Find a Showroom
How to Clean Blinds: Easy Methods and Tips by Type
Cleaning blinds starts with matching your method to the material. Wood Blinds, Faux Wood Blinds, Metal Blinds, Panel Track Blinds and Cellular Shades each have specific care needs, so the safest blind cleaning method depends on the type of blinds you have.
This blinds cleaning guide starts with a simple three-step method that works for most blinds and shades: vacuum with an upholstery attachment to remove loose dust, dust the surface, then spot clean as needed. From there, youāll find material-specific tips for cleaning each type of blind and shade safely.
Key Takeaways: How to Clean Blinds
- Match your cleaning method to the material or type of blind.
- The three-step method (vacuum, dust, spot clean) is the easiest and safest blind cleaning method for most blinds and shades.
- Use warm water and a little dish soap for spot cleaning. Skip harsh chemicals that break down fabrics and finishes.
- Shades and blinds often need professional cleaning if soiled beyond a spot clean.
In this Blind Cleaning & Care Guide
3-Step Easy Method for Cleaning Blinds
Every blinds cleaning routine at home comes down to three steps: vacuum, dust, then spot clean. This is the best way to clean blinds and shades when you are not sure what your material can handle because it starts with the gentlest tool and only reaches for water when a stain calls for it. The method works across almost every style, from Wood Blinds to Vertical Blinds to Cellular Shades.
1. Use a Vacuum to Clean Blinds
Your household vacuum cleaner is the best tool for removing everyday dust and dirt that accumulates on any set of blinds or shades. We recommend an upholstery wand attachment and running it from top to bottom. For hard textiles like Vertical Blinds and fabrics like Roman Shades, use a low suction setting to protect the material. Using a vacuum cleaner with an attachment handles most blind cleaning between deep cleans.
2. Routinely Dust Blinds to Keep Blinds Clean
Next comes dusting, and it is the fastest and most effective blinds cleaning method between deep cleans. Use a feather duster, a microfiber cloth or a soft paint brush to gently sweep dust off the slats or fabric. An adhesive dust brush works particularly well on horizontal blinds because its soft fingers slip between slats and grab dust from both sides at once rather than pushing it into the air.
3. Spot Cleaning textile Blinds
For stubborn spots, we recommend a solution of warm water and a small amount of dish soap for most shades and blinds, including Vertical Blinds. Wet a soft sponge, wring it out well and wipe each spot in a gentle circular motion. Let the area air dry before raising the blinds. If a stain resists this treatment, stop before you scrub. Some materials, especially natural fibers and printed textiles, can be permanently damaged by aggressive cleaning. If you’re having trouble, don’t hesitate to reach out to Client Services at 800-754-1455 or email help@theshadestore.com and we can recommend the right care or a trusted local cleaner.
Designer Insight
The most common mistake is treating every blind the same. Wood needs a dry cloth, Cellular Shades cannot handle water and metal slats bend if you handle them roughly. Match the method to the material and you will get years of life out of a set of custom blinds.
How to Clean Blinds by Material & Type
Every type of blind has a slightly different care routine. Below is how to clean the styles you’re most likely to have in your home. Skip to your material or start at the top of the chart and work down, especially if you have several types of blinds and shades in the same house.
| Blind Type | Primary Method | Water Tolerance | Pro Cleaning? |
| Wood Blinds | Dry dust; barely damp for stains | Low | Optional |
| Faux Wood Blinds | Damp wipe | High | Rarely needed |
| Metal Blinds | Dry dust; damp wipe | Medium (do not bend) | Rarely needed |
| Vertical & Roller Shades | Vacuum, dust, spot clean | Low (spot only) | For heavy soil |
| Cellular / Honeycomb Shades | Vacuum on low; cool hair-dryer for dust in cells | Very low | Yes, for stains |
| Roman & Woven Wood Shades | Dry dust or vacuum only | None | Yes, for anything beyond dust |
How to Clean Wood Blinds
Wood Blinds require a mostly dry cleaning approach. Water can warp real wood or damage the finish over time, so avoid excessive water. Dust with a microfiber cloth or an adhesive brush, working slat by slat from the top down. For light stains, use a barely damp cloth and dry the wood immediately. Never leave water sitting on a wood surface. If you have Faux Wood Blinds, they tolerate more moisture and can be cleaned like vinyl.
