Let’s face it, cleaning window blinds is not much fun, but it’s a job that must be done. So get out the old gloves, and let’s get to work.

Whether your blinds are made of wood, aluminum, vinyl, or fabric, if you clean your blinds on a regular basis, your task will be much easier.

To get started, move any nearby furniture away from the area you’re going to attack first. If you’re planning to use any kind of liquid spray or soapy water, place a thick layer of newspaper or old towels on the floor underneath the window to protect your carpet or flooring. Otherwise, you’ll have another job to do once your blinds are clean.

Here are six (6) tips to make the job easier.

Tip #1: Use the soft brush vacuum cleaner attachment, a lightweight duster or any anti-dust spray and a soft cloth.

Tip #2: Always be sure to clean in the direction your blinds are constructed; clean your vertical blinds vertically and your horizontal blinds horizontally.

Tip #3: Regardless of the method you choose, clean gently to avoid bending or denting your blinds.

Tip #4: Clean blinds in both open and closed positions to ensure the entire slats are thoroughly cleaned.

Tip #5: A great tip is to put a pair of old gloves or socks on your hands and rub them along the blinds to remove the dust.

Tip #6: Another idea is to use a small paintbrush to dust off the slats.

If your blinds have been neglected for a while, you will probably find more than a light film of dust, you may find a thicker layer of dirt. This requires a little more effort to get your blinds really clean. Several methods will do the job; you can try whatever seems best for your particular situation.

Vinyl or Aluminum Blinds

Fabric Blinds

Wood Blinds

Regular cleaning will make cleaning your blinds much easier. When you vacuum your floors, take the time to vacuum your blinds as well (at least once a month). This is particularly important for fabric blinds; if dirt is allowed to build up on your fabric blinds, permanent spotting may occur and there isn’t a good method for rectifying this problem.

One last tip: once you’ve cleaned your blinds well, try going over the slats with a sheet of fabric softener to help keep dust from building up so quickly!