How To Clean Window Blinds

Ingredients

• A dust cloth or a vacuum with a brush-head attachment
• Towels or a drop cloth
• A sponge or cleaning brush
• All-purpose cleaner or ammonia
• Fabric-softener sheets

Steps

1. Get the dust off - Begin by removing loose dirt and dust with either a soft cloth or a vacuum with a brush-head attachment. Clean with the slats tilted upward first, then downward. (19 sec. )
2. Regular fabric-softener sheets absorb dust just as well as cloths made specifically for that purpose. (30 sec. )
3. Remove from the window - If your blinds are plastic, vinyl, or aluminum—not wood—remove them from the window for washing. (36 sec. )
4. Wood blinds should never get wet; just dust them regularly. Only use a wood cleaner if the manufacturer says it’s safe. (42 sec. )
5. Take it outside - If you have a yard, take the blinds outside. If you don’t, put them in the bathtub. (50 sec. )
6. Wash them - Wash each slat with a sponge or brush. Don’t forget to wash the cords! (56 sec. )
7. If you’re outdoors, use a water-filled bucket containing a half cup of ammonia. If you’re using your tub, a mild detergent works best. Never use hot water on plastic blinds; it could cause them to warp. (61 sec. )
8. Rinse thoroughly - Rinse the blinds thoroughly, then hang them on a clothesline or shower rod. (72 sec. )
9. Wipe them down - When they’re completely dry, wipe the blinds with a fabric-softener sheet. It will help prevent dust from clinging to them, so they’ll stay cleaner longer. (78 sec. )
10. Thirty-one percent of homeowners say that cleaning window treatments is their least favorite cleaning job, according to a survey. (87 sec. )