There are many different types of window coverings available these days.  But, one of the most popular are blinds.  This is because they are simple, attractive, and work well for privacy while allowing light into the home, among other reasons.  However, there is one aspect about blinds that most owners do not enjoy, and that is cleaning them.  Cleaning blinds is looked upon as one of the most-detested household chores.  But, it doesn’t have to be the worst chore in the home; in fact, learning how to clean blinds can actually be quick and easy.

Here are several techniques on how to clean blinds that work well for even the dustiest, greasiest, grimiest, and most filthy blinds.  These methods prove that cleaning blinds can be as simple as many other household chores.  (It should be noted, however, that methods in which the blinds become soaked with water or cleaning solutions cannot be used for wooden blinds as those blinds cannot become saturated.)

Bathtub Cleaning

Remove the blinds from the window and place them in the bathtub with hot water and automatic dishwashing detergent (like Cascade).  Let them sit in the bathtub until the water has cooled.  Use a clean toilet bowl brush or other long-handled brush to gently brush down; however, after this long soak, they shouldn’t need much brushing.  Rinse in cold water and then hang to dry.

Blinds at the Carwash

Take the blinds to the nearest self-serve carwash, along with a couple of large plastic trash bags or a large tarp on which to lay the blinds.  Use the car brush and detergent to blast the blinds clean while they are on the bags or tarp on the ground.  Lightly towel dry before transporting home, then hang to dry completely.

Use Your Hose

This method of how to clean blinds is similar to the carwash method.  Hang two cup hooks on the side of your home where the hose is and then hang the blinds from the hooks.  Spray them with a cleaner solution (ammonia and water can work well, or try a foaming bathroom cleaner).  Wipe them down with a very damp sponge and then rinse.  Turn over to do the other side; then hang on a clothesline to dry in the sun.

Try Dish Soap

With this cleaning technique, you can leave the blinds hanging in place.  Fill a spray bottle with water and then add two squirts of liquid dish soap (such as Ivory or Dawn).  Turn the slats of the blind toward you.  Spray a bit of the liquid onto a lint-free towel, then wipe the slats down easily so as not to bend them.  Then, reverse the slats and wipe again.  If this technique is used on one set of blinds each time cleaning the household is done, the blinds will never get grimy buildup.

Vinegar and a Sock

This method is safe for wooden blinds.  Place an old sock on your hand and dip it into a container of vinegar, squeezing off excess.  Run your fingers along each blind slat, removing dust as you go.  Rinse the sock as needed.

Photo Credits: John-Morgan

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Clean, Handy Man, Project, blinds

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ammonia, automatic dishwashing detergent, Bathtub, carwash, cascade, cleaning solutions, cold water, cup hooks, hot water, household chores, how to clean blinds, many different types, plastic trash bags, tarp, toilet bowl, window coverings, wooden blinds