How to Clean Horizontal Window Blinds — Aluminium and Faux Wood

Horizontal blinds — aluminium mini-blinds and faux wood (PVC) slat blinds — accumulate a layer of dust on every slat that regular vacuuming rarely addresses effectively. The dust layer becomes grimy in kitchen areas from cooking grease, and in dusty or humid environments the dust bonds to the slat surface and becomes difficult to remove dry. Here's the most time-efficient approach for different levels of buildup.

Dust Level: Regular Maintenance (Weekly or Monthly)

For dusty but not grimy blinds, in-place cleaning is fastest:

1. Close the blinds fully in one direction (all slats angled the same way)
2. Use a microfibre duster, blind cleaning tool, or slightly damp microfibre cloth to wipe across the slats from top to bottom, running your tool across each slat rather than moving between them one at a time
3. Close in the opposite direction and repeat to clean the other side
4. Finish by opening the blinds fully and wiping the headrail and bottom rail

Microfibre dusters with multiple fingers that clasp around individual slats (sometimes called "blind cleaners") are available at hardware stores and clean 3–5 slats per pass, cutting time significantly for multi-window homes.

Grimy Level: Wash in Place with Damp Cloth

For blinds with greasy or sticky buildup (common in kitchens), damp wiping is necessary:

1. Prepare a bucket with warm water and a few drops of dish soap
2. Close the blinds
3. Wring out a microfibre cloth in the soapy water until just damp — not dripping (excess water warps aluminium slats and can damage the cords)
4. Wipe each slat individually — holding the slat with one hand while wiping with the other prevents it from swinging
5. Rinse by wiping with a clean damp cloth (water only)
6. Leave open to air dry — keep them open for at least an hour to prevent moisture damage

Heavy Buildup: Bathtub Wash (Aluminium Mini-Blinds Only)

For aluminium mini-blinds with heavy accumulated grime, removing and washing in the bathtub is the most thorough method:

1. Remove the blinds from the brackets
2. Lay in the bathtub with enough warm water and dish soap to cover
3. Let soak 10–15 minutes
4. Swish and agitate; wipe each section with a cloth if needed
5. Rinse with the shower head
6. Hang over the shower rail or outdoors to drip-dry completely before reinstalling

Do not use this method for faux wood blinds — the PVC construction warps with prolonged soaking and hot water.

Faux Wood (PVC) Blinds

Faux wood blinds should only be cleaned in-place with a damp cloth — never soaked. For stubborn marks, a damp Magic Eraser works on PVC without scratching.

Maidless dusts blinds as part of a standard clean. Book a Toronto house cleaning — HST included.