Staring at dusty, grimy blinds and shutters? You're not alone. These window treatments are absolute dust magnets, and they're among the most dreaded cleaning tasks homeowners face. After cleaning thousands of homes across Florida, Texas, California, Georgia, and the DMV area, we've learned that most people either avoid cleaning their blinds entirely or use methods that actually make them dirtier.
The good news? Once you know the right techniques for different blind materials and styles, this task becomes manageable—even quick. In this guide, we'll walk you through exactly how to clean window blinds and shutters like a professional, including the methods we use daily and the mistakes that waste your time.
Here's what you'll learn: the best cleaning methods for each blind type, how to deep clean without damage, professional shortcuts that cut your time in half, and when it's worth calling in reinforcements.
Why Blinds and Shutters Get So Dirty (And Why It Matters)
Window treatments trap more than just dust. They collect cooking grease particles, pollen, pet dander, smoke residue, and airborne pollutants. The horizontal surfaces of blinds are particularly problematic because they create the perfect landing pad for everything floating through your air.
We've seen blinds in kitchens develop a sticky film within just three months. Homes with pets or smokers face even faster buildup. Beyond aesthetics, dirty blinds circulate allergens back into your air every time you open or close them.
In our experience, most homes need blind cleaning every 2-3 months minimum, with monthly attention in high-traffic areas like kitchens. Yet most homeowners we meet admit they haven't cleaned their blinds in over a year.
Essential Tools and Supplies You'll Need
Before starting, gather the right tools. Using proper equipment makes this job significantly faster and prevents damage to delicate materials.
Basic cleaning kit:
- Microfiber cloths (at least 6-8 clean ones)
- Vacuum with brush attachment
- Soft-bristle brush or old paintbrush
- Two buckets (one for cleaning solution, one for rinse water)
- Dish soap (Dawn is our go-to for cutting grease)
- White vinegar
- Cotton gloves or socks (trust us on this one)
For deep cleaning:
- Bathtub or outdoor space
- Magic Eraser or melamine sponges
- Extendable duster with washable heads
- Spray bottle
Pro Tip: We keep old tube socks specifically for blind cleaning. Slip one on each hand, spray with cleaning solution, and you can clean both sides of each slat simultaneously by running your fingers along them. This method is three times faster than wiping each side individually.
How to Clean Different Types of Blinds
Not all blinds respond well to the same treatment. Here's our proven approach for each type.
Faux Wood and Plastic Blinds
These are the most forgiving and easiest to clean. Faux wood and vinyl blinds can handle moisture and more aggressive cleaning without warping.
Light cleaning (monthly): Vacuum with brush attachment on low suction while blinds are fully extended. Start from the top and work down, doing both sides of each slat. Follow with a microfiber cloth dampened with water and a few drops of dish soap.
Deep cleaning (every 3-6 months): Remove blinds from the window entirely. Fill your bathtub with warm water and add 1/4 cup dish soap. Submerge the blinds and let them soak for 30-45 minutes. Use a soft brush to scrub stubborn spots, then rinse with clean water. Hang them outside or over your shower rod to drip dry completely—this usually takes 4-6 hours.
One of the trickiest situations we encounter is kitchen faux wood blinds covered in that sticky grease-dust combination. For these, we add 1/2 cup white vinegar to the bath water. The acidity cuts through grease far better than soap alone.
Real Wood Blinds
Wood blinds require gentler handling. Excessive moisture causes warping, discoloration, and cracking that ruins them permanently.
Never submerge wood blinds in water. We've seen too many homeowners try to give wood blinds the bathtub treatment, only to end up with warped, unusable blinds.
Instead, dust thoroughly with a microfiber cloth or lamb's wool duster. For deeper cleaning, use a barely damp cloth—we're talking lightly spritzed with water, not wet. Wipe each slat individually, then immediately dry with a separate cloth. For wood conditioning, apply a small amount of furniture polish (we prefer Guardsman Wood Polish for its anti-dust properties) every few months.
Fabric and Cellular Blinds
Fabric blinds are dust magnets and stain easily, but they're also more delicate than other types.
Use your vacuum's brush attachment on the lowest suction setting. Vacuum from top to bottom on both sides. Most fabric blinds can't tolerate wet cleaning without professional equipment, so vacuuming is your primary defense.
For spot cleaning small stains, use a barely damp cloth with a tiny amount of mild detergent. Blot—never rub—and test in an inconspicuous spot first. Professional deep cleaning services use specialized ultrasonic cleaning systems for fabric blinds that can't be achieved at home.
Metal Mini Blinds (Aluminum)
Aluminum blinds are nearly indestructible and can handle vigorous cleaning. However, they dent easily, so handle them carefully during removal and cleaning.
For routine maintenance, the sock method works brilliantly. For deep cleaning, these can go in the bathtub just like faux wood blinds. One difference: aluminum can develop water spots, so dry them thoroughly with a towel rather than letting them air dry.
After cleaning hundreds of kitchens, we've learned that aluminum blinds near stoves develop a brown, greasy film that regular soap won't touch. For this, create a paste with baking soda and water, apply it to problem areas, let it sit for 10 minutes, then scrub with a soft brush before rinsing.
How to Clean Plantation Shutters
Shutters are generally easier to maintain than blinds because their larger louvers collect less dust per surface area. However, their weight and fixed installation mean you can't remove them for bathtub cleaning.
Regular Maintenance Cleaning
Close the shutters completely so louvers are flat. Vacuum with a brush attachment from top to bottom. Flip the louvers to the opposite position and repeat.
Follow with a microfiber cloth sprayed with a gentle all-purpose cleaner. We mix 1 cup water, 1/4 cup white vinegar, and 2-3 drops of dish soap in a spray bottle—this cuts dust and grime without leaving residue.
Wipe each louver, frame, and tilt rod. For painted shutters, this solution won't harm the finish. For natural wood shutters, use the same barely-damp technique described for wood blinds.
Deep Cleaning Shutters
Plan for 45-60 minutes per average-sized window for thorough cleaning. Start by vacuuming all surfaces, including the frame edges where dust accumulates heavily.
For stubborn grime in corners and crevices, an old toothbrush works wonders. Dip it in your cleaning solution and scrub tight spots around hinges and where louvers meet the frame.
Pro Tip: Magic Erasers work incredibly well on painted shutters for removing scuff marks and built-up grime, but use them lightly. They're mildly abrasive and can dull glossy finishes if you scrub too hard. We dampen them and use gentle pressure, letting the eraser do the work rather than our elbow grease.
Common Mistakes That Make Blind Cleaning Harder
After seeing countless DIY cleaning attempts gone wrong, here are the mistakes we see most often.
Using too much water on wood blinds: This is the number one way homeowners ruin expensive wood blinds. Even