How to clean the outside of blinds

Cleaning blinds can be one of the most cumbersome procedures in cleaning a room, especially if we do not have the appropriate tools or simply do not have enough practice to remove dirt from the blinds that protect your windows from external contamination.

To decontaminate and improve its appearance, at FoxWiki we explain how to clean blinds from the outside. It will not always be easy, since due to their height, many blinds are difficult to access and tend to get too dirty due to gusts of wind. However, we will give you some tips and tricks to make the job easier and leave them looking like new.

Topics Covered in This Article

1 Products to clean blinds from the outside
2 How to clean blinds from the outside from the inside
3 Tricks for cleaning windows from the outside

Products to clean blinds from the outside

Blinds can be synthetic, PVC plastic (vinyl), fabric, aluminum or wood. The latter are much more delicate than synthetic blinds, which is why they require a different treatment for cleaning. These are the cleaners you can use depending on the material your blinds are made of:

wooden blinds: Chemical cleaners can damage wood slats, discoloring and staining them. Therefore, to wash wooden blinds, it is best to use warm water with alcohol to avoid damaging them.
Aluminum or metal blinds: To avoid wearing or staining them, it is better to also use water and alcohol on aluminum and metal blinds. If not, look for a detergent specially designed for this type of surface.
PVC blinds: Dishwashing soap is very effective in removing grime from synthetic or PVC blinds. You just have to mix it with water and you will see how it is very easy to get rid of stains and adhered particles. Discover more in our article How to clean PVC blinds.
Fabric blinds: In the case of fabric blinds, it is best to wash them with detergent soap to avoid damaging the fabrics.

In addition to the cleaning products you will use, it is advisable to have a screwdriver a handheld vacuum cleaner, cleaning cloths and a soft bristle brush.

To prevent the blinds from getting too dirty, it is advisable clean the outside at least every 6 months. As for the internal part, just go over the rows with a duster and a damp cloth every time you clean the windows so that they always look radiant.

If the windows are easy to reach from the outside, you will only have to use the products mentioned here and cleaning them will not be a problem. However, if you can’t reach them, below we will give you all the instructions and advice you need to clean them safely and effectively.

How to clean blinds from the outside from the inside

If your blind is not removable, don’t worry. To know how to clean blinds from the outside without disassembling them, all you will have to do is remove the drum that is at the top of most blinds. This drum stores the blind when it is retracted, so we can use it to clean the boards or slats without having to remove the blind from the window. To remove it, follow these steps:

Get on a firm bench or ladder.
With the blind fully lowered, release the bottom of the drawer. If it is screwed, remove the screws.
Remove the cover by pulling down. The drawer is usually well secured, so you should start pushing slowly from the left side, slowly.
Pull down with your left hand and press up with your right to loosen the lid. If you don’t do it slowly you can break the lid, so be careful.
When you have the drum detached, you can take advantage of it to clean the interior. Use a handheld vacuum cleaner and a damp cloth with the cleaning product you use.
Pick up the blinds and clean each slat inside the drawer. First use a handheld vacuum cleaner and remove the rest of the dirt with detergent, soap or whatever product you want to use. We recommend using a nozzle or brush head for your vacuum cleaner.
Once clean, remove the cleaning product with a microfiber cloth moistened with water.
Do the same with the rest of the blind until it is completely rolled up. Put it down and let it dry before putting it back up.

If you have damaged a blind or one of the slats has come loose, find out How to fix a blind by clicking on the link.

Tricks for cleaning windows from the outside

Cleaning blinds can be a cumbersome task, but depending on the type of blinds you have, you can apply certain tricks that will make the job easier. Never try to clean them from the outside of the window, as there is no need to take risks to clean blinds correctly. These are some tricks to clean blinds that will help you finish faster:

If you have Venetian blinds, there are some soft bristle brushes on the market specially designed to clean them both inside and out. These venetian blind brushes feature bristles that can pick up dust and clean multiple slats in a single pass.
If you like clean very dirty blinds and the stains do not come out, you can use a mixture of equal parts of water and vinegar. Vinegar is a powerful cleaner that will get rid of the toughest stains.
If your blinds are removable, you can lower them by unscrewing the top rail and closing them before removing them from the window. In this case, we recommend placing them on a large blanket or in the shower to clean them more comfortably.