How to Clean Blinds the Fast and Easy Way

Like windowsills, light switch plates, and ceiling fan blades, it's easy to forget about cleaning your blinds. Then one day when you're opening or closing them, there's that instant ick-factor. The dust bunnies have taken over and something must be done immediately. Thankfully, this oft-forgotten task really isn't so bad if you're strategic. Here's how to clean blinds the quick and easy way.

What You'll Need:

• Microfiber cloth
• Vacuum and upholstery attachment
• Clean sock
• White vinegar
• Optional: Casabella Premium Mini Blinds Duster ($9, containerstore.com)

How to Clean Blinds:

1. The method you'll use to clean your blinds depends on how dusty or dirty they are in general. Start by closing the blinds and gently wiping them down with a microfiber cloth, moving from the top of the blind down. (For horizontal blinds, wipe from side-to-side.) It helps to hold the bottom of the blind in your other hand so it's pulled out from the window. Adjust the blinds to open them, and run the microfiber cloth over them again. Then close them the opposite way and repeat.
2. Vacuum up any dust and debris with your vacuum attachment.
3. If you've got stuck-on dirt or stains, mix a solution of equal parts white vinegar and water. Pull a clean sock over your hand and then dip the sock into your cleaning solution. Wring it out until the sock isn't dripping wet.
4. With the sock covering your hand, use your fingers and run them over each blind blade tightly. Leave the blinds open to dry thoroughly.

To deep clean: For very dirty, sticky plastic blinds, save yourself the headache and remove them from the window and place them in a bathtub filled with warm water and a squeeze of dish soap. Let them soak for an hour. Rinse and hang them outside until they're completely dry.

To buy: $9, containerstore.com.

On specialty tools: A special blinds cleaner isn't necessary, but can be helpful if you're staying on top of your weekly cleaning. It will save you time by allowing you to clean multiple blades at once.

Dos and Don'ts for Cleaning Blinds

DO work in cleaning your blinds when you dust, so at least once a week. Using a duster designed for blinds can be a helpful time-saving tool.

DON'T spray air freshener, hairspray, or any sticky spray near your blinds—it can cause residue to build up over time.

DO dust blinds before you vacuum or sweep, so you can remove the dust from your home rather than simply spread it around.

DON'T try to deal with the dust with water. Dry dust first with a microfiber cloth that will catch the dust. Adding water to a dusty surface tends to make a bigger mess.