How To: Clean window blinds

Wash your window blinds with a minimum of mess. Howcast presents you with tips on how to effectively clean your window blinds. Blinds can be tricky to clean, so pay attention.

You Will Need:

* 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

Step 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.
*Tip: Regular fabric-softener sheets absorb dust just as well as cloths made specifically for that purpose.

Step 2: Remove from the window
If your blinds are plastic, vinyl, or aluminum—not wood—remove them from the window for washing.
*Tip: Wood blinds should never get wet; just dust them regularly. Only use a wood cleaner if the manufacturer says it's safe.

Step 3: Take it outside
If you have a yard, take the blinds outside. If you don't, put them in the bathtub.

Step 4: Wash them
Wash each slat with a sponge or brush. Don't forget to wash the cords!
*Tip: 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.

Step 5: Rinse thoroughly
Rinse the blinds thoroughly, then hang them on a clothesline or shower rod.

Step 6: 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.

Fact
Thirty-one percent of homeowners say that cleaning window treatments is their least favorite cleaning job, according to a survey.