How dirty your blinds are will determine the best cleaning method.

Then one day, you open them and notice thebuild-up of dustand other debris.

Thankfully, this oft-forgotten task isn’t so bad if you’re strategic.

Person cleaning white window blinds with a duster from the dirt

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attempt to clean your blinds when you dust, so you’ll get in the habit of doing it.

A simple wipe-down with a microfiber cloth is a good place to start.

It will save you time by allowing you to clean multiple blades at once.

White blinds with a disinfectant spray bottle

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(For horizontal blinds, wipe from side to side.)

Start with blinds close to the ceiling and make your way down.

Then close them the opposite way and repeat.

Close up of hand using blue microfiber cloth to clean white blinds

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Vacuum Debris

Vacuum up any dust and debris with your vacuum attachment.

Depending on the season, you may want to keep the windows closed while your blinds are drying.

Spring and summer could blow in pollen, causing blinds to become dirty again.

Hands using a rag to clean white blinds

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Dry dust first with a microfiber cloth that will catch the dust.

Pull the blinds out from the brackets and place them in the bathtub.

Wipe Blinds With a Sponge

Clean each blade individually with a soapy sponge.

Hand cleaning blinds with purple rag

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Take care not to miss the edges, which can get very dusty.

Dry and Replace

Hang the blinds outside or dry them with a microfiber cloth.

Then, replace them in the window.

White window blinds on a white background

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How to Whiten Yellowed Blinds

White blinds will turn yellow because of sunlight.

Thankfully, there’s a way to make your blinds white again.

Before you begin, confirm your blinds have been dusted and cleaned.

Use this method for aluminum or plastic blinds only.

Do not use bleach on painted wooden blinds to whiten them.

Instead, leave them hung up and spot treat yellowed spots.

Depending on the level of discoloration, it may be time to replace your blinds.

Inhaling bleach fumes can be damaging to your health.

Turn on a fan and open a window to allow for proper air circulation.

Allow the blinds to soak for 10 minutes.

Drain, Rinse, and Dry

Drain the bathtub and rinse the blinds with cold water.

Wipe blinds down with a clean towel to dry, then hang them outside until they are fully dry.

Replace them on the window.

Vinegar is fine for faux wood blinds, but steer clear of using vinegar to clean real wooden blinds.

Instead, dust regularly and remove stubborn dirt or stains with a wood cleaner.

Use a damp (not wet) microfiber cloth to wipe them down.

Depending on the quality of your blinds, they tend to last up to 10 years.

But over time, your blinds may be looking a little worse for wear.