Guide · Floors, furniture and surfaces ·
How to Clean Blinds
The horizontal slats of blinds easily collect dust and, in the kitchen, grease; because there are many slats, regular dusting is much easier than taking the blinds down to wash them. The slat material decides the cleaning method: aluminium and PVC blinds can be wiped with a damp cloth, wooden blinds are sensitive to water and fabric blinds need their own method. This guide explains how to dust blinds and how to clean aluminium, wooden, PVC and fabric blinds.
How to dust blinds?
- Close the slats: turn the slats one way into the closed position; this gives you a wide, flat surface.
- Wipe from top to bottom: remove dust from top to bottom with a soft brush, a microfibre mitt or the vacuum cleaner's brush attachment.
- Clean the other side: turn the slats the opposite way and repeat on the other side.
- Do it regularly: frequent dusting reduces dirt build-up on the slats and the need for wet cleaning.
How to clean aluminium blinds?
On aluminium and metal blinds, after dusting, wipe the slats one by one with a well-wrung microfibre cloth using neutral surface cleaner added to lukewarm water at the dose on the label, then dry with a dry cloth. According to its safety data sheet, our START all-purpose surface cleaner has a pH of 7–8. Do not use strong products such as limescale remover, hydrochloric acid or degreaser on aluminium slats; the surface can darken and dull. Support the slats from below with one hand so they do not bend.
Greasy blinds in the kitchen
On kitchen window blinds, dust and grease together form a sticky layer. Wipe aluminium and PVC slats with a well-wrung cloth using lukewarm water with a little dishwashing liquid, then wipe with a clean damp cloth and a dry cloth; do not use degreaser on aluminium slats. For the whole kitchen, see how to clean a kitchen.
How to clean wooden blinds?
Wooden and bamboo blinds are sensitive to water; too much water can make the slats swell, warp and change colour. Dust them regularly with a dry microfibre cloth or brush. Wipe stained slats with wood surface cleaner and a well-wrung, slightly damp cloth and dry them straight away; test first on a hidden spot. Do not put wooden blinds in water or wash them in the bathtub.
PVC blinds
PVC blind slats are wiped with a well-wrung damp cloth and neutral surface cleaner. Do not use acetone, thinner or abrasive cream; they dull the surface. On yellowed white slats, yellowing caused by dirt fades with regular cleaning, while discolouration from sunlight may not go away (how to clean uPVC windows).
Fabric and vertical blinds
Fabric-slatted and vertical blinds are usually cleaned in place by vacuuming and removing stains with a damp cloth; if the label allows, the strips can be taken down and washed. For the steps, see how to wash vertical blinds and how to wash roller blinds.
Can blinds be taken down and washed?
If the manufacturer allows, aluminium and PVC blinds can be taken down and washed in the bathtub in lukewarm water with neutral surface cleaner and a soft brush; they are then rinsed with clean water and put back once completely dry. Do not put wooden or fabric blinds in water. On motorised and electric blinds, do not let water get into the motor or mechanism; cut the power before cleaning and follow the manufacturer's instructions.
Cords, ladder tapes and mechanism
- Do not wet the cords, ladder tapes or the top mechanism; remove their dust with a dry brush.
- For yellowed and dirty cords, check the manufacturer's spare part recommendation.
- Do not tug the blind while wiping the slats; the mechanism is strained and the slats can bend.
What not to do with blinds
- Using acidic products and degreaser on aluminium slats.
- Wetting wooden blinds or putting them in water.
- Using abrasive cream, steel wool and solvents.
- Letting water get into the motor and mechanism.
- Mixing different cleaning products (can cleaning products be mixed).
For offices, schools and hospitals
In offices, schools and hospitals, blinds on large windows are kept clean with regular dusting and a periodic damp-wiping plan; this reduces the need to take them down and wash them. START all-purpose surface cleaner is produced in 5 l and TETİK Dishwashing Liquid in 750 g, 5 kg, 20 kg and 30 kg packs. For the product list, see office cleaning supplies; request a quote for bulk purchases. For external roller shutters, see how to clean roller shutters.
