Blinds control light, keep rooms cool in summer, cut heat loss in winter and give you privacy. At the same time they collect dust, kitchen grime, pollen and moisture from misted-up windows every single day.
Left alone, slats turn dull, a sticky film builds up in the kitchen and mould can appear next to cold glass in winter. These four simple stages will bring your blinds back to a tidy look and a smooth action.
What you will need
- WD-40 Multi-Use or WD-40 Smart Straw
- vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment, or a handheld vacuum
- soft microfibre cloths and a dry rag
- soft-bristled brush
- bucket, warm water, liquid soap
- bicarbonate of soda, sponge with a scouring side
Important: Do not soak fabric roller blinds or wooden slats: clean them dry or with a barely damp cloth. Apply WD-40 to metal and plastic parts only, and test on a hidden area first.
Step 1
Remove the dust
Lower the blinds fully and close the slats so they form a continuous surface. Vacuum from top to bottom with a soft attachment, then turn the slats the other way and repeat.
A brush or microfibre cloth works instead of a vacuum. Be gentle, as thin aluminium slats bend easily.
Step 2
Wash with soapy water
Mix warm water with a little liquid soap in a bucket, dip a cloth and wring it out well. Wipe each slat horizontally, one at a time. Always let the blinds dry completely before raising or rolling them up, or the moisture will cause marks and mould.
On metal and plastic slats, especially near windows that mist up often, WD-40 Multi-Use helps. Spray a little onto a cloth, wipe the surface, leave for a couple of minutes and remove the residue with a dry rag. It displaces moisture and lifts sticky grime.
Step 3
Clean the outside and the head box
Clean the outer side only where you can reach it safely, such as a ground floor, balcony or terrace. Otherwise it is easier to remove the cover of the box the blind rolls into and clean the visible strip section by section, turning the blind as you go.
The cover is usually held by screws or clips. If the screws have seized, apply WD-40 Smart Straw through the thin straw, wait a few minutes and unscrew them.
Step 4
Do not forget the cord or strap
Cords and straps are handled every day, so they darken first. Mix warm water, a little soap and a spoonful of bicarbonate of soda, dampen the sponge and rub along the whole cord. Wipe off the residue with a dry rag and let it dry.
If the mechanism is stiff or squeaks, put a drop of WD-40 Multi-Use on the metal pins and guides and wipe off any excess so it does not reach the fabric.
Tip: Give the blinds a quick wipe with a dry microfibre cloth once a week during routine cleaning, and a deep clean will only be needed once a season. Clean kitchen blinds more often, as greasy film hardens over time.
What next
Do a deep clean in spring and autumn when you wash the windows. For exterior roller shutters with metal guide rails, see our separate maintenance guide.
These uses come from the experience of WD-40 users in many countries. Always follow the instructions and warnings on the product label.
More guides in «How to use».