General Blind and Shade Care

Dusting

Just about any blind or shade will benefit from dusting. The surface of the slats of mini blinds, wood blinds, and the vanes of vinyl and aluminum vertical blinds in particular are quite smooth, and dust will easily brush off if your blinds are dusted regularly. Tilt slats first up, then down (but not entirely closed) to reach the entire top and bottom surfaces. We recommend that you use an ordinary soft dusting cloth, although feather dusters also work quite well, especially on fabric shades.

Vacuuming

Use the brush dust head attachment for your vacuum for a more thorough cleaning. If cleaning a mini or wood blind, tilt slats as described above. This is the preferred method for cleaning fabric shades.

Compressed air or hair dryer

Blow dust off of your blind or shade. This is particularly helpful with cellular shades, in order to clean out any particles that may collect within the cells. If using a hair dryer, be sure to set it on the lowest heat setting possible.

Deeper Cleaning

Mini blinds

Use a damp cloth or sponge and mild detergent mixed with warm water, and make sure to protect your floor or windowsill from excess water. Tilt the slats and wipe the slats of your blind clean. Many stores carry cleaner meant specifically for aluminum blinds.
You can also take your PVC or aluminum blind down, place it in a tub of mild soapy water, and soak for 5 minutes while gently moving the water with your fingers. Rinse it clean, then make sure the slats are closed before removing from water. You may wish to wipe it dry before reinstalling. Make sure you do this when you can allow your blind to dry completely in the open air.

Wood blinds

Faux wood blinds can be cleaned with a damp sponge as described above, but they will probably be too heavy to easily be taken down and immersed in water. Actual wood blinds and should never be cleaned with water. Instead, use a lemon oil or wood preservative.

Cellular and pleated shades

Use a damp cloth or sponge and mild detergent mixed with warm water. Blot gently and be sure the shade is left to dry in its fully lowered position. Be careful not to apply too much pressure as small balls of lint may form upon the surface of the shade. Some cellular shades can also be bathtub cleaned as above. Be sure to check the instructions that come with your specific blind.

Vertical blinds

For vinyl vanes, use a damp cloth or sponge and mild detergent mixed with warm water. For fabric vanes, employ a dry fabric cleaner.

Other blinds and shades

Some blinds and shades can be spot-cleaned with mild detergent, but it varies by brand name and product because of the difference in materials used. Check your documentation.

Professional cleaning

While you’ll only need to do this occasionally (we recommend every three to five years), ultrasonic cleaning will get your blinds beautifully clean. Do not use on wood blinds or metallized-backed shades.