How to clean wooden blinds quickly like an expert

Wooden blinds are a step above the usual white aluminum blinds or mini blinds, and they add character and function to any space. However, the regular cleaning that wooden blinds require can seem difficult and time-consuming.

But that’s not the case—with the right tools and materials, you’ll learn how to clean wood blinds quickly and easily. Here’s everything you need to know.

Before start

You will need a dusting brush, dusting gloves, or a vacuum with a brush attachment to clean your wood blinds. You will also need dish soap, warm water, a few clean cloths, a large bowl, and a microfiber cloth.

Take a few minutes to make sure your wood blinds are actually wood. Faux wood is more susceptible to water damage during cleaning than solid wood, so this cleaning process can do more harm than good to your faux wood.

Your wood blinds may not be real wood blinds if the wood grain on each panel is the same and if the edges of the curtain rod look identical to the surface of the curtain rod.

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How to clean wooden blinds

1. Lower shade

   First, clear away any items in or around the window, like window treatments or curtains. Make sure there’s nothing under the window that can’t handle a little soap or accidental dust—if there is, move it out of the way.

   Once the windows are clean, take down all the blinds and open them up so that all the slats are accessible.

2. Dust or vacuum

   If you’re using a dusting brush (a dusting glove works especially well here), dust along each panel of your blinds, working from top to bottom. Be sure to change out your dusting pad or attachment as needed if your blinds get very dusty.

   If you are using a vacuum cleaner to clean your blinds, use the brush attachment to vacuum the dust from the slats. Work from top to bottom.

3. Make your own cleaning solution

   Mix half a teaspoon of dish soap with warm water in a large bowl. Dip a clean cloth into the solution and gently move it back and forth over each wood blind. Again, wipe from top to bottom.

   Tips

   If your blinds are greasy, you’ll need to add some detergent. Use two tablespoons of dish soap instead of half a tablespoon. However, while the extra detergent will cut through the grease better, it will also leave behind a soapy residue. After wiping with a soapy cloth, use a cloth dipped in clean water to “rinse” each blind.

4. Drying curtains

   After dusting and scrubbing each slat, use a clean microfiber towel to dry the blinds. Residual moisture can warp and damage the wood, so don’t skip this step!

   Wipe a microfiber cloth over each curtain slat to remove any remaining cleaning solution. Do not close or pull up the blinds until the slats are completely dry.

Cleaning frequency

You’ll need to clean your wood blinds anywhere from monthly to seasonally, depending on a number of factors. Your blinds will need to be cleaned more often if you have pets—their shedding will make most surfaces dustier, including your blinds.

You will also have to clean your blinds more often if you open your windows frequently, as dirt from outside will get into the blinds.