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DIY Cleaning Methods for Blinds

Reviewed by Zac Kieffer

Updated: September 15, 2025

Discover easy DIY cleaning methods for blinds. Learn step-by-step tips to keep your blinds spotless and fresh with simple, effective home solutions.

DIY Cleaning Methods for Blinds

Microfiber Cloth and Vinegar Solution

Mix equal parts white vinegar and warm water in a spray bottle. Lightly spray the solution onto a microfiber cloth, then wipe each blind slat individually. This method removes dust, grease, and grime, leaving blinds clean and streak-free.

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How to Clean Blinds with a Microfiber Cloth and Vinegar Solution

Gather your supplies: You’ll need a clean microfiber cloth, a spray bottle, white distilled vinegar, and water. Microfiber is a synthetic fabric designed to grab onto dust and debris, making it a solid choice for cleaning surfaces like blinds.

Mix your solution: Combine equal parts white distilled vinegar and water in your spray bottle. Vinegar is a common household ingredient that helps break down grime and residue on surfaces.

Dust first: Before you get anything wet, use a dry microfiber cloth to wipe each slat. This helps remove loose dust and prevents it from turning into a muddy mess when you add liquid.

Apply the solution: Lightly mist your microfiber cloth with the vinegar solution. Avoid spraying directly onto the blinds—too much moisture can drip into the mechanisms or onto the window sill.

Wipe each slat: Pinch the cloth around each slat and slide it from one end to the other. For horizontal blinds, work from top to bottom so any dust that falls lands on slats you haven’t cleaned yet. For vertical blinds, start at the top and work your way down.

Flip and repeat: Don’t forget the other side! Once you’ve finished one side, tilt the blinds the opposite way and repeat the process.

Spot clean stubborn spots: If you find sticky spots or buildup, apply a bit more of the vinegar solution to your cloth and gently rub the area. Avoid scrubbing too hard, as this can damage delicate materials or finishes.

Dry if needed: If your blinds are left damp, use a dry microfiber cloth to go over them. This helps prevent streaks and water spots.

Limited Deep Cleaning

This DIY method may not remove heavy dirt, grease, or buildup from blinds. Microfiber cloth and vinegar solution are effective for light cleaning but lack the power for deep cleaning, leaving stubborn stains and grime behind.

Vacuum Cleaner with Brush Attachment

Attach the brush tool to your vacuum cleaner hose. Gently run the brush along each slat of the blinds, moving from top to bottom. The vacuum will lift dust and debris while the brush loosens dirt, leaving your blinds clean without spreading dust into the air.

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How to Clean Blinds with a Vacuum Cleaner and Brush Attachment

Start with the right attachment. Most vacuum cleaners come with a brush attachment—this is the one with soft bristles, designed to gently lift dust without scratching surfaces. If you’re not sure which one it is, check your vacuum’s manual or look for the attachment that looks like a mini broom.

Close the blinds fully. For horizontal blinds, tilt them so they’re flat and facing down. For vertical blinds, make sure they’re all facing the same direction. This gives you a smooth surface to work with and helps you reach more of the dust in one go.

Work from top to bottom. Gravity is not your friend here—if you start at the bottom, you’ll just knock dust onto the slats you’ve already cleaned. Begin at the top and slowly move down, using gentle, even strokes with the brush attachment.

Use a light touch. Pressing too hard can bend or damage delicate slats, especially on aluminum or vinyl blinds. Let the bristles do the work. If you notice the blinds flexing, ease up on the pressure.

Don’t forget the edges and cords. Dust likes to hide in the corners and along the strings. Use the tip of the brush attachment to get into these spots, or switch to a crevice tool if your vacuum has one.

Flip and repeat. Once you’ve finished one side, tilt the blinds the other way and repeat the process. This helps catch any dust you missed the first time and gives both sides a once-over.

Empty your vacuum’s dust bin or bag when you’re done. Blinds can hold a surprising amount of dust, and you don’t want it recirculating back into your space the next time you vacuum.

Missed Hidden Debris

Using a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment may miss hidden debris trapped in tight corners or between slats, leading to incomplete cleaning and leaving dust or dirt behind on the blinds.

