To keep your metal Venetian blind looking and operating at its best, it’s important you clean it regularly to prevent dirt and dust building up on both the slats and inside the moving parts of the headrail.
Our cleaning handy guide covers:
- How to clean metal Venetian blinds with a duster or clean, soft cloth to gently remove debris
- How to remove stubborn stains or marks with a mild detergent
- How to use the upholstery attachment of your vacuum cleaner on a low suction setting to remove dust
- What cleaning methods to avoid to ensure your metal Venetian blinds maintain their quality
Looking for ways to clean Wooden Venetian blinds? See our dedicated article here.
Our easy to follow guide gives you plenty of simple cleaning tips and techniques to keep your metal Venetian blinds looking great for longer. Take a look to learn more.
The best way to remove dust and debris from a metal Venetian blind is with a dry, clean cloth or feather duster.
Lower the blind and turn the slats downwards until they are flat in the closed position. Then, starting from the top, simply wipe each slat individually from middle to edge.
Cleaning from top to bottom ensures you won’t have to clean the same slat a second time when dust from a slat above settles on one below.
Open and close your blind on the opposite side and gently clean the slats again.
Using a vacuum to clean your metal blind is a great time saver, but it's important to only do this if you have an upholstery brush attachment so you avoid scratching your blind.
This is a small, flathead brush with a row of short bristles. Set the suction of your vacuum to a low level and test it before you start to clean, as the slats of your blind could be pulled out of shape if your vacuum is too powerful.
This is a great way to remove dust from harder-to-reach places or from areas where a duster won’t fit, such as near the headrail and near the internal components of the blind.
Sticky or stubborn marks can be cleaned with water and a mild household detergent such as washing up liquid or window cleaning spray. Use a non-abrasive sponge or brush, remembering not to apply too much pressure as the slats may bend.
While metal blinds are very durable, certain types of chemicals can strip away the metal or cause it to become discoloured and damaged. Before using any cleaning agent on your blinds, always spot test an inconspicuous area first to test for possible harm. We recommend carefully following the manufacturer instructions of the cleaning product you choose to use. Make sure you carefully dry the louvres with a paper towel after cleaning.
We do not recommend taking down Hillarys’ blinds to clean them.
Leaving your metal blind to soak in the bath, or rinsing with a garden hose on a rubber mat outdoors could damage the slats and affect the durability of the product.
Following an alterative clearing method regularly, like those explained above will help you maintain your blinds and keep them looking good for longer.
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Read our expert guide on how to clean your metal Venetian blind. We share our top tips for keeping your Venetian blind dirt-free and looking its best.
While metal Venetian blinds are highly practical, like any other surface they gather dust and stains over time. Regular cleaning will help you to maintain your blind and keep it looking its best. It’s very easy and should only take a few minutes each week. Here’s how:
First, check whether your Venetian blind has any sticky stains. Gently remove these using a mild detergent, such as washing up liquid or window cleaning spray. Then carefully dry the louvres with a paper towel.
Next, move your blind to the closed position. Use a soft cloth or a special duster mitt or glove. Systematically clean each slat, starting from the middle of the slat and wipe towards the edges. Once you have cleaned all the slats on this side, open and close your blind on the opposite side and do the same again.
You can save time by using your vacuum cleaner to clean your blinds, but it is very important that you only do this if you have an upholstery attachment brush, otherwise, you might scratch your blind. Set the suction to a low level and test it before you start to clean, as the slats could be pulled out of shape if your vacuum cleaner is too powerful.
Attach the upholstery brush to your vacuum cleaner and close your Venetian blind. Gently run the attachment brush over the slats, working from top to bottom. Then open and close your blind on the other side and repeat.
Every now and again, it’s worth giving your Venetian blind a thorough clean particularly if it is in an area that’s prone to dirt, like the kitchen. Before you start, protect the steel components in the head-rail, as these can rust if exposed to excess moisture.
First, prepare the cleaning area by laying down an old blanket or groundsheet. This will prevent your blind from getting scratched or damaged. Next, fill a bucket with warm water mixed with a mild detergent. Then carefully take down your blind and lay it on the prepared surface. Using a soft brush or non-abrasive sponge, gently clean each slat. Then rinse with cold water or a garden hose. For very stubborn stains, you may need to repeat this process several times.
Once your Venetian blind is thoroughly clean, you will need to find somewhere to hang it to prevent the build-up of mould as it dries. A hairdryer on a cool setting can speed up the drying process.
If you have a garden fence, you could tap in two or three strong nails to hang the blind from as it dries. However, make sure your blind sits securely so that it doesn’t fall off and get damaged.
If you do not have any outdoor space, you can clean your Venetian blind in the bath. Again, put a towel or rubber mat in the bath before you begin to prevent scratching. Fill the bath with enough warm water to completely cover the blind and then add a mild detergent. Place the blind in the bath and gently clean each slat with a soft brush or non-abrasive sponge. For heavy staining, leave the blind to soak for several hours or overnight before cleaning the slats. Rinse the blind thoroughly with cold water and then hang it securely over the shower rail to dry.
We hope you have found this guide to cleaning your metal Venetian blind helpful. See our other ‘How to… cleaning guides’ for more top tips.
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