How Do You Clean Vertical Window Blinds?

Vertical window blinds are great for light control and privacy, but they’re absolute dust magnets. Give them a few weeks and they start looking dull, streaky, or patchy—especially in Aussie homes where dust, humidity, cooking grease, and open windows are part of everyday life. Many people give them a quick wipe, only to find the dust comes straight back or the blinds end up looking worse than before.

Cleaning vertical blinds properly isn’t difficult, but the method matters. Use the wrong approach and you can shrink fabric slats, warp PVC blinds, or leave water marks that stand out even more than the dirt. Once you have cleaned your windows, cleaning the window blinds are recommended. This guide walks you through exactly how to clean vertical window blinds the right way, step by step, without damaging them—whether you’re doing a quick tidy-up or getting ready for a rental inspection of bond cleaning.

Step 1: Identify What Type of Vertical Blinds You Have

Before you clean anything, you need to know what material you’re dealing with. This is where most people go wrong. Vertical blinds might all look similar from a distance, but they don’t handle moisture, pressure, or chemicals the same way.

Common Types of Vertical Blinds

Fabric vertical blinds
These are usually soft, slightly textured, and often found in living rooms and bedrooms. They attract dust and absorb smells easily.

PVC or vinyl vertical blinds
Smooth, slightly shiny, and commonly used in kitchens and rental properties. These handle moisture well but show grease and streaks easily.

Faux wood vertical blinds
Heavier and more rigid, with a wood-grain finish. These need minimal moisture to avoid swelling or peeling.

If you’re unsure, run your fingers lightly over a slat. Fabric feels soft and flexible, PVC feels smooth and cool, and faux wood feels solid and weighty.

Step 2: Regular Dusting (The Part Most People Skip)

If you only ever deep clean your blinds, they’ll never look properly clean. Dust builds up quickly and mixes with moisture, turning into stubborn grime.

How to Dust Vertical Blinds Properly

Start with the blinds fully closed. This exposes the widest surface area.

Use one of the following:

• A microfiber cloth
• A vacuum cleaner with a soft brush attachment
• A blind duster

Work from the top of each slat down to the bottom. Then reverse the blind direction and repeat on the other side.

For most homes, dusting once a week or fortnight makes a massive difference. It also means deep cleaning takes half the time later.

Step 3: Deep Cleaning Fabric Vertical Blinds

Fabric vertical blinds need the most care. Too much water or aggressive scrubbing can leave marks, distort the fabric, or cause shrinkage.

Spot Cleaning Fabric Blinds

This is the safest method for most situations.

Mix a solution of:

• Warm water
• A small amount of mild laundry detergent

Dampen a clean cloth—do not soak it. Gently blot stained areas. Avoid rubbing hard, as this pushes dirt deeper into the fibres.

Once clean, blot again with a dry towel to remove excess moisture and prevent water lines.

Hand Washing Fabric Slats (When Needed)

If blinds are heavily soiled and the care label allows washing:

Remove the slats carefully from the headrail.
Fill a bathtub with lukewarm water and mild detergent.
Lay the slats flat and gently move them through the water.
Rinse with clean water.

Do not twist or wring the fabric. Lay the slats flat on towels or hang them straight to air dry.

Machine washing is risky and often leads to creasing or fraying, even on a gentle cycle.

Step 4: Cleaning PVC or Vinyl Vertical Blinds

PVC blinds are far more forgiving and are common in kitchens, dining areas, and rentals.

Standard Cleaning Method

Mix:

• Warm water
• A few drops of dishwashing liquid

Close the blinds and wipe each slat with a sponge or cloth from top to bottom. Rinse the cloth frequently to avoid spreading grime.

For kitchen blinds, grease can build up quickly. In these cases, a vinegar-and-water solution helps cut through residue without leaving streaks.

Outdoor Cleaning Option

If the blinds are very dirty:

• Remove the slats
• Lay them flat outside
• Hose gently
• Wipe with soapy water
• Rinse and air dry fully

Avoid high-pressure water, which can bend or crack slats.

Step 5: Cleaning Faux Wood Vertical Blinds

Faux wood blinds look great but don’t like water.

Start by dusting thoroughly with a microfiber cloth or vacuum brush.

If needed, lightly dampen a cloth with plain water or very mild detergent and wipe gently. Dry immediately with a clean towel.

Never soak faux wood blinds or leave them wet. Moisture can cause warping, bubbling, or peeling that can’t be fixed.

Step 6: Removing Stubborn Stains and Smells

Some issues need extra attention, especially in homes with pets, smokers, or high humidity.

Food and Grease Stains

Best handled with dish soap and warm water. Always test a small area first, especially on fabric blinds.

Nicotine Build-Up

A vinegar-and-water solution helps break down yellow residue on PVC blinds. Fabric blinds may need professional cleaning if staining is heavy.

Pet and Musty Smells

Lightly mist fabric blinds with diluted vinegar, then allow to air dry in a well-ventilated room.

Mould Spots

Clean immediately with a vinegar solution and ensure blinds dry fully. Persistent mould usually indicates poor ventilation and may require replacement.

Step 7: Drying and Rehanging Blinds Correctly

Drying is just as important as cleaning.

Fabric slats should be completely dry before rehanging to prevent water marks and mildew. Hang them straight so they don’t dry with bends or creases.

PVC and faux wood blinds should be wiped dry with a clean cloth after washing to avoid streaks.

Reattach slats carefully in the same orientation so they hang evenly and rotate smoothly.

Common Mistakes That Ruin Vertical Blinds

• Using bleach or harsh cleaners
• Over-wetting fabric blinds
• Skipping dusting before wet cleaning
• Twisting or wringing slats
• Leaving blinds damp

These mistakes often cause more damage than the dirt you’re trying to remove.

Are Clean Vertical Blinds Required for Rental Inspections?

In most Australian states, blinds fall under the “fixtures” category and are expected to be reasonably clean at the end of a lease.

Dusty, stained, or greasy vertical blinds can lead to bond deductions, especially if they were clean at the start of the tenancy.

For light dirt, DIY cleaning is usually fine. For heavy staining or mould, professional blind cleaning may be cheaper than replacing damaged blinds.

Final Thoughts

Cleaning vertical window blinds doesn’t need to be a dreaded job. Once you know what material you’re dealing with and follow the right method, it becomes quick, manageable, and far more effective. Regular dusting prevents heavy build-up, gentle cleaning protects the blinds, and proper drying keeps them looking fresh.

Whether you’re keeping your home tidy or preparing for a rental inspection, taking the time to clean vertical blinds properly can save money, effort, and unnecessary replacements in the long run.