How to Refresh Your Mini Blinds Like a Pro

Over time, mini blinds can get dirty, dusty, and faded from exposure to sunlight and other elements. Refreshing your mini blinds helps them look clean, bright, and new again. With some simple cleaning methods and tools, you can make your old mini blinds shine like they are brand new. Follow these steps to refresh your mini blinds like a professional.

Assess the Condition of Your Mini Blinds

Before determining the best way to clean your mini blinds, assess their current condition to see how much work they need.

• Examine the slats for dust, dirt, grime, or discoloration. Are the slats just lightly dusty or is the dirt deeply embedded?

• Check the tilt wand and cords for proper functioning. Do the slats tilt smoothly when you adjust them?

• Look for any damages like bent or cracked slats. Make notes on slats that need repair or replacement.

• Consider how long it has been since you last cleaned the blinds. Blinds cleaned yearly may just need surface cleaning versus deep cleaning for blinds not cleaned for many years.

This inspection helps determine what level of cleaning and restoration your blinds need. For light dust, surface cleaning may suffice but heavy dirt or damage calls for deeper cleaning and treatment.

Clean the Mini Blind Slats

The slats are the main surface needing cleaning. Tailor your cleaning method to the slat material and condition.

Dusty Plastic or Metal Slats

For light dust on plastic or metal slats:

• Use a microfiber duster or soft brush to lightly dust the slats.

• Or use a vacuum hose attachment to suck off dust. Use a brush nozzle and run it lightly over each slat to vacuum off dirt.

• Finish by wiping down slats with a microfiber cloth slightly dampened with water.

This quick cleaning helps remove surface dust and dirt from lightly soiled slats.

Dirty Plastic Slats

For plastic slats with heavier dirt buildup:

• Mix a solution of warm water and mild dishwashing detergent. Use several drops of soap per cup of water.

• Dip a soft cleaning cloth into the solution and wring out excess.

• Gently wipe each slat to clean off dirt and grime. Re-wet the cloth as needed.

• Use a dry soft cloth to wipe slats dry when done.

The detergent solution helps cut through grease and dirt on plastic slats. Avoid harsh cleaners which could damage the plastic.

Dirty Metal Slats

For dirty metal slats, make a cleaning solution by mixing:

• 1/2 cup vinegar

• 1/2 cup warm water

• 1/2 tsp. dish soap

• 1/2 tsp. baking soda

The acidity in the vinegar helps dissolve dirt while the baking soda scrubbing action lifts grime.

• Dip a soft cloth into the solution and wipe down each slat.

• Use a toothbrush to help scrub sticky, stuck-on dirt.

• Rinse with a vinegar-dampened cloth then a clean damp cloth.

• Finish by wiping slats dry with a towel.

This helps remove built-up dirt from metal mini blind slats.

Discolored Plastic Slats

For plastic slats yellowed or stained from sun and smoke exposure try this:

• Fill a bucket with warm water and add 1 cup vinegar.

• Submerge the stained slats in the solution. For longer blinds, submerge sections at a time.

• Let soak 30 minutes up to a few hours until stains lighten.

• Rinse off the slats with fresh water and dry thoroughly.

The vinegar helps dissolve residue on the slats leaving them bright and fresh.

Clean Dust and Grime From Blind Components

While cleaning the slats, also wipe down other components of the blinds:

• Clean tilt wands using a cloth dampened with an all-purpose cleaner. Scrub to remove built-up dirt and oils from hand contact.

• Vacuum and wipe down the headrail which can collect dust and cobwebs.

• For cloth tapes, run a vacuum brush nozzle over them to extract dust.

• Clean cords with a damp soft cloth. Untwist cords and rinse with water if very dirty.

• Wipe down any valence or bottom rail with an all-purpose cleaning solution.

Cleaning blind parts as you go eliminates all dirt, dust, and grime for a full refresh.

Untangle, Straighten, and Repair Slats

Once blinds are clean, examine the slats again and fix any issues:

• Straighten out bent slats using your hands or pliers wrapped in cloth.

• Replace any broken or cracked slats. Take to a hardware store for replacement slats. Watch a tutorial if unsure how to replace.

• Untwist any twisted ladders to restore even alignment of slats.

• Trim cords if uneven. Leave equal lengths.

Your refreshed blinds should have straight, evenly aligned slats for optimal functioning.

Apply Protective Finishes

For added protection from future dirt, consider applying finishes:

• Metal slats can be sprayed with a clear matte finish lacquer made for metal. Allow to fully dry.

• Plastic slats can be sprayed with acrylic sealant for plastic. Avoid sealants with silicone which can discolor plastic over time.

• You can also run a dryer sheet over each clean slat leaving a light coating to repel dust.

The coating prevents dust buildup and gives added luster. Reapply every few deep cleanings.

Conclusion

With some simple cleaning techniques and tools, you can make old, dusty mini blinds look fresh and new again. Work top to bottom to deep clean slats, blind components, and hardware. Repair any damage to slats or cords. Apply protective finishes if desired. Properly refreshed mini blinds enhance your windows with a crisp, clean look.