How to Clean Wood Blinds: Your Comprehensive Guide

Wooden blinds can stay stunning and last for years if taken care of properly. Don’t ignore them! No matter how clean your home is, dust and dirt accumulate on blinds over time. The curse of any horizontal surface. If your blinds are gathering grime, or simply need a little sprucing up, it’s time to show them some love.

Regular cleaning isn’t just about keeping up appearances. A clean blind is a blind that lasts. Let’s dive into a comprehensive guide on how to clean the different types of wood blinds in your home. Whether they’re the real deal, faux wood, or woven wood, we’ll help you keep them looking their best. Gorgeous and long-lasting is the goal. Upgrade your cleaning routine to give your blinds the royal treatment.

Wood blinds bring warmth and timeless elegance to any room. Whether you have rich mahogany real wood or durable faux wood blinds, keeping them clean preserves their beauty and extends their life. As a family-owned company with over 25 years of experience handcrafting custom window treatments, we know exactly how to care for them properly.

The most important thing to know? Real wood blinds and faux wood blinds require completely different cleaning methods. Use the wrong technique, and you could cause warping, damage, or distortion. Let’s make sure that doesn’t happen.

What Type of Wood Blinds You Have: Is It Real Wood or Faux Wood?

Any style of wood blind will bring a natural warmth and add sophistication to your space. However, when it comes to cleaning, it’s important to know what you’re working with first. Not all wood window blinds are cleaned the same way.

Before you grab any cleaning supplies, you need to identify your blind material. This critical distinction will determine everything about how you clean them.

How to Tell the Difference:

• Weight Test: Lift a slat gently. Real wood feels lighter. Faux wood (composite wood) is noticeably heavier.
• Grain Check: Look closely at the surface. Real wood shows natural, unique grain patterns. Faux wood has a consistent, printed pattern.
• Moisture Test: Place a tiny drop of water on an inconspicuous spot. Real wood will absorb it slightly. Faux wood repels it completely.

At Blindsgalore, our Premium Wood Blinds are crafted from genuine basswood with beautiful, natural grain patterns. Each slat is unique. Our faux wood options are engineered for moisture resistance, perfect for kitchens and bathrooms.

Essential Tools You’ll Need

Gather these simple supplies before you start:

• Several clean microfiber cloths
• A feather duster or lambswool duster
• Your vacuum with soft brush attachment
• Cotton socks (yes, really!)
• Mild dish soap
• A spray bottle
• (For faux wood only) White vinegar

The most popular types of wood blinds include:

Wood Blinds;

Created with natural wood slats, these blinds come in painted or stained options. They offer a timeless touch that work in any room or with any style. Different slat sizes cater to varying preferences for privacy and light control.

SHOP WOOD BLINDS

Faux Wood Blinds

A more durable and budget-friendly option compared to their real wood counterpart. They combine affordability, attractiveness, and easy maintenance without the fear of fading or fraying. Especially in moisture-heavy areas like bathrooms or kitchens.

SHOP FAUX WOOD BLINDS

Woven Wood Blinds

Woven wood shades, sometimes called bamboo blinds, operated more like a shade than a blind. Instead of horizontal slats, these shades are made from a solid piece of natural, woven material. They add delightful texture with a charming, tweedy appearance.

SHOP WOVEN WOODS

Cleaning Wood Blind Hacks

Each different type of wood blind will require a slightly different approach. Cleaning never sounds fun. I get it. Fear not, we’ve got all the tips you’ll need to make it easy.

Note:When blinds are past the point of repair, it is time to get new ones for your home. Don’t try to work around broken slats, snapped cords, or a lifting/tilting malfunction.

The Best Way to Clean Wood Blinds

• 1. Use a brush attachment on your vacuum cleaner to quickly remove any dust that has settled on your slats.
• 2. To remove more stubborn dust, use a soft cloth, feather duster, microfiber mitt if you’re fancy, old sock if you’re not.
• 3. Rotate each slat open/closed to ensure you’re cleaning both sides of your blinds.
• 4. Avoid any harsh chemicals on real wood!
• 5. If your real wood blinds receive a lot of harsh sunlight, use wood or lemon oil to polish them back to life.
• 6. Mix equal parts water and white vinegar in a spray bottle. Give each slat a light spritz and wipe clean for a sparkling finish.

The Best Way To Clean Faux Wood Blinds

• 1. Give your blinds a quick once-over with the brush attachment on your vacuum to remove cobwebs and light dust.
• 2. Mix some liquid dish soap and warm water in a bowl — still avoid harsh chemicals on faux woods!
• 3. Dip a soft cloth or towel into the bowl, wring it out, and wipe down each slat. Avoid soaking the blinds.
• 4. A soft-bristled toothbrush is your secret weapon for stains. Dip it in a cleaning solution and scrub away any stubborn grime.
• 5. If you’re lacking equipment, a blow dryer on the lowest setting with cool air can blow away some dust. Better than nothing!

