What Is the Best Way to Clean Dirty Venetian Blinds?

How to Clean Venetian Blinds the Right Way

Dirty blinds don’t just look bad—they hold dust, grease, and allergens that affect your indoor air. Whether your Venetian blinds are made of wood, aluminum, or plastic, knowing the right cleaning method protects their appearance and lifespan.

At Love Is Blinds AZ, we’ve cleaned and installed thousands of blinds, and we’ve seen it all. This guide walks you through every method—daily touch-ups to deep cleans—so you can restore your blinds without hassle or damage.

Best Way to Clean Venetian Blinds: Start With the Material

Different blinds need different care. Cleaning wood is not the same as cleaning aluminum or faux wood.

Wooden Venetian Blinds

• Avoid water. Moisture causes wood to warp or discolor.
  
• Use: A dry or slightly damp microfiber cloth.
  
• For stains: Apply a wood-safe cleaner using a soft cloth.
  
• Tip: Dust frequently to avoid needing moisture-based cleaning.
  
  

Aluminum & Plastic (PVC or Faux Wood)

• Safe to wash with water.
  
• Use: Vinegar + warm water or dish soap solution.
  
• Best method: Wipe with a damp cloth or soak for deep cleans.
  
• Warning: Don’t scrub too hard—this can scratch the finish.
  

Must-Have Tools for Cleaning Venetian Blinds at Home

You don’t need fancy tools—just the right ones.

Basic Supplies

• Microfiber cloth (gentle on surfaces)
  
• Feather duster or blind brush
  
• Vacuum with soft brush attachment
  
• Bucket or spray bottle
  
• Mild dish soap
  
• White vinegar
  
• Towel or drying rack
  
  

Optional: Eco-Friendly Cleaners

• Baking soda (for tough stains)
  
• Lemon juice (natural disinfectant)
  
• Essential oils (like tea tree or eucalyptus for freshness)
  

How to Deep Clean Venetian Blinds

When regular dusting no longer does the job, it’s time for a deeper clean.

How to Clean Blinds Without Taking Them Down

• Close blinds flat in one direction
  
• Wipe slats gently with a damp microfiber cloth dipped in vinegar or soapy water
  
• Flip slats and repeat on the other side
  
• Dry with a clean towel to prevent water spots
  
  

Deep Cleaning Venetian Blinds in a Bathtub

This works best for aluminum or plastic blinds, not wood.

Steps:

• Remove blinds carefully from the window frame
  
• Fill a bathtub with warm water + a few drops of dish soap + 1 cup white vinegar
  
• Submerge the blinds and soak for 20–30 minutes
  
• Gently wipe each slat with a sponge
  
• Rinse with clean water
  
• Dry thoroughly with a towel and hang outside to finish drying
  

How to Take Venetian Blinds Down for Cleaning

• Use a screwdriver to detach mounting brackets if needed
  
• Carefully lift the blinds from the brackets
  
• Keep all screws and brackets in a small bowl so you don’t lose them
  
• Lay blinds flat on a towel before cleaning



Tip: Check manufacturer instructions if unsure about the removal mechanism.

Tips for Cleaning Venetian Blinds in the Kitchen

Kitchen blinds attract grease, especially near stoves or ovens.

How to clean greasy Venetian blinds:

• Mix vinegar + a drop of dish soap + warm water
  
• Spray the solution on each slat
  
• Let it sit for 2–3 minutes to break down grease
  
• Wipe with a sponge or cloth
  
• Rinse and dry completely
  
  

For heavy grease:

• Use a degreaser like Simple Green (safe for plastic/aluminum)
  
• Avoid using oven cleaners or bleach—they damage finishes
  

Spot Cleaning: Mold, Mildew, and Stains

Even with regular cleaning, blinds can develop mold or stubborn stains—especially in humid rooms like bathrooms.

How to remove mold from blinds:

• Mix white vinegar + water (1:1 ratio)
  
• Spray directly onto affected area
  
• Let sit for 10 minutes
  
• Wipe clean with cloth
  
  

Blind-safe bleach alternative:

• 3% hydrogen peroxide
  
• Apply with cotton swab for small spots
  

Tips for Maintaining Your Venetian Blinds

Prevent Dust on Blinds

• Dust weekly with a duster or vacuum brush
  
• Wipe with dryer sheets to repel dust—yes, it works. (Looking to reduce dust buildup long-term? Explore Dust-Resistant Window Coverings that minimize cleaning needs and improve indoor air quality.)
  
  

Create a Cleaning Schedule

• Light dusting: Weekly or bi-weekly
  
• Spot cleaning: As needed
  
• Deep cleaning: Every 3–4 months or seasonally
  
  

Avoid Damage

• Never soak wood blinds
  
• Don’t use abrasive sponges
  
• Always dry thoroughly to avoid warping or mold
  

FAQs: How to Clean Venetian Blinds

Pro Hacks and Mistakes to Avoid

Do:

• Dust regularly to prevent buildup
  
• Use gentle cleaners for the material type
  
• Dry blinds fully before re-hanging
  
  

Don’t:

• Over-saturate wood blinds
  
• Use harsh chemicals (especially bleach on colored blinds)
  
• Let blinds dry while folded—this traps moisture