How to clean venetian blinds properly (without bending the slats)

Thinking about cleaning your venetian blinds?

We’ll show you exactly how to dust and deep clean your venetian blind without bending a single slat. Easy, safe, and perfect for keeping your blinds looking great and lasting longer.

Why should I clean venetian blinds?

We get this question all the time, and the answer is simple: clean blinds not only look better, but they last longer and keep your home healthier. Here’s why it’s worth making time for:

They last longer — Regular cleaning helps prevent dust and grime from scratching, staining, or warping your slats. Weekly dusting is widely recommended by home-care editors and pros (Southern Living).
They improve air quality — Blinds can trap allergens. Experts suggest cleaning them at least monthly to keep indoor air fresher (Southern Living).
They make your room look brighter — Clean blinds instantly freshen up your windows and your whole space.
They’re easier to clean when done regularly — Many households only deep clean every six months, which lets grime harden and makes the job harder later (Unbeatable Blinds).

Why gentle cleaning matters

Venetian blinds are more delicate than they look—especially wooden or faux wood types. Press too hard, use the wrong cleaner, or twist a slat too far, and you could end up with permanent warping.

We recommend this cleaning cadence to balance cleanliness with care:

Wooden venetian blinds — Dust your wooden blinds weekly; deep clean every 3–6 months
Aluminium venetian blinds or faux wood blinds: Dust metal venetian blinds weekly; deep clean every 1–3 months.
Kitchen & Bathroom Blinds: These blinds work extra hard, facing daily grease, steam, and humidity. We recommend giving them a little more attention—regular wipes help prevent stubborn buildup and stop mould before it starts.
Bedroom & Living Room Blinds: In these spaces, dust is the main culprit. A quick dust every week or two keeps them looking fresh and bright, so your home always feels inviting.

Follow this easy cleaning process for long-lasting window coverings

Weekly dusting/light cleaning (5–10 min)

Prep the area: Place a towel on the sill/floor to catch dust.
Close & support: Close the slats. With your non‑dominant hand, support each slat from underneath to prevent bending.
Wipe horizontally: Using a soft cloth, microfibre cloth or glove, wipe from the centre outward to the end of each blind slat. Use light pressure only.
Flip and repeat: Tilt the slats the other way and repeat the same gentle wipe on the reverse.
Vacuum cleaner (optional): For heavy dust, use a vacuum’s soft brush on low suction, supporting each slat as you go.
Final pass: Open and close the tilt once to shake off any last dust, then do a quick visual check.

Spot cleaning (marks & fingerprints)

Make a mild soapy water cleaning solution: Warm clean water with a small drop of mild dish soap.
- Aluminium/Faux Wood: For greasy spots, use a 1:1 water–white vinegar mix.
- Real Wood: Use a barely damp clean cloth with plain water (no vinegar).
Support & dab: Support the slat from underneath and gently dab the mark—avoid scrubbing.
Dry immediately: Follow with a dry microfibre cloth to remove all moisture (essential for wood).

Deep clean/thorough cleaning (monthly/seasonal)

For Aluminium & Faux Wood

Close slats & protect the area: Close the slats so they lie flat and place a towel on the sill/floor.
Prepare a damp cloth: Mix warm water with a drop of mild dish soap. Wring the cloth thoroughly—damp, not wet.
Clean one slat at a time: Support each slat with your free hand and wipe horizontally from centre to ends.
Tackle grease if needed: Switch to a 1:1 water–white vinegar solution for stubborn areas.
Flip & repeat: Tilt the slats the other way and clean the reverse side.
Dry as you go: Use a dry microfibre cloth to remove all moisture and prevent water marks.

For Real Wood

Dust thoroughly first: Complete the weekly dusting steps before any deeper clean.
Use minimal moisture: Lightly dampen a microfibre cloth with plain water (or wood-safe cleaner). Wring until almost dry.
Support & wipe lightly: Support the slat underneath and wipe horizontally with very light pressure.
Immediate dry: Follow each pass with a dry cloth to avoid swelling or warping.
Final check: Ensure all slats are completely dry before fully opening the blinds.

How to clean without bending the slats

Always support the slat with your other hand while wiping.
Use gentle horizontal strokes—never press down or twist.
Start from the middle of the slat and move towards the ends.
Go slow: light, repeated passes beat one heavy scrub.

Tackling heavily soiled or greasy blinds

Blinds in kitchens often attract grease and cooking residue. Here’s our go-to:

Mix equal parts water and vinegar with a drop of dish soap (for aluminium or faux wood).
Apply with a soft sponge, supporting the slat from underneath.
Dry immediately.
Only remove blinds entirely if dirt is truly inaccessible—most of the time, in-place cleaning works just fine.

Tips for Preventing Buildup Between Cleanings

Use anti-static products: Lightly wipe slats with a dryer sheet or use an anti-static spray to help repel dust and reduce how often it settles.
Keep window sills clean: Dust and dirt often migrate upward from the sill—wipe them regularly to keep blinds cleaner for longer.
Control indoor humidity: Use an extractor fan in kitchens and bathrooms to reduce moisture that can cause mould or sticky buildup.
Close windows on windy days: This reduces airborne dust and debris from blowing onto your blinds.
Spot clean as soon as you notice marks: Treat fingerprints, splashes, or small grease spots right away so they don’t become stubborn stains.

When to call in the pros

If your blinds are warped, heavily soiled, or you suffer from allergies, a professional clean can make a noticeable difference. Many home-care editors recommend cleaning high-touch or dust-prone items at least monthly to cut down on allergens (Southern Living).

Clean blinds aren’t just about looks

They’re about longevity, health, and making your home feel fresh. By dusting weekly, deep cleaning on schedule, and avoiding heavy pressure, you can keep your venetian blinds looking brand new for years. And if you’d prefer a hand, we’re right here.

How often should I clean my venetian blinds?

For most homes, a light dusting once a week and a deeper clean every 1–3 months is ideal. Wooden blinds need deep cleaning less often—every 3–6 months—to protect their finish.

What’s the safest way to clean venetian blinds without bending the slats?

Always support the slat with your free hand, use a microfibre cloth, and wipe gently in a horizontal motion from centre to ends. Avoid pressing down or twisting.

Can I use water on wooden venetian blinds?

Only very sparingly. Use a barely damp cloth and dry immediately after each wipe. Too much moisture can cause swelling or warping.

What cleaning products should I avoid?

Steer clear of bleach, strong solvents, and abrasive cleaners. They can strip finishes, damage materials, and leave permanent marks.

How do I deal with greasy kitchen blinds?

For aluminium or faux wood, use a mix of equal parts warm water and white vinegar with a drop of mild dish soap. Support the slat as you wipe and dry immediately.

Do I need to take blinds down to clean them?

Not usually. Most dust, fingerprints, and light grease can be cleaned in place. Removing them is only necessary for extreme buildup or full refurbishment.

Can I vacuum venetian blinds?

Yes—use a soft brush attachment on low suction, and support each slat as you move across. This is great for quick dust removal.

How do I stop blinds from getting dusty so quickly?

Wipe them with a dryer sheet or anti-static spray after cleaning to help repel dust. Keeping window sills clean also makes a big difference.

Are professional blind cleaning services worth it?

Absolutely—especially if you have valuable wooden blinds, stubborn buildup, or limited time. We use specialised tools and techniques to protect your investment.

What’s the difference between cleaning aluminium, faux wood, and real wood blinds?

Aluminium and faux wood can handle a bit more moisture, making them easier to deep clean. Real wood needs a gentler, low-moisture approach to preserve the finish.