Window blinds are one of the most consistently neglected surfaces in any home — out of sight when open, and even when closed, the dust buildup isn't obvious until you're close. In Toronto, where heating runs for six months of the year and windows are closed much of the time, blinds can accumulate significant dust and in kitchens, grease. The right cleaning method depends on the type of blind.
Horizontal Aluminium or Vinyl Blinds (Most Common)
The standard horizontal slatted blinds found in most Toronto homes and condos. They collect dust quickly and can be cleaned in place or removed.
Regular dusting (weekly or bi-weekly): Close the blinds fully in one direction. Wipe each slat from one end to the other with a dry microfibre cloth, a blind duster (a multi-pronged tool that cleans several slats at once), or the dusting attachment on a vacuum. Rotate the slats and repeat on the other side.
Deeper clean: Mix a small amount of dish soap in warm water. Working with the blinds closed, wipe each slat with a lightly damp cloth. Work from top to bottom. Dry with a clean cloth. For kitchen blinds with grease buildup, an all-purpose degreaser works better than soap alone — apply to the cloth, not directly to the slat.
Full wash (for heavily soiled blinds): Remove from the window, lay flat in the bathtub, and fill with warm soapy water. Let soak for 10–15 minutes, rinse thoroughly, and hang to dry completely before reinstalling. Important: aluminum blinds can be washed this way. Do NOT put wood or faux-wood blinds in water.
Faux Wood Blinds
Faux wood (PVC) blinds look like wood but are more durable and moisture-resistant. Use the same method as aluminium blinds for regular cleaning. Avoid soaking — while faux wood tolerates more moisture than real wood, prolonged soaking can warp the slats or damage the cord grommets.
Real Wood Blinds
Wood blinds require dry or barely-damp cleaning only — excess moisture warps and stains the wood. Use a dry microfibre cloth or a feather duster for regular maintenance. For more thorough cleaning, a cloth barely dampened with a mild wood cleaner (like Murphy's diluted in water) can be used — wipe quickly and dry immediately. Never use steam or wet cloths on wood blinds.
Vertical Blinds (Fabric or PVC)
Vertical blinds are common in older condos and sliding door applications. For regular maintenance, vacuum each vane with an upholstery attachment on low suction, working from top to bottom. For fabric vanes, check the manufacturer's care instructions — some can be removed and machine washed on a gentle cycle; others must be hand-washed only. PVC vertical vanes can be wiped with a damp cloth.
Roller and Roman Blinds (Fabric)
Fabric blinds collect dust but cannot be wet-cleaned like hard blinds. Use the upholstery attachment on a vacuum to remove dust from both sides. For spot stains, blot (don't rub) with a barely-damp cloth and mild soap — test on an inconspicuous area first. Never roll a wet fabric blind — it will mould inside the roll.
Frequency Guide
- Dusting: every 2–4 weeks for most rooms; weekly near the kitchen or in rooms with pets
- Deeper clean: every 3–6 months
- Full wash (aluminium/vinyl only): once a year or when visibly soiled
Blinds are covered as part of our deep cleaning service in Toronto — cleaners wipe each slat and address the window tracks at the same time. Book a Toronto deep clean online. HST included.