Cleaning your blinds is the kind of chore that may slip your mind during your weekly cleans, but it can really make a difference throughout your house. Not only will your blinds - and in turn the room they’re in - look nicer when they’re grime-free, but avoiding layers of trapped or settled dust will help reduce allergies.

With so many varieties of blinds on the market, it can be confusing to figure out a cleaning method that’s right for you. If possible, you should always consult the care instructions provided by your blinds’ manufacturer, which will help you avoid any possible damage.

To help steer you in the right direction we’ve compiled our best advice on cleaning different types of blinds you may have in your home.

Venetian blinds

Venetian blinds are commonly made from timber, aluminium or PVC, and different materials may require different techniques. The first step to cleaning any Venetian blind is to close the slats so they lay as flat as possible, then either wipe them down with a microfibre cloth or run a vacuum over them. A stick vacuum like the Tineco PURE ONE X Stick Vacuum converts to a handheld cleaner and comes with a dusting brush attachment to gently capture dust from delicate slats.

If your blinds have stains or grime and need a bit more TLC, gently wipe them down with water and a cleaning solution that’s safe for the material you’re working with. Aluminium blinds can tolerate most mild cleaners or lightly soapy water, but wood blinds are more easily damaged. If a damp cloth alone isn’t getting the job done, try a gentle wood cleaner or heavily diluted vinegar mixture. Dry the blinds with a soft cloth immediately to prevent water damage.

Roller blinds and Roman blinds

Made from a variety of fabrics, roller and roman blinds can be easily vacuumed to remove dust. Using an upholstery tool or dusting brush attachment, thoroughly vacuum the blinds from top to bottom. Spot treat any stains using water, mild detergent or soap, and a soft cloth. Dab stains instead of rubbing for the most effective, gentle clean.

If your blinds are made from uncoated fabric and are heavily soiled, you may be able to take them off the windows and soak them in a diluted detergent mixture. Some blinds can even be put through the washing machine. For materials prone to water damage, try steam cleaning your blinds instead with a versatile machine like the Wertheim Pro Multi Steamer to lift grime and reduce odours. Just be careful not to scald the fabric as you do so.

Vertical blinds

Many vertical blinds can be cleaned the same way you’d handle Venetian blinds or roller blinds. Using the same fabric-safe attachment, vacuum each panel from top to bottom to remove any dust. Then wipe your blinds down with a mild diluted detergent and a soft cloth, paying attention to any stains or tough marks.

Dry your blinds off with a fresh cloth after cleaning to avoid mildew and water damage.

General tips

-     Try to dust or vacuum your blinds once a week to avoid dust build-up. This way, you’ll only have to commit to a heavy-duty clean every few months.

-     Don’t forget to clean both sides of your blinds, including the backside of roller blinds and both sides of each Venetian slat.

-     When vacuuming blinds, always work from top to bottom in order to catch any dust fallout.

-     If your blinds are hard to reach, heavily soiled or just a nuisance to clean, take them off the windows and clean them while they’re flat on the ground.

-     When using any sort of detergent or cleaning solution on your blinds, ensure you rinse it off as thoroughly as possible to stop future dust from sticking to the surface and building up faster.

-     Always dry your blinds thoroughly after cleaning them with water to avoid mold, mildew and water damage.

Come in-store and chat to our friendly team of experts to find the right cleaning solution for your home, or view our catalogue here.