How to Clean Faux Wood Blinds

Co-authored by Kadi Dulude and Amber Crain

Last Updated: March 27, 2022 References Approved

Faux wood blinds are usually made of composite wood-like material and vinyl. They cost a lot less and are easier to maintain than real wood blinds. Like all window treatments, faux wood blinds get dusty over time. They are quite easy to keep clean because they are so durable. Maintain your faux wood blinds with routine dusting using a microfiber cloth and/or a vacuum brush attachment. Stubborn dirt and grime can be removed with a solution of warm water and a mild detergent.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Removing Dust

1
Dust once a week with a feather duster or microfiber cloth. For routine dusting, start by closing the blinds completely. Run a feather duster or dry microfiber cloth over each slat, starting at the top corner and working your way down to the bottom slat.^{[1]
X
Expert Source

Jon Gholian
Cleaning Specialist
Expert Interview. 15 December 2020.} Open the blinds again and then close them in the opposite direction. Use the cloth to dust the slats on the other side.
- Run a dryer sheet over the slats every couple of days to prevent dust from sticking to them.^{[2]
  X
  Research source}
- Avoid pushing dust into the cords running through the slats.
- Alternatively, you can clean them with a Swiffer Dry duster.^{[3]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Kadi Dulude
  House Cleaning Professional
  Expert Interview. 22 September 2019.}
- A quick swipe at least once a week will keep them clean and help you avoid the time-consuming deep cleaning process.^{[4]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Kadi Dulude
  House Cleaning Professional
  Expert Interview. 22 September 2019.}
2
Use a vacuum with a brush attachment.^{[5]
X
Research source} Attach the brush attachment to the hose of your vacuum cleaner. Close the blinds face down. Use one hand to hold the edge of the blinds steady, and use the other to vacuum. Start at the top corner and run the brush attachment from one side of the slat to the other. One pass is usually enough but, for extra dirty blinds, run the brush attachment back and forth across the slat.^{[6]
X
Expert Source

Jon Gholian
Cleaning Specialist
Expert Interview. 15 December 2020.}
- Move down to the next slat and repeat the same actions.
- Use the vacuum’s lowest setting. Too much suction can twist or damage the slats.^{[7]
  X
  Research source}
- Use a good vacuum with a filter, be sure the filter is cleaned or changed as needed.^{[8]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Kadi Dulude
  House Cleaning Professional
  Expert Interview. 22 September 2019.}
Advertisement
3
Flip the blinds the opposite direction. After working your way down to the bottom of the first side with the brush attachment, flip the blinds so they’re facing the opposite direction. Start at the top again with the brush attachment and work your way down to the last slat. After you’ve cleaned all the slats, lift the blinds up and vacuum along the windowsill underneath them.
4
Remove stubborn dust with a mild detergent and microfiber cloth. Sometimes dust is too thick to whisk it away with a feather duster. If you live in a very humid climate, dust may settle on your blinds and stick to them. In these situations, mix a small amount of warm water with a mild detergent.^{[9]
X
Expert Source

Jon Gholian
Cleaning Specialist
Expert Interview. 15 December 2020.} Slightly dampen a microfiber cloth with the cleaning solution (don’t soak the cloth, you only need a small amount) and run it over each slat.^{[10]
X
Research source}
- Close the blinds in the opposite direction and repeat the same actions.
- Gently blot the slats with a dry microfiber cloth.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Cleaning Grime and Stains

1
Mix up a cleaning solution of warm water and mild detergent. Fill a bucket with warm water and add a mild detergent to it. Take a clean microfiber cloth and dip it into the soapy water. Wring the excess water out of the cloth. Close the blinds face down. Starting at the top corner, run the wet cloth from one side of the slat to the other.^{[11]
X
Expert Source

Jon Gholian
Cleaning Specialist
Expert Interview. 15 December 2020.}
- Avoid using abrasive cleaners on faux wood blinds, since these can damage the finish or paint.^{[12]
  X
  Research source}
2
Work your way down the blinds. When the cloth gets dirty, rinse it out in the bucket of cleaning solution Wring out the water and continue wiping until you reach the bottom slat. Then flip the blinds to face the opposite direction and repeat the exact same process again.^{[13]
X
Expert Source

