Here's How Often You Need To Clean Your Blinds

If you have blinds on your windows, you may have noticed that dust and debris can build up if you don't clean them regularly. Window blinds may be horizontal and angle upward or downward, or they may hang vertically and angle from side to side. Because they sit at a specific angle for long periods of time, they are prone to collecting dust, just like any other surface of your home. Therefore, they require regular cleaning to stay in good condition. But how often do you need to clean them?

The Spruce recommends doing a quick vacuuming of your blinds on a weekly basis and wiping the blinds clean every month. The weekly cleans will maintain the condition of your blinds and prolong how often you need to give them a deeper clean. Typically, you will need to deep clean your blinds using soap and water up to two times a year, depending on how dusty they become over the months.

There are a few different methods to clean your blinds that vary based on the type of blinds and how dirty they are, according to Architectural Digest. The first way is by vacuuming them with a brush attachment on a low setting. This method can be used with vertical blinds, working from top to bottom, or horizontal blinds, moving from one side to the other. Every month, wipe your blinds with a moist rag to help remove any buildup that the vacuum couldn't clean. Make sure to clean both sides and then allow them to dry.

If you notice excess buildup on individual blinds, you can remove and soak them in a bathtub with dish soap, baking soda, and water. After an hour, wipe the blinds clean and rehang them in the window. You can avoid this excess buildup by cleaning your blinds regularly as part of your normal cleaning routine; however, it's best to carry out this deep clean once or twice a year. A similar method can also be used if your blinds are yellowed from sun exposure. Place them in a bathtub with 3 cups of bleach and some water. You can let them sit in this mixture for up to 10 minutes before rinsing, drying, and rehanging them.