Mini blinds are dust magnets. Cleaning between each and every blind can be time consuming and difficult. This is a guide on cleaning mini blinds.
Like most renters, I have vertical blinds everywhere in my home. Where I live (near a beach), putting up curtains would mean way too much dirt and dust.
I clean my blinds bi-weekly with microfiber cloths. This area with a nearby airport is extremely dusty. A dust that depending on the weather can look like a car engine's dirt. I assumed using my vinegar and water with microfiber was the best way to keep as much out as possible. Keeping them clean is much easier than dealing with build up.
As you can imagine, this can be time consuming work. I have discovered a way to cut the time in half - using water only one time a week and taking a fraction of the time. All without spending a penny on the new, latest, or better product. I discovered that, like with the television which also get an extreme amount of dust on it, used dyer sheets work like magic. Instead of throwing away your used dryer sheets, save them and use for dusting the blinds. If it works on my blinds with the special sea and airport dirt, it will work on yours.
I have found dryer sheets to be so helpful other places also, leaving no lint behind. New ones are used when I don't have any from the laundry. They seem to do such a good job that when I do use water and vinegar on my major cleaning day it's easier. Try using dryer sheets on computer screens, the television, even my tables. All are shining and dust free.
I have a hand steamer I use on all my screens. Yes, my screens with the steamer! You do not have to remover the screen. I live in Southern California, so my windows are open daily. If you live where it's winter now, remember the furnace also brings so much dust into your home. For now, try the dryer sheets. When the weather warms up if you have a steamer it cuts the dusting down without too much hassle.
I am a clean nut, so helpful tips that make it easier are a blessing. Try this one it works!
If it works on computers. I was amazed at how it works on blinds as well.
By Luana M. from San Diego, CA
Our vertical blinds are 108 inches top to bottom. Mine needed cleaning really bad since DH is doing a lot of painting in the house. I couldn't take them outside and use the hose, because the complex had to shut off hose supplies for a while due to frozen outside pipes.
I put the slats a few at a time in my bath tub with dish liquid. I sloshed them around a bit, then I wrapped a wet micro fiber cloth around one end and pulled each slat through. I held the cloth with the blind in it against the side of the tub to allow the water to run back into the tub. I just had to put the end of the clean slat back in the tub to start the end through the bath towel which I put on my lap (I'm sitting on the toilet all this time). I pulled each slat through the folded bath towel to dry and draped them across the top of the two hampers in the vanity area.
I can't submit photos because I look horrid when cleaning. I hope this helps someone.
By MartyD from Houston, TX
I soak my blinds in Clorox Clean Up in the bathtub for an hour then rinse with the shower head and dry with a couple old beach towels. They look nice and clean when I hang them back up.
Note: I have off white blinds and never have tried this with colored blinds.
By Kathy
I put my mini-blinds on the outdoor table and hose and wash with the car wash brush, then flip and do the other side. I hang them on the clothes line to dry. Kids can do this chore.
By Sharon C. from Chesapeake, VA
My window blinds (semi-wood) are way too big to take down and using Endust and cleaning between each slat just isn't getting it. Any and all suggestions are welcome!
Thank you.
By Jane P.
By newsue
07/27/2011
Endust is the wrong product here -- the blinds probably have a somewhat "greasy" buildup, which the Endust adds to. I mix a mild vinegar/water solution, and just take a rough cloth and clean each slat, then wipe with a soft dry cloth. Don't saturate the slats; wring out the cloth before using. It may take two passes, but they will be clean and dry when you're done!
Any tips on cleaning mini blinds? Randi from Vacaville
By Vicka
By Cyinda
By Janis
I have metal (blue color) mini blinds that I've had up for 8 years. I do smoke in the house, too.
I haven't cleaned my mini blinds since we moved in about a year ago! I've lightly dusted occasionally, but little spots and such are showing up on them now.
To clean mini blinds, wear a pair of white cotton gloves. Dip gloved fingers in a solution of equal parts white vinegar and warm tap water and run your fingers across both sides of each blind.
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