How to Wash Level Blinds in Bathtubs

Dust window blinds regularly to make washing them easier.

Level window blinds, the ones with horizontal slats, collect dust and grime over time -- blinds in kitchens and bathrooms seem to suffer the most. The combination of dust and moisture forms a stubborn layer of grime that even frequent dusting won't remove. While dusting them in the window makes a small difference, eventually you'll need to tackle the time-consuming job of taking each one down and giving it a thorough bath.

Things You'll Need

• Terry bath towel
• 1 tbsp. liquid detergent
• 1/4 cup white vinegar
• Sponge
• Bucket
• Plastic table covering
• Old blanket
• Dry cloth

Instructions

1. Place a terry bath towel in the bottom of the bathtub and fill the tub with warm water to a depth of about 5 inches. This should be enough water to completely cover the blinds.

2. Add 1 tbsp. liquid detergent and 1/4 cup white vinegar to the water in the tub. A low-sudsing detergent works best.

3. Submerge one set of blinds in the water on top of the towel.

4. Rub one side of each slat with a sponge to loosen and remove dust and dirt.

5. Turn each slat over as you work and clean the other side with the sponge. As you work your way down, clean any dust from the ribbon or tape that connects the slats.

6. Drain the water from the tub once you have cleaned both sides of each slat.

7. Gather the blinds in your hands and rest one end on the towel. Hold the top end steady with one hand.

8. Rinse the blinds with a bucket of clean water or spray them with water from the shower head to remove any remaining dirt or soap.

9. Prop the top end of the blinds against a wall to allow the water to drain. Leave it in the tub for 10 to 30 minutes before removing it from the tub.

10. Cover a table with plastic and lay an old blanket on top. Place the blinds on top of the blanket and dry both sides of each slat with a dry cloth.

11. Hang the blinds back in the window with the slats open to air dry the remaining moisture.

Tips & Warnings

• Wipe the slats occasionally with a used fabric softener sheet. The antistatic reaction will help prevent dust from settling on the blinds and make them easier to clean the next time you wash them.

• Wear thick cotton gloves to protect your hands from sharp edges on metal blinds.

References

• Michigan State University Extension: Venetian Blinds - Washing in Bathtubs
• Mrs. Clean USA: How To Clean Mini Blinds