Cleaning Faux Wood Blinds
Faux wood blinds are the easiest of all to clean because their surface resists water. Close the blinds, dust with a microfiber cloth, then wipe with a soft sponge dampened in warm soapy water. Flip the slats and repeat on the other side.
How to Clean Metal Blinds
Metal Blinds handle water well but need care to avoid bending. Dust slat by slat, then wipe with a damp cloth. Never scrunch metal slats together while cleaning. They are thin and bend easily.
Cleaning Vertical Blinds
Vertical Blinds operate on a track system, so cleaning them in place is the safest approach. Start with a low-suction vacuum and an appropriate attachment, moving from top to bottom. Dust with a feather duster or soft paint brush, working along each vertical panel. For spot cleaning, use warm water with a small amount of dish soap on a soft sponge, working gently in a circular motion and letting each panel air dry fully. Never fold, scrunch or bend the panels, as this can damage the material and affect how they hang.
How to Clean Cellular or Honeycomb Shades
Cellular Shades, sometimes called honeycomb shades, or pleated shades need a light touch because their pleated construction traps dust inside the folds. Vacuum on low suction with an upholstery attachment, moving in the direction of the pleats. For dust that has settled deeper into the folds, blow it out with a hair dryer on the cool setting. Spot clean any surface marks with a barely damp cloth and let the shade air dry fully in the down position. Never submerge any of these shades in water. The pleats lose their structure once fully wet.
How to Clean Roman Shades and Woven Wood Shades
Roman Shades and Woven Wood Shades are both best cleaned dry or by a professional. For Roman Shades, dust with a microfiber cloth or vacuum with an upholstery brush. For Woven Wood Shades, a soft dry brush works better because the natural fibers can hold onto moisture. Deep cleaning either style is a job for a professional. Trust the results to a specialist rather than risk warping the woven fibers or damaging the fabric. Call Client Services at 800-754-1455 or email help@theshadestore.com for professional local cleaner recommendations.
How to Clean Roller and Solar Shades
Roller and Solar Shades require a gentle approach because the stiffening that holds the hard textile panels straight can be damaged by water or machine washing. Dust with a microfiber cloth or feather duster, working gently across the material. For spot cleaning, use warm water and a small amount of dish soap on a barely damp cloth, working in a circular motion and letting the material air dry fully in the down position. Never submerge Roller or Solar Shades fully in water. The stiffening treatment may wash out, leaving the panels limp.
How to Clean Blinds Without Taking Them Down
For most homes, taking blinds down is unnecessary. The three-step vacuum, dust, spot clean method works well while the blinds hang in place, which is the easiest way to clean blinds without taking them down. The trick is starting from the top and working down so any loose dust falls onto slats you have not yet cleaned. Close the blinds fully so you can wipe or dust in one direction, then flip the slats and repeat. For fabric styles, angle a low-suction vacuum to lift dust without pulling the fabric.
ready for a refresh?
See what new blinds could look like with a Free Design Consultation, available in your home, in a showroom or online.
How to Remove Dust from Dusty Blinds
When dust has built up beyond a light layer, an adhesive dust brush is the fastest fix. These brushes have thin soft fingers that slip between slats and pull dust off both sides at once. A microfiber cloth folded over your hand works nearly as well. For dusty fabric blinds, run a lint roller lightly across the surface before vacuuming to lift the top layer without pressing dust deeper into the weave. The best way to clean dusty blinds is to catch them before the dust bonds to the surface, so a monthly quick pass beats a twice-a-year deep clean.
How to Take Down Blinds for Cleaning
Taking down blinds for cleaning is best done by one of our professionals. Call 800-754-1455 to set up a service appointment. Depending on the situation, our professionals can likely clean your window treatments in your home. If your treatments require deeper cleaning, we’ll recommend a trusted professional cleaner.
