How to deep clean venetian blinds without taking them down
Deep cleaning Venetian blinds is easy if you work in the right order. First, you need to open a window to let in fresh air, but avoid letting in strong breezes. You'll need a vacuum with a brush attachment, a microfibre cloth, a soft sponge, warm water, mild washing-up liquid, and a dry towel. For greasy kitchen blinds, a small bowl of warm water with a little bit of washing-up liquid also works well.
Close the blinds so the slats lie flat and face you, then use the vacuum brush on a low setting and work from the top downwards. If you don't have a vacuum, you can use a dry microfibre cloth to stop the dust from turning into dirty streaks later on. Keep the blinds closed and wipe each slat down with a slightly damp cloth. Make sure not to soak the cloth, since too much water can drip onto the walls and windowsills. Then, twist the slats the other way around and repeat the process.
Dry the slats with a clean towel or a microfibre cloth and make sure to leave the blinds open for a short amount of time so that any dampness can air dry. Finally, wipe the windowsill to remove any dust that's been left behind.
How to clean grease and Mould From blinds
Grease and mould can build up on Venetian blinds, especially if they're in kitchens and bathrooms. Grease attracts dust, which can make your blinds look dull and harder to clean over time. Grease can also make the slats feel sticky, and they may not tilt or lift as easily. Mould, on the other hand, is a more serious issue, since it can spread in damp rooms and trigger allergies or breathing problems.
When you're cleaning grease from Venetian blinds, you need to close the blinds and vacuum the area with a brush attachment, working from top to bottom. This stops any greasy dust from smearing along the blinds. Then, mix some warm water with a small amount of washing-up liquid, dip a microfibre cloth in the water, wring it out, and wipe down each slat. You should wipe slowly so that you don't miss any spots or edges. For stubborn grease patches, you should wipe the slats with a soft sponge instead. Then, dry the slats with a clean towel to reduce the risk of water marks and stains.
When you're cleaning mould from Venetian blinds, you also need to open a window and wear gloves. You should avoid brushing the mould when it's dry, since it can cause the mould to release spores.
Instead, use a damp cloth with warm water and a little bit of washing-up liquid to wipe away the mould. You need to rinse the cloth often, and if necessary, use a mix of white vinegar and water on the cloth.
After that, wipe the affected areas, and then wipe them down again with clean water. Dry the blinds well and make sure there is no excess moisture in the room.
What you will need before you start
Before you start cleaning Venetian blinds, you'll need a vacuum with a soft brush to remove any loose dust without rubbing it into the slats. Dust is the main cause of dull-looking blinds, and if you skip this step, you could end up causing streaks down the slats.
Microfibre cloths can pick up fine dust and grime better than many other cloths. They're also soft, which means they're less likely to scratch the slats. You should have at least two cloths on hand while you're cleaning: one for wiping and one for drying.
A soft sponge can also help remove stubborn marks, like grease or water stains, since sponges have a little more cleaning power than a cloth. However, you should avoid rough pads since they can scratch the blinds and leave them looking worn out.
Stubborn stains: what to try and what to avoid
When you're trying to remove tough stains, you should always dust first. Close the blinds and vacuum the slats with a brush attachment, and work from top to bottom. This helps stop dry dust from turning into smear marks when you use a damp cloth.
You should also always mix warm water with a small amount of washing-up liquid, dampen a microfibre cloth with it, wring it out, and wipe down each slat. For most stains, this is enough to remove the dirt. However, for stubborn stains, you should use a soft sponge that's been dipped in the same soapy water, and rub it gently on the stain.
It's also best to use a vinegar mix to remove mould or water marks. For small mould spots or cloudy marks, try using a mix of one part white vinegar to one part water on a cloth. Wipe the area, then wipe it again with clean water and dry the slats fully.
You should avoid soaking the blinds since too much water can drip into the headrail, mark the paintwork, and encourage mould to start growing. Too much water can also warp your blinds if they're made from real wood. The same goes for using bleach, since it can cause the blinds to fade and weaken the cords.
Never use rough scouring pads or stiff brushes since they can scratch the blinds. You also need to avoid pulling or twisting the slats since forcing them can bend them out of shape or damage the tilt mechanism.
Scorpio Blinds supplies and installs Venetian blinds for homes across the UK. We can help you choose the right style and finish for each room, and then fit your blinds neatly and safely. Our Venetian blinds give you more control over your light and privacy.
