Clean Venetian Blinds
Dust and wash aluminium, wood or plastic venetian blinds without removing them. A vacuum brush, microfibre cloth and soapy water restore their finish.
Quick answer
Close the blinds flat. Dust or vacuum each slat from top to bottom. Flip the slats and repeat. Wipe metal or plastic slats with a damp microfibre cloth dipped in warm soapy water. Dry immediately with a clean cloth. Use an old sock on your hand for speed.
Venetian blinds collect dust, kitchen grease and airborne grime. Cleaning them regularly stops build-up that becomes harder to shift and reduces allergens in the room.
What you’ll need
- microfibre cloths
- warm soapy water
- old sock
- tongs
- vacuum with brush attachment
- white vinegar
Step by step
- 1
Close the blinds fully
Tilt the slats until they lie flat and face the same direction. This exposes the maximum surface area and stops dust falling onto slats you have already cleaned.
- 2
Dust or vacuum the slats
Run a vacuum with a brush attachment across each slat, starting at the top and working down. Alternatively, wipe with a dry microfibre cloth. Do both sides before tilting the slats the other way.
- 3
Flip and repeat
Tilt the slats in the opposite direction. Dust or vacuum this side using the same top-to-bottom motion. Pay attention to the cords and headrail where cobwebs gather.
- 4
Wash metal or plastic slats
Dampen a microfibre cloth in warm soapy water with a splash of white vinegar. Wring it out well. Slide the cloth along each slat to remove grease and sticky marks. Rinse and wring the cloth often.
- 5
Dry thoroughly
Immediately follow with a dry cloth to prevent water spots. For wooden blinds, use minimal water and dry each slat straight away to stop warping.
- 6
Use the sock-and-tongs trick for speed
Slide an old sock over each arm of a pair of tongs. Secure with elastic bands if needed. Dip one sock in soapy water and leave the other dry. Clamp each slat between the tongs and slide along to wash and dry in one pass.
Do not soak wooden or faux-wood slats or use excess water — they warp permanently. Take care with the cord mechanism, which can snap back and pinch fingers.
Frequently asked
How often should I clean venetian blinds?
Dust them every two weeks. Wash them thoroughly every two to three months, or more often in kitchens.
Can I take the blinds down to clean them in the bath?
Yes for aluminium and plastic. Lay them flat in warm soapy water, rinse and hang them outside to drip-dry. Do not soak wooden blinds.
Questions about this guide
No questions yet — be the first to ask one and we’ll help you out.
Comments
No comments yet. Start the conversation.
Did this guide help?
Did you try this?
Help others by sharing how it went.
Show your result
Tried this guide? Share a photo of how it turned out.