I will warn you first, cleaning Venetian blinds yourself can be quite painful. Quite a few people ask us how to clean Venetian blinds, so here is what works, from a regular dust through to taking them down for a proper wash.
How To Clean Venetian blinds Timber Venetian Blinds
The best way to keep Timber Venetian blinds clean is to dust them on a regular basis. The surface of the slats is smooth, so it’s a fairly easy job to wipe them down with a cloth. Or brush off the dust using a clean soft duster.
Another good method is to use a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment. The only thing that is not recommended is to wash these blinds. By that, I mean soaking them with water. Because although these blinds are sealed, water and excessive dampness can cause the slats to warp.
You can use a damp cloth to wipe them over, just be careful not to soak them. Another handy tip is to put a pair of cotton gloves. Or even an old pair of socks onto your hands. Then wipe the slats between your fingers. You can also use a small paintbrush to dust the slats. So that’s how to clean Venetian blinds.
Cleaning Venetian Blinds
As with Timber Venetian blinds, it is best to dust this type of blind on a regular basis to avoid a large build-up of dust.
Again brush the dust off using a clean soft duster or a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment.
Unlike the wooden blinds, you can use water and some kind of detergent on aluminium Venetian blinds. The best way to do this is to tilt the blinds so that the slats are flat. Then using a cloth or sponge with some water and some washing up liquid, wipe them over.
Avoid being too aggressive and accidentally damaging the slats by bending them. If the blinds are particularly dirty. For example, if they are in the kitchen, have become greasy. And very dusty over a period of time, you will need to take the blinds down to clean them.
This can be done in two ways. Outside or Inside.
Cleaning Venetian Blinds Outside
The first method is to take the blinds outside. Weather permitting and hang them on a washing line or something similar. You will then need a bucket with warm soapy water and a sponge.
Wipe the blinds front and back with the sponge until you have got all the dirt off them. Be careful not to scrub too hard and damage the slats. Once you have all the dirt off you can then hose the blinds down and leave them to dry. It’s a good idea to wipe them with a soft cloth or paper towel to remove any excess water.
Cleaning Venetian Blinds Inside
The second method is to fill the bathtub with enough warm soapy water to cover the blinds. Then place the blinds in the water and sponge them down until you have removed all the dirt.
You can then rinse them off with a shower attachment or by just running the shower. If your bathtub is separate from the shower, fill the tub with enough clean water to rinse the blinds thoroughly. You will then need to take them outside, and as before hang them on the washing line to dry.
Conclusion
So, that’s how to clean Venetian blinds.
As long as you follow these guidelines when cleaning your blinds you should have clean and new looking blinds. Blinds that will enhance the décor of your room for years to come.
If the slats are bent, the timber has warped or the blinds still look tired after a good clean, it may be time to replace them rather than keep scrubbing. Book a free measure and quote and Steve will bring the samples out so you can compare timber, PVC and aluminium slats at your own window.
Common questions
How often should I clean Venetian blinds?
A light dust once a week is enough for most rooms, and it only takes a few minutes with a soft duster or the vacuum brush. Blinds in a kitchen or facing a busy road pick up grime faster and need more attention. Keep up the dusting and you will rarely need a full wash.
Can I wash timber Venetian blinds with water?
No. The slats are sealed, but soaking them lets moisture into the timber and they can warp or the finish can lift. Dust them, use the vacuum brush, and if you need more, wipe them with a cloth that is only just damp and dry them off straight away.
What should I use on aluminium Venetian blinds?
Warm water with a little washing up liquid on a soft cloth or sponge. Tilt the slats flat, wipe along the length of each slat rather than pressing down on it, then turn them and do the other side. Skip scourers and strong cleaners, which can scratch the finish.
Can PVC Venetian blinds get wet?
Yes, within reason. PVC does not swell the way timber can, so a damp cloth with a mild detergent is fine, which is one reason people choose PVC for bathrooms and laundries. Wipe the slats dry afterwards so they do not dry with water marks.
Do I need to take the blinds down to clean them?
Not for routine dusting, which is all done with the blind hanging. Take them down only when they are greasy or heavily soiled, like kitchen blinds after a few years, then wash them outside or in the bath as described above. Never do that with timber blinds, which should only ever be dusted and wiped.