How to clean Venetian blinds

VENETIAN blinds are the go-to option for loads of homeowners, but it's no secret that cleaning the trendy window dressing can be a chore.

It turns out there are a few different ways you can go about keeping your blinds sparkling clean without spending a fortune.

How to clean wooden Venetian blinds

Venetian blinds are a smart addition to any home, but though they're easy to forget about and can quickly gather dust.

Thankfully, we've got a great cleaning hack to help you get your blinds back to their best.

How you choose to clean them depends on what they're made from.

Light cleaning can work well on wooden slats you should avoid using liquid to clean them can cause stains and distort them.

Instead, simply dust it lightly with a dry cloth for the best results.

If you're struggling to get rid of stubborn stains, Hillarys' product manager Yvonne Keal recommends rubbing it gently with a damp cloth.

"Rub lightly with a damp cloth until the stain disappears.

"Try not to rub too hard as the varnish or paint on your wooden blind may be affected."

If you do use any cleaning products, check to see whether they're suitable for use on the wood first to avoid any potentially pricey mistakes.

And If you're in any doubt, consult the manufacturer to see which cleaning products are suitable for use.

How to clean non-wooden Venetian blinds (aluminium, synthetic, etc)

To give non-wooden blinds a deep clean, start by removing them from the fitting.

Lay a towel down in your bathtub to avoid any scratches and place the slats on top of it.

1. Fill the bath up

Next, fill up the bath with warm water, and add a cleaning solution like washing-up liquid.

Once they're in, leave them to soak for between 30 minutes to three hours, depending on their condition.

2. Brush off stubborn stains

There may be stains that aren't removed during the soaking process.

For these, use a soft cleaning brush to get off any spots that remain.

Ensure you flip the slats over to check whether you've missed any.

3. Rinse off

Next, rinse them with water.

Use the showerhead to spray all the soap off.

4. Drying your slats

It's important you allow the blinds to dry properly before putting them back in the fitting, so they don't develop mould.

If it's dry you can leave them outside, or use your shower rail.

Don't leave them propped on a warm radiator though, as this could cause them to warp.

5. Put them back up

Once that's done, you can put them back in the fitting.

The good news is f you give them a light clean regularly, you shouldn't have to clean them more than a couple of times per year.