We often get asked what is the best way to clean vertical blinds?

The answer is it depends on how dirty they are.

Some materials, such as PVC vertical blinds, are easier to clean than others. Our handy guide will take you through how to clean vertical blinds safely at home, no matter the material.

Should I take my vertical blinds down?

You can clean vertical blinds while hanging if they only need light cleaning.

If you wish to complete a more thorough clean, we recommend removing the vertical blind slats and cleaning them on a flat surface. This also allows you to clean the headrail thoroughly.

How to take vertical blinds down

  • Dust or vacuum the vertical slats before removing them, following the steps in the next section on how to give vertical blinds a light clean.
  • If your vertical blinds have bottom chains and weights, unclip the chain from each slat.
  • Unhook the slats and lay them on a clean flat surface.


    • How to give vertical blinds a light clean

    The manner and effort you put into cleaning your vertical blinds will depend on how dirty they are. If they're just a little dusty, a light cleaning using your vacuum cleaner is all it takes.

    You can also use a standard duster to clean your vertical blinds. However, we find vacuuming gets better results.

    • Take your vacuum and gently vacuum up and down each slat using the soft brush attachment until you've covered the entire fabric, and repeat on the other side.
    • Be careful with suction levels. Keeping them low is best, as you don't want to pull or bend the fabric and leave creases.
    • We strongly advise against using the standard floor brush attachment, as you could transfer loose dirt and dust to your vertical blinds.


    How to wash vertical blinds?

    • Prepare your cleaning tools. You will need a clean cloth and a bowl of lukewarm water.
    • Gently run the cloth over the fabric slat and repeat on the other side.
    • Let the fabric air dry before reattaching the slats to the headrail.
    • While the slats are drying, you can clean the headrail with a damp cloth and mild detergent. It will need the most attention as it gathers more dust than the slats.

    Editor's Note:

    We recommend avoiding washing vertical blinds in a washing machine or soaking them in the bath. You'll find some articles that say it's OK to do this, but there is a danger of the fabric shrinking, discolouring, fraying or warping, rendering them useless.

    If there are care instructions with your vertical blinds instructing that it's OK to wash them this way, that's fine. Otherwise, avoid it.



    How to clean vertical blinds stains?

    Vertical blinds positioned in high traffic areas or kitchens are more likely to develop stains; follow the steps below to help tackle these.

    • To remove light stains on materials such as polyester, use water with a clean damp cloth. Gently dab the stain and repeat until it has disappeared.
    • Stains on PVC fabrics should come off quite easily, but if you have a stubborn stain on fabric vertical blinds that water alone doesn't remove, you can use a mild detergent. Do not use strong liquids or stain removers, as you could affect the dye.


      • How to clean vertical blinds mould?

      • If you find mould lurking in the fibres of your vertical blinds, you can initially try to treat it at home. However, it can be difficult and may require spot treatment with fabric detergent or dry cleaning.
      • Take a stiff brush and gently brush the area to remove the build-up while taking care to brush in the same direction.
      • Next, take a clean cloth with warm water and gently dab the area to remove any staining.
      • If stains remain, take lemon juice and salt to the area, dabbing until the stain disappears.
      • Failing this mild detergent is the next best option. However, check the care instructions as you could affect the dye if not recommended.

          • Prevent further mould outbreaks

          Mould is terrible for your home and health. Once you've gotten rid of the issue with mould, prevent it from happening again by regularly cleaning your windows and windowsills to prevent mould from spreading.

          The practical choice

          The most straightforward vertical fabric to keep clean is PVC. The material doesn't absorb moisture and is easy to wipe clean, making PVC vertical blinds perfect for bathrooms and kitchens.

          Share the Swift love

          We hope the tips in this article will have your vertical blinds looking as good as new. However, if your vertical blinds have become mouldy or stained and you've been unable to revive them, it may be time to look at some new blinds.

          Please take a look at our stunning collection of high-quality, made-to-measure vertical blinds. If you enjoyed reading this guide, please consider sharing this with others and spreading the love.

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