How to Clean Fabric Blinds

A set of horizontal blinds made from fabric.
  • 1-3 hours
  • Beginner
  • $10-150
What You'll Need
Vacuum cleaner with brush attachment
Microfiber cloth
Sponge
Water
Soap
Towel
What You'll Need
Vacuum cleaner with brush attachment
Microfiber cloth
Sponge
Water
Soap
Towel

Despite your best efforts, it is still possible for your fabric blinds to get dirty occasionally. Whether it is from an accidental spill, or simply the slow accumulation of dirt and dust, you may find yourself needing to clean your fabric blinds. However, this presents a challenge. After all, it is not really possible to run your fabric blinds through the washing machine. So how do you clean your fabric blinds? Luckily, the answer is simple and requires no special equipment. If you are in need of instructions to help you clean your fabric blinds, keep reading.

Step 1 - Remove Loose Dirt and Prepare Cleaning Solution

Before you begin washing your fabric blinds, you want to remove as much loose dirt as possible from them in order to avoid pushing it in and making the problem worse. The easiest way to do this is with a vacuum cleaner brush attachment. Alternatively, if you do not have one available, a microfiber cloth will work perfectly well. Whichever method you use, wipe down your fabric blinds.

Then, soak your sponge in soap and water. Don't use very much soap; you want a very weak diluted mixture to avoid damaging your fabric blinds. If you still have them, check the blinds' original packaging or check online to find out what kinds of chemicals damage it, then get the safest possible soap.

Step 2 - Wipe Blinds

Now that you have prepared your materials and removed any loose dirt and dust from your fabric blinds, you can finish cleaning them off. Get your sponge out of the soapy water and use it to lightly wipe the affected areas. Immediately use your towel to soak away as much moisture as possible. Repeat this until the stain is removed. Allow your fabric blinds to air dry once this is complete—it should not take very long, as you should have been able to get most of the moisture out with the towel already.

If you are concerned about damaging your fabric blinds with soap, test your sponge in an inconspicuous area before going after the stain.

It may be possible to remove the fabric section of each individual one of your fabric blinds, but doing so to clean them individually is a bad idea. The less water and soap you get on your fabric blinds, the better.

Step 3 - Maintain

Now that your fabric blinds are clean, you should make an effort to see that they stay that way. While you can only do so much to prevent accidents, there is plenty you can do to keep dirt, dust, and debris from building up on your fabric blinds until they are discolored permanently. Going over them with your vacuum cleaner attachment or a microfiber cloth regularly is a good idea. You may try to save yourself some effort by putting off cleaning your fabric blinds for the future, but in reality you are only making extra work for yourself. Putting out the minimal effort into maintaining your fabric blinds is the smarter choice, and will save you time and effort in the long run.

Additionally, always wash new stains immediately as they occur—do not wait for them to dry.