Jon Gholian
Cleaning Specialist
Expert Interview. 15 December 2020.}
3
Go green and disinfect your blinds with white vinegar. If you’d prefer to use an all-natural cleaner, white vinegar is an excellent choice and will efficiently disinfect your blinds. Pour a small amount of white vinegar into a bowl or shallow bucket. Put on a pair of clean cotton gloves or substitute with a clean pair of socks. Dip one gloved hand into the vinegar.
- Use your other hand to hold the edge of the blinds firmly.
4
Start at the top corner and wipe from one side of the slat to the other. Skip down to the next blind and do the same. Continue in this manner – across and then down – until you get down to the bottom slat.^{[14]
X
Research source} Flip the blinds to the opposite side and repeat the process. Work with one sock or glove until it becomes dirty. Remove it and let it soak in the vinegar while you work with the other glove/sock. Alternate in this manner.
- Be sure to wring the glove/sock out after letting it soak in the vinegar.
5
Dry the blinds with a clean microfiber cloth. After wiping the blinds down with the detergent solution or the vinegar, use a clean microfiber cloth to gently blot the slats until they are completely dry. Make sure to dry both sides of the slats. After you dry both sides, close the blinds.^{[15]
X
Research source}
- You can also put a portable fan in front of the faux wood blinds to dry them quickly, or open a window on a breezy day and allow them to be dried naturally.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Performing a Deep Cleaning

1
Spot clean stubborn stains with warm soapy water and a cloth. If a stain persists after the initial wipe down, blot at the stain with a washcloth dipped in a soap and warm water solution. Continue dipping the cloth in soapy water and blotting at the stain until it disappears. Use a dry cloth to blot the spot-cleaned areas dry.
- Don’t use household cleaners or bleach on faux wood blinds. These chemicals may damage the finish on them.
2
Remove extremely dirty blinds from the window for cleaning. If the blinds are caked with layers of dirt and dust, open the slats and then unhook the blinds. Carefully remove them from the window frame. Lay the blinds down on a large white sheet. When you place the blinds down on the sheet, the slats will be open and horizontal (since you opened them before you took them down).^{[16]
X
Research source}
3
Wipe down every slat. Fill a bucket of warm, soapy water. Dip a clean cloth into the solution and wipe each slat down thoroughly on both sides. Rinse the rag in the soapy water when it becomes dirty. Wring out the excess water and continue.
4
Blot the slats dry. After you’ve cleaned each slat, blot them dry with a microfiber cloth. Spot clean the pull cords with the same solution. Before you re-hang your blinds, run a dryer sheet across each slat. This will help prevent dust from settling on them.^{[17]
X
Research source} If your blinds are heavy or hung very high, have someone assist you with re-hanging them.

Expert Q&A

Question

Can you clean faux wood blinds in the bathtub?

Jon Gholian
Cleaning Specialist
Jon Gholian is a Cleaning Specialist and the Founder of Cleany, a home and office cleaning concierge service based in New York City, New Jersey & Miami. Cleany specializes in providing quality cleaning and handyman services to all their customers. All Cleany employees are insured, bonded, and professionally trained. Cleany has been featured in the New York Times, Bravo & Redfin.

Jon Gholian

Cleaning Specialist

Expert Answer

You might be able to, but I generally wouldn't recommend it. I'd recommend wiping them down by hand and using a microfiber cloth dampened with dish soap, warm water, and baking soda. That's going to be the safest way to clean the blinds.
Question

How should I dust my blinds?

Jon Gholian
Cleaning Specialist
Jon Gholian is a Cleaning Specialist and the Founder of Cleany, a home and office cleaning concierge service based in New York City, New Jersey & Miami. Cleany specializes in providing quality cleaning and handyman services to all their customers. All Cleany employees are insured, bonded, and professionally trained. Cleany has been featured in the New York Times, Bravo & Redfin.

Jon Gholian

Cleaning Specialist

Expert Answer

I'd just use a microfiber cloth and wipe them down by hand. Work your way from the top to the bottom and wipe each slat horizontally.
Question

Should I clean my blinds when they're open or closed?

Jon Gholian
Cleaning Specialist
Jon Gholian is a Cleaning Specialist and the Founder of Cleany, a home and office cleaning concierge service based in New York City, New Jersey & Miami. Cleany specializes in providing quality cleaning and handyman services to all their customers. All Cleany employees are insured, bonded, and professionally trained. Cleany has been featured in the New York Times, Bravo & Redfin.

Jon Gholian

Cleaning Specialist

Expert Answer

I'd recommend keeping the closed and holding the bottom of the blind to stabilize it while you work.