How to clean your wooden blinds

Dust really does get everywhere, in every nook and cranny in your home. It’s easier to clean off some surfaces than others, but one of the hardest and most faffy places are your blinds. While blinds are probably my preferred choice of window dressing (it’s actually blinds and curtains together), it can make for tricky cleaning. And it’s not just dust that can make our blinds dirty but smudgy finger marks, pollen from open windows and bacteria.

But luckily, I’ve learned a few good tips and tricks that I’d like to share with you to make cleaning your wooden blinds* easier.

Alex, the managing director of Clough’s of Nantwich, makers of bespoke curtains & blinds in Cheshire, explains that: ‘Keeping your bespoke blinds clean not only enhances the aesthetics of your space but also contributes to a healthier environment. Regular maintenance ensures longevity and saves you from the hassle of deep cleaning. Remember, a little effort goes a long way in maintaining the charm and functionality of your blinds.’

How to clean real wood blinds

One thing that real wood doesn’t like is moisture, particularly when it’s a thin slat just like your blinds. It’s much more likely to warp and bend if it comes into contact with too much water, so my biggest tip when cleaning real wood blinds is to avoid using water.

Instead, you should use a duster or a microfibre cloth and some wood furniture polish. Use the pull cord to close your blinds completely (t doesn’t matter which way) like in the image below.

Spray a minimal amount of polish onto the cloth (not directly onto the blind). Gently wipe the cloth over the blinds, working horizontally across each slat. You may need to top up with polish, but again spray your cloth and not the wood itself.

Then I do the exact same but I turn the blinds the opposite way. Whereas before they pointed up, I switch them so they point down instead.

I’m careful to avoid the tapes so I don’t wipe the dust on them that I’ve just taken off the blinds.

If your blinds are stained, then don’t rub too hard as this could cause the stain to come off. You’re only removing dust so you shouldn’t really need to scrub them.

How to clean faux wooden blinds

Luckily, faux wood blinds* are a little more hard wearing and can take some more elbow grease than real wood. This means you can use soapy lukewarm water to clean them and remove any stubborn stains or dirt. I prefer to use regular washing up liquid mixed with water for this job. Just dip the cloth into the water, rinse it and then gently wipe down the blinds’ surface.

Once you’re done, use a dry cloth to remove any excess water.

This method is particularly good for blinds that can get covered in grease and fat, like in the kitchen. Kitchen blinds should be cleaned a little more frequently than window dressings in other rooms of the house, and Fairy Liquid is the perfect thing to banish that grease.

How to clean wooden blinds with tape

As you can see from the pictures, my blinds have tape running vertically, which can make cleaning them a little more challenging. But I love how the tapes look so I wouldn’t change them for anything.

It’s best to spot clean the tapes. They don’t really need going over every time you clean the blinds, only if they’re dirty. If you see a stain on them, then fill a bowl with warm soapy water, dip your cloth in it and gently dab at the stain until it gets lighter. I wouldn’t recommend using any strong products on them. Some gentle soap is usually all that’s needed.

How to clean blinds easily…

…with a hoover

If you want an even EASIER way to clean your blinds, or have fabric blinds that you want to de-dust, you can always use your vacuum cleaner. I’d only suggest doing this if you have the special upholstery nozzle that has a soft brush on the end, or you may risk scratching or damaging your blinds.

Put the hoover on its minimum setting (usually marked with a curtains symbol or just the word MIN) too so the suction isn’t too hard.

Then slowly work your way over the blind with the nozzle. The hoover does most of the work for you which is great news and makes it a really easy job.

…with a sock

Yes, you can easily clean blinds with a sock too! All you have to do is take a (clean) sock, put it on your hand and go over each slat by gripping it gently and running your hand the whole length of the blind. This method really allows you to get into all the nooks and crannies.

Can I disinfect my blinds?

You may be wondering if you can disinfect your blinds as well as simply dust them or clean them with soapy water. The answer is yes! But I’d definitely be careful about what products you use and I wouldn’t try it on real wooden blinds for reasons I’ve covered above.

I’d avoid bleach and any other strong chemicals, but instead you could try white vinegar. Vinegar is an amazing cleaning solution that’s antibacterial. Just mix 1 part white vinegar with 3 parts water in a bowl and use a cloth to wipe the blinds using the methods above.

So there you have it, my best methods for cleaning wooden blinds, both real and faux! They certainly help me to keep my Make My Blinds* ones looking brand new.

*This guide contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission when you purchase something through a link.

Sarah Macklin

Sarah is the creator and founder of Dream of Home, a website that began during Sarah’s first home renovation project. Since then, the site has grown and Sarah produces content around all things home, including home decor, DIY projects, renovation tips, inspiration and more. In her spare time, she loves to read and garden.

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