How to Clean Vertical Blinds (Expert Guide) | 247 Blog

Tips

Posted 18/04/2023

Vertical blinds are a popular window covering option for many homes and offices. They offer a versatile and practical solution for light and privacy control. However, like any window covering, they can accumulate dust and dirt over time, making them look dingy and lacklustre. The good news is: cleaning vertical blinds is not something that needs to be done frequently. With regular upkeep, they can look good for longer. If you’ve noticed a build-up of dust and dirt on your vertical blinds, this easy-to-follow guide will help you restore your blinds to their former glory!

What You'll Need to Clean Your Vertical Blinds

- A soft brush or microfibre cloth

- A vacuum with a soft brush attachment

- Mild, clear detergent

- Warm water

How to Clean Vertical Fabric Blinds

For General Upkeep

Prevent dust build-up by regularly rotating the slats, or giving the blinds a gentle dust with a soft brush or microfibre cloth. Do this whenever you notice your blinds looking a little dusty to keep them looking fresh!

If you haven't done this in a while or your blinds are in a particularly dusty room, you can use a soft fabric attachment on a vacuum cleaner for a deeper dust.

For Stains or Marks

If any accidents happen and your vertical blinds are stained, don't fear! Here's what you can do to make them disappear. First things first, you'll need to check whether your blinds are PVC or not, as the cleaning method differs for PVC and regular fabric vertical blinds.

For PVC Vertical Blinds

Use a damp cloth and a mild, clear detergent if required to wipe down the stained areas. If you feel your blinds need a deeper clean you can wipe down the entire vane.

For All Other Fabric Vertical Blinds

Use a clean, damp cloth to wipe the stained areas only. Add some mild, clear detergent for stubborn marks. Don't be tempted to wipe the entire vane or soak the blinds as this can cause the fabric to warp.

If you've chosen to remove your vanes to clean them (which we'll cover later), make sure you hang them back up to dry so they retain their shape.

Vertical Blind Cleaning FAQs

Q: Do I need to take my vertical blinds down to clean them?

In short, no. We wouldn't recommend taking the vanes down from your vertical blinds to clean them, it makes maintenance harder than it needs to be, it isn't necessary, and you don't want to risk damaging your blind. If your blind is in a hard to reach place and taking the vanes down is your only option, do this by carefully removing the weights and chains from the bottom of the vanes, then gently unhook the slats from the headrail. Make sure you don't remove the hanger from the slats. If you do take your vanes down to clean them, remember to hang them back up to dry to prevent warping.

Q: How often should I clean my vertical blinds?

This really depends on where the blinds are in your home, and how dust-prone that area is. In general, vertical blinds are very low maintenance and won't require a light dusting more than a few times a month to stay looking clean. Just by using the blinds regularly and rotating the slats you will prevent dust from building up. You can also take the time to dust them in your weekly cleaning routine if required! Apart from that, we would only recommend cleaning your blinds with a damp cloth should any stains get onto your blinds.

What are the Benefits of Cleaning My Vertical Blinds?

Maintained Appearance

Over time, dust, dirt, and other debris which might accumulate on your vertical blinds can leave them looking unappealing. Regular use and dusting when required will help keep this build-up at a minimum, making your blinds look as good as new.

Healthier Environment

If they're not PVC, dirty blinds can harbour allergens such as dust mites, pet hair, and pollen. Regular upkeep on your vertical blinds can help reduce these allegens, creating a healthier environment for you and your family. Or to reduce the risk of allergens building up on your blinds opt for PVC verticals.

Longer Lifespan

By removing dust and dirt from your blinds, you can help prevent damage to the fabric or other materials, prolonging the lifespan of your vertical blinds. We recommend replacing your vertical blinds every 5-10 years.

Better Functioning

Dust and dirt can also interfere with the smooth operation of your vertical blinds, making them harder to open and close. Regular cleaning can help ensure that your blinds function properly making them easy to use.

Anything Else I Need to Know?

Mould is one of the things that can grow on your vertical blinds, particularly if your windows are prone to condensation. A proactive approach to prevent this is cracking open the windows regularly to let the moisture escape. Alternatively, for particularly moist mould-prone environments, opt for PVC vertical blinds so that if any mould does occur, it's easily wiped away.

We've shared our peals of wisdom with you, which means it's over to you to start freshening up your vertical blinds! Enjoy!