What You’ll Need:
Microfiber cloth Vacuum and upholstery attachment Clean sock White vinegar Optional: Casabella Premium Mini Blinds Duster ($9, containerstore.com)
How to Clean Blinds:
To deep clean: For very dirty, sticky plastic blinds, save yourself the headache and remove them from the window and place them in a bathtub filled with warm water and a squeeze of dish soap. Let them soak for an hour. Rinse and hang them outside until they’re completely dry. To buy: $9, containerstore.com. On specialty tools: A special blinds cleaner isn’t necessary, but can be helpful if you’re staying on top of your weekly cleaning. It will save you time by allowing you to clean multiple blades at once.
Dos and Don’ts for Cleaning Blinds
DO work in cleaning your blinds when you dust, so at least once a week. DON’T spray air freshener, hairspray, or any sticky spray near your blinds—it can cause residue to build up over time. DO dust blinds before you vacuum or sweep, so you can remove the dust from your home rather than simply spread it around. DON’T try to deal with the dust with water. Dry dust first with a microfiber cloth that will catch the dust. Adding water to a dusty surface tends to make a bigger mess.
