How to Clean Levolor Blinds

Levolor brand blinds and shades are a popular choice among homeowners. Their quality construction and beautiful styles also represent an investment in home decor. Cleaning is an important part of caring for these blinds and extending your investment. However, with Levolor blinds and shades, one type of cleaning does not work for all. Wood and aluminum blinds and natural shades require one method of clean, while faux wood blinds, cellular shade, and fabric and vinyl vanes use another cleaning method.

Things You'll Need

• Vacuum with upholstery attachment
• Soft cloths
• Mild soap and water solution
• Sponge

Instructions

Aluminum Blinds and Natural Shades

1. Clean the blinds and shades while they are hanging up, or by remove them and lay them on a flat surface. If you choose to remove the blinds for cleaning, cover the area they will be laid on with a plastic drop cloth, or open a large plastic trash bag for easier clean up later.

2. Adjust the blind's mechanism so that slats are down but not completely closed. Begin with one side of the top slat. Use a vacuum with an upholstery attachment and move from one side of the top of the slat to the other side to remove dust and dirt. Move to the next slat and repeat. Use a feather duster, soft cloth or disposable dusting cloth if you do not have a vacuum with an upholstery attachment.

3. Use a soft cloth and mild cleaning solution to clean the adjust mechanism on the blinds. Dry thoroughly, being careful not to get any of the solution on the wood or natural shades. If the blinds were removed for cleaning, re-hang them. Dusting is the only cleaning that wood or aluminum blinds and natural shades should have; any type of liquid cleaning solution will damage them.

Faux Wood Blinds, Cellular Shades, Fabric or Vinyl Vanes

1. Use a feather duster, cleaning cloth, disposable dusting cloth or vacuum with upholstery attachment to remove dust from faux wood blinds, cellular shades or fabric or vinyl vanes. Adjust the blinds so that they slats are tilting downward. Stroke the slat lightly from side to side, starting with the top slat and working downwards.

2. Remove the blinds or shades for a deeper cleaning. Cover a flat surface with a plastic drop cloth or plastic trash bag to make clean up easier. Lay the blind or shade on the flat surface. Tilt the slat so that it is facing downward. Use a sponge dampened with lukewarm water to clean soil from faux wood blinds; they do not need soap or any type of chemical cleaner. Cellular shades, fabric and vinyl vanes can be cleaned using a mild soap and water solution. Test for color fastness by applying a small amount in an area of the blind that is not easily seen. Allow to dry. If it seems OK, apply the soap and water with a sponge or soft cloth. Clean the top of the slat, cell or vane, beginning at the top of the blind and moving from one side to the other. Wipe lightly to avoid spotting saturating cellular shades and fabric vanes.

3. Dry the Levolor blinds and shades with a soft cloth. Clean the blinds' adjusting mechanism with a damp cloth. Re-hang the blinds or shades.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not use strong or abrasive cleansers on the blinds or shades. Fabric blinds and vanes should not be machine-washed or dry-cleaned.