging on clothes line with 409 method? Wondered which one you felt cleaned the best. And without any scrubbing either!
This job is my to-do list this weekend … thanks for the great tips!
Jo @ Squeaky Clean!
I do the same thing with the screens in my windows every year.
Look up your local Ultrasonic Blind and Shade Cleaning business. We come out to your home and take all the hassle dirt/dust out of cleaning blinds or shades. Most of us do it on-site at your home or business. One hour or less
Wow, found your blog today and I am in awe of your cleaning knowledge! Does this work on wood blinds??
Hi – I can’t get my blinds wet either so I vacuum them with the brush attachment and then give them the wet microfiber wipe down. With most of the dust removed, you don’t just push the dirt into clumps. And if you have so much dust that you do, just vacuum those up. But I usually don’t have to do the 2nd vacuuming….
Hmm….Good question! I don’t know for sure, but I don’t think it would work on wood blinds because the wood might not dry out fast enough and then it would rot. Sorry!
I’d also add a splash of bleach to keep the cords from taking on any discoloration from the dirt.
I realize this was a long time ago, but never add bleach to vinegar. It can create a lethal gas.
Yeah, I read this after blending the two, not 15min ago. :>/ I can smell the scent from the upstairs bathroom wafting downstairs.
I like to vacuum them once a month with the brush attatchment. I have the faux wood ones….this way I do not have to take them down.
Thanks for a great post and for sharing with us the problem # 1 occurred by blinds : how to clean them ! I do love blinds. I think it enriches the apartment a great deal… but the cleaning ! Wow, just hate it !
We have a houseful of pleated fabric shades and would appreciate tips on how to clean them.
Thank you so much for this, just googled “spring cleaning” and found your fantastic spring cleaning checklist.
OMG!!! I have been doing this since I could clean..lol..My mother was a crazy cleaner and now, so am I. I love seeing clean blinds. My husband thinks I am crazy sometimes when I go all out cleaning. I tell him all I need is a toothbrush and some cleaner.I now clean my SIL house. I enjoy cleaning. It’s my therapy. Thank you for posting an awesome list 🙂
What about wooden blinds? Putting them in a tub of water is NOT an option…suggestions?
Don’t recall where I found this AWESOME tip, but for anyone w/large blinds (mine are 72″wide) that need serious cleaning, disregard all other advice! Purchase vinyl gutter and 2 end caps (Home Depot for $10-$12 total) and cut gutter to size in-store to a few inches wider. Snap on end caps and take outside to prevent any possible leaks (I had none.) Fill w/warm water, dish detergent -and I added a few ounces of Greased Lightning cleaner (also available @ Home Depot for $4.) Place folded blinds in the gutter with header on top, swiping w/rubber gloves back & forth across slats and also pull blinds gently up & down (only a couple of inches) to ensure solution penetrates all the way through. Let blinds soak for a couple of hours, rinse w/hose (or b/c I’m in a condo w/no outside water source, I placed vertically in shower to rinse) and VOILA! Blinds will be super clean, like new!!!
I realize I’m late to your question, but I can’t put my new blinds in water either. I used to do that with my aluminum blinds (outside with the garden hose on fan spray and 409), but not my new ones. I use my vacuum cleaner with the brush tool. This gets a lot of the dust, but if you want them even more perfect than that, use the dampened microfiber rag and rinse it frequently. Eliminating a lot of the dust with the vacuum will eliminate pushing the dirt into clumps.
How about aluminum blinds? Would they rust?
Aluminum blinds won’t rust….I used to have them and took them outside and hung them from a tree with bent wire hangers and sprayed them with the fan setting on my garden hose. I would then spray them with 409, then gave them a scrub with a soft brush or rag, then hose them down again. Left them out for the afternoon to finish dripping and drying. I wiped them down with a cloth before they were completely dry to eliminate spotting. Then hung them back up – they looked like new.
Thanks for sharing the post for easily cleaning mini blinds.
We took ours down 1-by-1 and put them in the shower… used the shower head at full strength, no soap needed. Drying them takes a little long but if you have an air compressor that works best!
Also, baby wipes work nicely if you can’t wet them and need to clean them each piece at a time. Baby wipes work for everything 😉
Silly question, but what type of vinegar do you use? Apple cider? White? Does it matter?
White. 🙂
My blinds have been driving me nuts. But I have a problem. All of them are about 6-8 inches longer than my tub. 🙁 I tried it anyway and found that it at least dampened the screen and made it more apparent where the dirt was so I could wipe it off once I hung them back up. Any thoughts on blinds that are too wide or even long vertical blinds?
We lay them on a couple old towels on the driveway. Use a bit of dishsoap and a soft broom, spray with the hose, and hang to dry
I hang them on the clothes line with many clothespins. spray with 409 and wipe. Then spray with the hose. Wipe with a soft towel (so they don’t spot) and let them finish air drying.
This blog post was absolutely fantastic. Thanks for taking the time to debate this, I feel strongly about it and love learning extra on this topic.
Not to complicate things, but I live in a tiny apartment and have no bathtub or access to a garden hose. I have a stand up shower, but I’d have to get in to wash them in there. Are there any other alternatives?
Can you put more than one set of blinds in the tub?