The Best Way to Clean Woven Wood Blinds

• 1. Sweep along the outside of the fabric with the brush attachment on your vacuum cleaner. Make sure to keep it on the lowest setting.
• 2. Don’t use any water or harsh chemicals to clean. This could ruin or discolor the natural materials on your shade.
• 3. Using a soft cloth, feather duster, or a sock over your hand, gently wipe away any accumulated dust.
• 4. Always use a light touch to avoid damaging woven shades. You want to keep their natural beauty intact.
• 5. Create a routine to keep your blinds clean. Schedule a time in your phone as a reminder. Twice a year should be more than enough to keep them maintained.

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How to Clean Vertical Wood Blinds

The world of wooden window blinds isn’t limited to the styles above. Vertical wood blinds are also a very popular style of window covering, primarily used to cover sliding glass doors. While they don’t necessarily need to be made out of wood (most are vinyl), they still require regular cleaning. It’s all about using a gentle touch, mild cleaners, and the right drying technique.

• • Vertical blinds shouldn’t accumulate much dust, but often get dirty because people walk near or through them.
• • Depending on if your slats are real wood or faux wood, you will have to adapt your cleaning strategy accordingly.
• • In most cases, spot cleaning with a soft cloth and mix of warm water and white vinegar is all you’ll need.
• • It may help to remove the vanes individually to get them clean. Carefully unclip them, one-by-one, from the locking mechanism in the headrail.
• • You may be able to purchase individual slats if you need a replacement. Feel free to contact us if you have any questions!

Cleaning Painted Wood Blinds

At their core, painted wood blinds are still just wood blinds. They don’t require too much special care. Unlike stained wood blinds that showcase the wood’s natural grain, a painted finish gives you the freedom to choose from a wider range of colors to better compliment your décor.

• • Determine whether your painted blinds are wood or faux wood and treat them using the correct methods above.
• • Be careful not to scuff or strip the paint when scrubbing. A light touch is the right touch.
• • Dry the blinds completely after washing. Paint and water don’t mix and it could cause peeling.

How to Clean Stained Wood Blinds

Both wood blinds and faux wood blinds can be stained for a deeper or richer color. Just like furniture. Despite the variety of colors available, these are still no different than your traditional horizontal blinds. Except their looks, of course. A deep-stained wood will really add warmth to your windows. Certainly more than the look of a traditional white-painted wood blind.

• • Before cleaning, determine if your blinds are real or faux wood and treat them accordingly using the advice above.
• • Steer clear of abrasive tools or harsh chemicals, and consider just spot cleaning with water/vinegar.
• • Some stains won’t offer much moisture protection (if any), so be extra gentle when cleaning and dry them as quickly as possible.

Most homes could use a light dusting. Blinds included. Keeping your 2-inch wood blinds looking great and making them last longer is all about regular maintenance. Know what your blinds or shades need is half the battle. The harder part is sticking to a routine. Of course, there’s more to life than just wood blinds. If you’re interested, we have plenty more tips on how to clean different types of window treatments.

Make room for a little window blind maintenance to make your space sparkle. With proper care every 6-12 months, you’ll guarantee yourself better-looking blinds that will last a lifetime.

Featured Image: Blindsgalore Premium 2-inch Wood Blinds

How to Clean Real Wood Blinds (The Gentle Method)

Real wood blinds are beautiful but sensitive to moisture. Too much water causes warping, swelling, and permanent damage. Here’s the safe way to clean them.

Weekly Dusting: Your First Defense

Regular dusting prevents buildup that turns into stubborn grime. It takes just minutes and protects your investment.

1. Close the Blinds: Lower them fully and tilt the slats closed.
2. Dust from Top to Bottom: Using a microfiber cloth or feather duster, wipe each slat gently. Work from the center outward.
3. The Sock Hack: Put a clean cotton sock on your hand like a mitten. It’s perfect for gripping each slat and dusting both sides at once.
4. Flip and Repeat: Rotate the slats to face the opposite direction and dust again.
5. Vacuum Option: Use your vacuum’s soft brush attachment on the lowest setting. Hold it just above the slats, letting suction do the work.

Deep Cleaning Real Wood (Monthly)

When dust turns to grime, especially in kitchen blinds where grease builds up, you need a slightly deeper clean. Remember: moisture is the enemy.

