How to Clean Blinds (Horizontal & Vertical)
What You'll Need
- 2
- Bucket
- 1/4 cup
- Few drops
- 1 pair
Step-by-Step Method
Close the blinds flat. Starting at the top, wipe each slat with a dry microfiber cloth or an old sock worn on your hand. Work from top to bottom. Flip the blinds closed in the other direction and repeat.
Mix warm water with 1/4 cup white vinegar and a few drops of dish soap.
Dampen the cloth in the solution, wring well, and wipe each slat individually. For a faster method: wrap microfiber cloths around each arm of kitchen tongs, secure with rubber bands, and clamp each slat.
Wipe all slats with a dry cloth. Open the blinds and let air circulate to finish drying.
- Do not soak wood blinds in water (warps and damages the finish)
- Do not use abrasive cleaners on any blind type
- Do not pull hard on blind cords (mechanism damage)
- Dust blinds weekly with a duster to prevent buildup that requires deep cleaning.
- For heavily soiled vinyl or aluminum blinds: remove from window, lay flat in the bathtub, soak in warm soapy water for 30 minutes, scrub gently, rinse, and hang to dry.
- Fabric vertical blinds can usually be spot-cleaned or taken to a dry cleaner.
Frequently Asked Questions
Only small, solid vinyl mini-blinds and only on the top rack with no heat dry. Most blinds are too large and too delicate for this method. Bathtub soaking is safer and works for any size.
Sources & Methodology
Tongs cleaning method recommended by professional home organizers for efficiency. Vinegar cuts grease and dust buildup on vinyl and aluminum blinds without residue.
Last reviewed: March 20, 2026