Instructions
- Step 1: Get the dust off Begin by removing loose dirt and dust with either a soft cloth or a vacuum with a brush-head attachment. Clean with the slats tilted upward first, then downward.
- TIP: Regular fabric-softener sheets absorb dust just as well as cloths made specifically for that purpose.
- Step 2: Remove from the window If your blinds are plastic, vinyl, or aluminum -- not wood -- remove them from the window for washing.
- TIP: Wood blinds should never get wet; just dust them regularly. Only use a wood cleaner if the manufacturer says it’s safe.
- Step 3: Take it outside If you have a yard, take the blinds outside. If you don’t, put them in the bathtub.
- Step 4: Wash them Wash each slat with a sponge or brush. Don’t forget to wash the cords!
- TIP: If you’re outdoors, use a water-filled bucket containing a half cup of ammonia. If you’re using your tub, a mild detergent works best. Never use hot water on plastic blinds; it could cause them to warp.
- Step 5: Rinse thoroughly Rinse the blinds thoroughly, then hang them on a clothesline or shower rod.
- Step 6: Wipe them down When they’re completely dry, wipe the blinds with a fabric-softener sheet. It will help prevent dust from clinging to them, so they’ll stay cleaner longer.
- FACT: Thirty-one percent of homeowners say that cleaning window treatments is their least favorite cleaning job, according to a survey.
You Will Need
- A dust cloth or a vacuum with a brush-head attachment
- Towels or a drop cloth
- A sponge or cleaning brush
- All-purpose cleaner or ammonia
- Fabric-softener sheets