1. Make Your Solution: Mix one drop of mild dish soap in a cup of warm water. That’s it. Less is more.
2. Barely Dampen Your Cloth: Dip a microfiber cloth in the solution and wring it out until it’s almost dry. It should feel just slightly damp.
3. Wipe Carefully: Clean each slat individually, following the wood grain if visible. Work quickly to minimize moisture exposure.
4. Dry Immediately: Use a completely dry cloth to wipe each slat right after cleaning. Never let water sit on real wood.
5. Condition (Optional): Once completely dry, you can apply a tiny amount of lemon oil or wood conditioner to restore luster. Avoid Pledge or furniture polish as they attract dust.

How to Clean Faux Wood Blinds (The Versatile Method)

Faux wood blinds are moisture-resistant workhorses. You can clean them more aggressively without worry. This makes them perfect for humid bathrooms and greasy kitchens.

Regular Cleaning for Faux Wood

Follow the same dusting routine as real wood. The sock hack works brilliantly here too. For everyday cleaning, this is all you need.

Deep Cleaning Faux Wood Blinds

When your faux wood blinds have caked-on dirt or greasy residue, you can use more water and stronger solutions.

Method 1: Cleaning Without Taking Them Down

1. Mix a Stronger Solution: Combine equal parts white vinegar and warm water in a spray bottle. For extra cleaning power, add a squirt of dish soap.
2. Spray and Wipe: Close the blinds. Spray the solution directly on the slats (something you’d never do with real wood!).
3. Let It Work: Allow the solution to sit for 30 seconds to break down grime.
4. Wipe Clean: Use a damp microfiber cloth to wipe each slat. You can use more pressure here.
5. Rinse if Needed: For heavy soap use, wipe again with a cloth dampened with plain water.

Method 2: The Bathtub Deep Clean (For Filthy Blinds) This method is perfect for neglected or extremely dirty faux wood blinds.

1. Remove the Blinds: Carefully take down your blinds from the brackets.
2. Fill Your Tub: Add warm water and a cup of white vinegar plus a squirt of dish soap.
3. Soak Them: Lay the blinds flat in the water. Let them soak for an hour.
4. Scrub Gently: Use a soft sponge or stiff-bristled brush for trapped dirt in corners.
5. Rinse Thoroughly: Drain the tub and rinse with clean water from the showerhead.
6. Dry Completely: Shake off excess water and lay the blinds on towels. Wipe each slat dry before rehanging.

Tackling Specific Problems

Removing Stubborn Stains

• Grease Stains: Make a paste with baking soda and water. Apply gently with your finger, let sit for 5 minutes, then wipe clean.
• Mystery Marks: Mr. Clean or other all-purpose cleaners work on faux wood. Never use them on real wood.
• Sticky Spots: Rubbing alcohol on a cotton swab removes adhesive residue without damaging either material.

Cleaning Hard-to-Reach Spots

• Ladder Strings: Pinch the strings between a damp microfiber cloth and slide down their length.
• Corners and Edges: An old toothbrush is perfect for getting into tight spaces where dust collects.
• Behind Slats: When blinds are open, use compressed air to blow out hidden dust.

Pro Tips from Our 25 Years of Experience

The Dryer Sheet Secret: After cleaning, wipe slats with a used dryer sheet. It leaves an anti-static coating that repels dust for weeks.

Preventing Future Buildup: Our Boutique Wood Blinds feature a special finish that resists dust and fingerprints. It’s worth the investment in high-traffic areas.

Kitchen Blind Wisdom: In kitchens, clean monthly instead of waiting. Grease builds up fast and gets harder to remove over time.

Bathroom Considerations: Only faux wood belongs in bathrooms. The humidity will destroy real wood, no matter how careful you are.

Common Mistakes That Damage Wood Blinds

We’ve seen it all in our decades of experience. Please avoid these errors:

1. Using Steam Cleaners: The heat and moisture combination warps both real and faux wood.
2. Soaking Real Wood: Even a few minutes in water causes permanent damage.
3. Harsh Chemicals: Bleach, ammonia, and abrasive cleaners strip finishes and discolor wood.
4. Forgetting to Dry: Leaving any moisture on real wood leads to water spots and warping.
5. Pressure Washing: We’ve actually seen this. Just don’t.

When to Consider New Blinds

Sometimes, despite your best efforts, blinds reach the end of their life. If you notice:

• Permanent warping or bowing
• Finish peeling or cracking
• Mechanisms that won’t work smoothly
• Stains that won’t come clean

It might be time for an upgrade. Our Essential Wood Blinds offer incredible value with the same quality craftsmanship we’ve provided for over 25 years.

Our Family Promise

As a family-owned business, we treat our customers like family. Every blind we craft comes with a free 3-year warranty against defects. We’re here to help you succeed with your window treatments, from selection through installation and maintenance.

Remember, regular care is the secret. A quick weekly dusting prevents the need for heavy cleaning. Take care of your blinds, and they’ll maintain their beauty for years to come.

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Frequently Asked Questions