Cleaning Guides
How to Clean Blinds Properly, By Type
Blinds are one of the most commonly overlooked items in a routine clean — and one of the most closely checked at a move-out inspection. The right method depends heavily on the type you have, since what's safe for one can genuinely damage another.
Horizontal blinds
Close the slats fully, then dust each one individually with a microfibre cloth or a vacuum brush attachment on low suction. For a deeper clean, a cloth dampened with mild detergent works well — but keep it just damp, not wet, especially on anything wood or wood-effect.
Vertical blinds
These collect less dust day to day thanks to their orientation, but individual slats can be easy to damage if handled roughly. Dust with a microfibre cloth or vacuum brush, and spot clean stains with a mild detergent solution. Fabric vertical slats can sometimes be unclipped and gently hand-washed if genuinely dirty — check they're removable before attempting this.
Roller blinds
Roll the blind out fully before dusting, then spot clean any marks with a soapy, damp cloth. Avoid soaking roller blinds or getting the roller mechanism itself wet — water getting into the mechanism is what tends to cause the jamming or misalignment that makes a roller blind stop working properly.
Roman blinds
The fabric and folded construction of Roman blinds means they need the gentlest approach of all the common types. Dusting and light spot cleaning with mild detergent handle everyday marks, but for anything more significant, professional cleaning is genuinely worth it rather than risking the fabric or the pleating with a DIY deep clean.
A note on wooden blinds
Wood warps with excess moisture, so this is the one material where getting the "damp not wet" balance genuinely matters. Dust regularly with a dry cloth or vacuum brush, and if you do need to address a mark, use the lightest possible dampness and dry the slat immediately afterwards rather than letting it air dry.
Preventing build-up
Regular dusting — monthly is a reasonable baseline — is far easier than dealing with months of accumulated dust and grime in one go. An anti-static spray genuinely reduces how quickly dust resettles, and keeping windows closed on particularly windy or dusty days helps too. Kitchens and bathrooms tend to need more frequent attention, since grease and moisture in the air settle on blinds faster than in other rooms.
Why this matters at move-out: dirty blinds are one of the most commonly missed items in a DIY end of tenancy clean, and a professional clean typically charges per blind for deep cleaning each slat individually — a detail that's easy for a quick quote to miss. Factoring blinds into your cleaning plan from the start avoids that surprise.
Every blind, properly cleaned
Our end of tenancy cleans include blinds as part of the standard checklist, cleaned slat by slat — not just dusted over. Fixed prices from £115.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should blinds be cleaned?
Dust monthly as a baseline, with a deeper clean every six months. Kitchens and bathrooms often need more frequent attention due to grease and moisture in the air.
Can I vacuum my blinds?
Yes — a vacuum with a brush attachment on low suction is ideal for removing dust without damaging the slats.
Can all types of blinds be cleaned with water?
No. Wooden blinds can warp if they get too wet, and roller blind mechanisms can jam if water gets inside. Always check what's safe for your specific material before using anything more than a damp cloth.
Do I need to take blinds down to clean them properly?
Usually not — most types can be dusted, vacuumed or wiped in place. Fabric roller or Roman blinds may need removing for a genuinely thorough wash.
What's the safest way to remove a stubborn stain from blinds?
A mild detergent and warm water solution, applied with a soft cloth and gently worked in. Always patch test first, and for delicate fabric blinds, professional cleaning is often the safer option for anything beyond light marks.