Clean a Venetian Blind

Venetian blinds range from the older versions made of metal or plastic (synthetic polymers) or the newer, more funky modern wooden versions. Both attract dust and both need regular dusting and periodic cleaning. Venetian blinds can be tricky to clean though, so it's important to care for them according to the amount of cleaning required and the type of material that the blinds are made from. Various methods are suggested here; select the one that fits with the particular needs of your Venetian blinds.

Steps

Preparation

  1. Before cleaning with any of the suggested light cleaning methods, check for problem spots. Wipe off any splats, stains, sticky areas etc. - window spray cleaner is helpful. Wipe these dry with paper towels before proceeding.
  2. Tie back any curtains or other soft furnishings around the blinds.

Light Cleaning Version 1 - Clean with Your Hands

This method is suitable for regular cleaning.

  1. Place the blinds in the shut position.
  2. Obtain a soft cotton glove. Alternatively, you might like to purchase a dust-attractant glove or a clothes dryer sheet. Even kitchen paper towels will work if necessary but be sure to replace them regularly as you clean. Clothes dryer sheets are great because they reduce the static electricity.
  3. Keep the glove dry for wooden slats. Oily or damp gloves will leave streaks. For synthetic polymers or metallic slats, you can use a slightly dampened glove (water, or a non-sticky cleaning spray). If you use a cleaning spray, check the suitability of the spray for your material. You do not want to end up leaving sticky streaks on your blinds that will attract dirt.
  4. Run your fingers lightly over the slats. Do this from center to edge, right and left. This helps to ensure that additional dust is not run across the entire slat from one end to the other.
  5. Open the blind and shut it back the opposite way. Again run your fingers lightly over the slats. If easier, open the slats and run your fingers under the slats.
  6. Change or dust off the glove or cleaning sheet regularly to prevent creating further build-up on the slats.

Light Cleaning Version 2 - Clean with the Vacuum Cleaner

  1. Close the slats.
  2. Prepare the vacuum cleaner. Affix the soft duster brush attachment to the nozzle. Do not use a nozzle without this attachment, as you may scratch or chip the slats.
  3. Hold the blind with one hand to prevent it banging as you move the vacuum nozzle over it.
  4. Vacuum from the center outwards, both left and right.
  5. Repeat until blind is finished on one side. Open and shut the slats the other way and clean the underside.

For Sunny Days

  1. Fill a bucket with warm water and 1/4 cup dish detergent.
  2. Hammer 2 nails into your fence (choose a shaded area) to temporarily hold the blinds. Set bucket of water, bottle of mild spray cleaner, and a common corn broom nearby. Have a garden hose nearby for rinsing.
  3. Open and raise the blinds; remove from the window, and take outside to hang onto the fence.
  4. Lower and close the blinds.
  5. Generously spray with mild spray cleaner and let set for 1 minute, then scrub by dipping the broom into the bucket of soapy water and scrubbing side-to-side.
  6. Close the blinds, and reopen in the opposite direction and repeat the cleaning with mild spray cleaner.
  7. Use the garden hose to thoroughly rinse all surfaces, and let dry outdoors.
  8. Rehang blinds.

Cleaning Metal Venetian Blinds Easily

  1. Remove the metal Venetian blind from window. Take it outside.
  2. Lay the blind down on clean pavement. Make sure blind is in the closed position.
  3. Spray the metal blind with Windex outdoor surface cleaner. (You could also use a multi-purpose cleaner for stubborn stains or grease build up.) Leave for five minutes.
  4. Using a soft broom, scrub the blind gently to remove dirt and stains.
  5. Hose off gently with fresh water.
  6. Hang out to dry. Hanging it on a clothesline or fence will do nicely.
  7. When dry, take inside and re-hang. It should now be perfectly clean again.

Deep Cleaning (Metallic and Synthetic Polymer Blinds Only)

This method is for deep cleaning, when the grime build-up has become overwhelming (usually in kitchen or bathroom areas). Do not use this method on wooden Venetians, however. Try to avoid this more strenuous cleaning routine by cleaning more regularly, using lighter cleaning methods.

  1. Ensure that the blinds are completely lowered. Shut the slats.
  2. Remove the blinds. Follow the instruction manual for the method of removal. Be sure to keep an eye on any loose pieces and not lose them.
  3. Place the blind in the base of a bathtub. Fold it back where it is too long. Ensure that the blind is fully covered by warm water. Add a simple cleaning solution, such as dish detergent or bleach.
  4. Leave it to soak for half an hour. Scrub gently with a soft cleaning brush. It the blind suffers from a deep build-up of grime, it may need to soak overnight.
  5. Rinse the blinds. Empty the cleaning water. Either use a bucket to slosh fresh water over the blind or run the shower over the blind until all soap residue is removed.
  6. Hang over the side of the bath or hang over railings etc. outdoors if the weather is fine. Allow to dry. If needed, a hairdryer set on cool can speed up the drying process.
  7. Return to hanging position once dry.

Tips

  • Put a sock on each hand. One with ammonia, or cleaning solution and the other dry. Wash the blind with the wet sock, and dry with the dry sock on the other hand.
  • Do not toss away old socks, as they make great slat cleaners. Just put one on your hand, slide the blind between your thumb, and and wipe the slat back and forth, cleaning both the top and bottom of the blind at the same time.
  • Use the dry cotton glove method or a small woolen duster weekly to prevent build up of dust.
  • Use a step stool or small stepladder to provide you with balance for the light cleaning methods. If you are cleaning many blinds and you do not have good upper arm strength, removing the blinds may be the best option even with the light cleaning method.
  • If desired, ask at your local window furnishings store for suggested cleaning products if you are using the soak-in-the-bath method. There are some products that will reduce or eliminate the need for scrubbing and will also ensure that the cords are clean. Check that these products are not harmful to you or your family, however.

Warnings

  • Do not deep clean wooden Venetians - it may warp the wood through dampness.

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