3 solutions for dusty blinds

We’re all guilty of letting too much dust accumulate on our drapes. Get rid of the dust and dirt with one of these three solutions to clean your blinds.

We often overlook blinds in our daily cleaning routine. But when we don’t maintain or clean them properly, these popular window coverings harbor dust and dirt, making them, at best, unsightly and, at worst, our home’s biggest little secret.

Don’t expect clouds of dust to appear every time you adjust your blinds; instead, try one of these tune-up tips that can restore blinds to their pristine glory.

Cleaning Wood or Faux Wood Blinds
To clean your wood or faux wood blinds, fill a bucket with warm water and a little dish soap. Next, grab a microfiber cloth or, if necessary, a clean sock. Lightly dip the cloth into the soapy water (or slide the sock over your hand and dip it in), then wipe each slat.

For wood blinds, you should only use a small amount of water or furniture cleaner (see Amazon example) applied directly to the cloth or sock. Do not saturate the wood, as you could damage the coating. Finally, completely dry the material, whether it is wood or faux wood.

Want to keep your blinds cleaner between cleanings? Here’s a trick that will only add a few minutes to your routine: first, get out the vacuum cleaner and its dusting attachment (the one with bristles). Next, close the blinds, set the vacuum to the lowest setting and lightly run it along the slats. Tilt the blinds in the opposite direction and repeat the operation on that side.

Cleaning fabric blinds
Owners of fabric blinds do not need to perform a thorough cleaning, as fabric blinds do not show dirt as obviously as wood or vinyl blinds. If you notice a small stain, simply blot it with a cloth soaked in soapy water and let the fabric dry. If this doesn’t work, it may be necessary to dry clean the blinds.

For a weekly quick fix, use a common beauty appliance: your hair dryer. Set the dryer on the “cool” setting and run it over each slat to effectively remove dust from hard-to-reach areas. Don’t forget to vacuum the floor when you’re done to make sure you get rid of the dust for good.

Cleaning vinyl blinds
There are many ways to clean vinyl blinds, but if yours are badly marred by stains, dust or grease, especially if they are hanging in the kitchen, you can try giving them a bath. Fill the bathtub with hot soapy water and let the blinds soak for a few minutes. Then sponge each slat with a sponge. Rinse them with water to remove any lingering residue and hang the blinds on the shower rod to dry.

For in-between cleanings, try this waterless solution: take a rubber or silicone sponge (see Amazon for an example) and, without getting it wet, wipe the sponge across the slats to pick up any dust particles that may have settled on them? That’s it! Keep a clothespin handy so that when you have to leave, you can clip it to the last slat you worked on, so you won’t forget where you left it. Once the blinds are shiny again, open them to let the sunlight shine on the dusted surfaces.