Dryer Sheet Dusting

Wipe each blind slat with a dryer sheet, either by hand or wrapped around a cleaning tool. The dryer sheet picks up dust and leaves a residue that helps repel future dust, making blinds stay cleaner longer. No need for additional sprays or rinsing.

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Dryer Sheet Dusting for Blinds: A Straightforward Guide

Grab a clean, unused dryer sheet—the kind you’d toss in with your laundry. These sheets are designed to reduce static and soften fabrics, but they also have a texture that can help pick up loose dust from surfaces like blinds.

Close your blinds so all the slats are facing the same direction. This gives you a flat surface to work with and makes the job less fiddly.

Hold the dryer sheet in your hand and gently wipe it along each slat. You can do this by running the sheet across the top and bottom of each slat, or by pinching the slat between your thumb and fingers and sliding the sheet along its length. The slight tackiness of the sheet helps attract dust, and the sheet’s texture can loosen particles that are just hanging on.

Flip the blinds so the slats face the opposite direction, and repeat the process. This helps you catch any dust that was hiding on the other side or in the corners.

Don’t forget the cords and window frame. Give them a quick swipe with the dryer sheet while you’re at it—dust likes to settle there, too.

When the dryer sheet looks dirty or loses its texture, swap it out for a fresh one. You’ll usually need more than one sheet for a full set of blinds, especially if it’s been a while since your last dusting session.

Dispose of used dryer sheets in the trash. They’re not reusable for cleaning once they’re loaded with dust.

Pro tip: Dryer sheets can leave a light residue that may help reduce static, which means dust might not settle as quickly after you clean. This can be handy for keeping blinds looking fresher between cleanings.

What you’re really doing: This method is all about removing loose dust and making blinds look tidier. It’s a quick fix for visible dust, not a deep clean for sticky grime or built-up residue.

Residue Build-Up Risk

Using dryer sheets to dust blinds can leave behind a residue that attracts more dust and dirt over time, making blinds look dirtier faster and potentially causing buildup that is harder to clean later.

Slip a clean sock over your hand and lightly dampen it with water or a gentle cleaner. Grip each blind slat with the sock-covered hand and wipe from end to end, using kitchen tongs for extra reach or to pinch both sides of the slat at once. This method easily removes dust and grime from both sides of the blinds.

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What You’ll Need:

A clean, dry sock (preferably one you don’t mind sacrificing to the cause)
A pair of kitchen tongs (the longer, the better for reaching high blinds)
Optional: A spray bottle with plain water or a gentle cleaning solution suitable for your blinds’ material (always check manufacturer recommendations)
Optional: A microfiber cloth for a final wipe-down

How to Do the Sock and Tongs Dusting Method

Slip the sock over one end of the tongs, making sure it covers the gripping part completely. If you want extra grip, you can secure it with a rubber band.
Lightly dampen the sock with water if your blinds are especially dusty, but avoid soaking it—too much moisture can leave streaks or damage certain materials.
Clamp the tongs around a single slat of your blinds, so the sock-covered ends are on either side. Gently slide the tongs along the slat, wiping both the top and bottom surfaces at once.
Work from the top of the blinds down, so any dust that falls lands on slats you haven’t cleaned yet. This saves you from having to go over the same spot twice.
After a few slats, check the sock. If it’s looking grimy, switch to a clean section or swap it out for a fresh sock. This keeps you from just moving dust around.
For stubborn spots, you can spritz a little water or a gentle cleaner onto the sock, but always test a small area first to make sure it won’t affect the finish of your blinds.
Once you’ve finished all the slats, give the windowsill a quick wipe with a microfiber cloth to catch any dust that settled there.

Tips for Best Results

Use a thick, absorbent sock—athletic socks work well. Thin or worn-out socks might not pick up as much dust.
If your blinds are made of wood, avoid getting them too wet. Excess moisture can cause warping or discoloration.
For blinds with extra-narrow slats, smaller tongs or even chopsticks wrapped in a sock can help you get into tight spaces.
Don’t forget to clean the cords and hardware. A quick wipe with the sock or a microfiber cloth will keep the whole setup looking tidy.

Ineffective Allergen Removal

This method often fails to remove allergens effectively because socks and tongs can miss dust trapped in tight spaces or textured surfaces, leaving behind particles that trigger allergies.

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