Best Tools For Cleaning Blinds
Professional cleaners rely on a small set of tools that work for almost every blind material:
- Microfiber cloths and dusting mitts for daily upkeep
- An adhesive blind cleaner brush with soft fingers for horizontal styles
- A handheld vacuum with an upholstery attachment for gentle suction on fabric
- Warm water and a small amount of dish soap as the go-to spot cleaner and blind cleaner spray substitute
- A soft toothbrush for tight corners and headrail crevices
Avoid abrasive sponges, all-purpose cleaner sprays and bleach. Each of these can strip finishes, discolor fabric or damage the coatings that keep faux wood and cellular materials looking their best.
Some homeowners ask about steam cleaners for blinds. Steam may work on Metal and Faux Wood Blinds when used briefly and carefully, but we do not recommend doing this on your own. Call Client Services at 800-754-1455 for advice or a local cleaner recommendation. Steamers are not recommended at all for Roller Shades, Cellular Shades or wood styles.
When to Call a Professional Cleaner
Some situations are beyond a home clean. Before calling a professional cleaner, it’s best to reach out to Client Services at 800-754-1455 to confirm the material composition of your window treatments so that a local cleaner knows best how to proceed with cleaning.
Consider professional cleaning when:
- Cellular Shades or Roman Shades have set-in stains or smoke damage
- Blinds have been exposed to grease in a kitchen setting
- Motorized components would be affected by water
- Woven Wood Shades have absorbed moisture and lost their shape
Questions About Custom Window Treatments?
If you have any questions about custom window treatments at The Shade Store or need assistance finding your dream window treatments, we’re here to help. The Shade Store offers expert services every step of the way, from inspiration to installation. Our team of Design Consultants is available to assist you with material selection, color coordination, measurement and installation scheduling and more, however you choose to shop.
To get started, stop by your local showroom, visit us online or give us a call at 800.754.1455.
ORDER YOUR FAVORITE SWATCHES FOR FREE
Compare as many of your favorites from our collection of 1,200+ premium materials at home when you order free swatches online.
Blind Cleaning FAQs
How often should I clean my blinds?
Dust once a month and spot clean as needed. A professional cleaning about once a year is enough for most homes. Rooms with heavier traffic or airflow, such as kitchens and entryways, may benefit from more frequent cleaning.
Can I put blinds in the washing machine?
No. Machine washing can damage the stiffening that holds the hard textiles of Vertical Blinds and Roller Shades straight and may bend or dent slats on wood, faux wood and metal blinds.
Can I deep-clean blinds in the bathtub?
We donāt recommend deep cleaning our blinds, or any of our window treatments, in the bathtub. A soak in water can damage your custom blinds or shades, depending on the material composition of the treatment. The best course of action for deep cleaning blinds or shades is to call Client Services and we can direct you to a professional local cleaner who knows how to handle your particular window treatment and stain.
What is the best cleaner for blinds?
Warm water with a small amount of dish soap works for most blind cleaning needs. For dust, a microfiber cloth or blind cleaning brush is usually more effective than spray cleaner. Avoid bleach, ammonia and abrasive cleaners.
Do I have to take blinds down to clean them?
Rarely. Regular dusting and spot cleaning can usually be done with the blinds in place. If deeper cleaning is needed, call our Client Services at 800-754-1455 to schedule a service appointment where our professionals can take down your treatments for cleaning if needed.
How do I clean blinds that are stained with grease?
Kitchen grease often needs more than dish soap. For faux wood or metal blinds, use a small amount of citrus-based degreaser diluted with warm water. For Roller Shades or Cellular Shades, grease can set into the material quickly and home cleaning methods may make the stain worse. Call Client Services at 800-754-1455 so we can confirm the material composition and recommend a local professional cleaner.
About The Shade Store
The Shade Store is a premium custom window treatment company with a rich heritage in luxury textiles and interior design. Its exclusive collection of more than 1,300 in-stock fabrics and materials provides customers with an unparalleled amount of style and customization options, including cordless window treatments for family-safe rooms. Every window treatment is proudly handcrafted in the USA, hung and tested for quality assurance. With showrooms nationwide, The Shade Store offers a complete range of in-person and virtual design services for consumers and design-trade clientele, including swatches, complimentary professional window measurements and photo rendering. Additionally, the company is an advocate for environmental sustainability. For every purchase made, the company provides the ‘Gift of Shade’ by planting a tree in partnership with the Arbor Day Foundation.
