How to Thoroughly Clean Window Blinds — Toronto Home Guide

Window blinds collect dust, grease (especially in kitchens), and grime on both sides of every slat. Regular dusting prevents build-up, but a full clean a few times a year keeps them looking new.

Regular Dusting (Monthly)

1. Close the blinds fully in one direction (all slats angled the same way)
2. Use a microfibre duster, blind duster tool, or slightly damp microfibre cloth to wipe across all slats in one direction
3. Close the blinds in the opposite direction and repeat on the other side

A sock worn over the hand works well — slip it between slats and wipe front and back simultaneously.

Full Wipe-Down (Aluminium and Faux Wood)

1. Mix warm water with a few drops of dish soap in a bowl
2. Close the blinds
3. Dip a microfibre cloth in the solution, wring out well (barely damp), and wipe each slat individually from left to right
4. Flip the blinds and repeat on the other side
5. Wipe dry with a clean cloth to prevent water spots

Bathtub Soak (Aluminium Blinds with Heavy Grime)

1. Remove the blinds from the window (most unhook from brackets easily)
2. Lay in the bathtub with hot water and dish soap
3. Let soak for 20–30 minutes
4. Wipe down each slat with a cloth
5. Rinse by running the shower over them
6. Hang outside or over the bathtub to drip-dry completely before rehanging — water trapped in the headrail causes rust and mould

Fabric Blinds (Roman, Roller)

• Dust with a vacuum brush attachment on low suction
• Spot clean stains with a lightly damp cloth and mild soap — blot, never rub
• Do not soak or machine wash unless the manufacturer's care label explicitly says so

Tips

• Kitchen blinds need cleaning 3–4x more often than other rooms — cooking grease coats the slats and traps dust
• Always dry aluminium blinds fully before rehanging to prevent rust on the metal components