Michigan State University Extension
Home Maintenance And Repair - 01500406
06/24/03
Venetian Blinds - Washing in Bathtubs
The frequency of need for thorough washing and
cleaning is affected by the kind of heating system,
humidity, ventilation, and activity in the home.
Moisture condensation on blinds, as warm house air cools
on reaching cold window glass, increases soiling; regular
storm windows keep window warmer and reduces such
condensation.
1. Pull cords to blind to be approximately 12 to 14
inches long.
2. Tilt slats to "level" or "straight" position.
3. Tilt "open" the bracket ends and pull blind mechanism
forward and out.
To wash blind:
1. Pad bathtub with an old cotton blanket or terry
towels. Fabric will float as tub is filled with water.
Use about 5 inches of water in tub.
2. Place one blind carefully in tub on blanket or towels.
3. Wear heavy cotton gloves to prevent hands being cut
while wet on sharp edges of metal slats.
4. Add some liquid detergent to the water, preferably a
low suds type.
5. With soft cloth or small sponge, rub surface of each
slat.
6. Turn each slat over and clean the back side. Also
clean tapes.
7. Repeat for each slat then drain water from tub.
8. Stand total blind on end, resting on fabric.
9. With pail of clean water, pour over the blind to rinse
or use shower spray.
10.Drain blind on end.
There will be some water draining from the mechanism so
allow 10 to 30 minutes of draining time. It may be moved
after 10 minutes to drain on a dry blanket or towel,
still on end. Or carry rolled-up in a dishpan outdoors,
and dry over clothesline or railing.
To dry blind:
1. Replace blind in window brackets.
2. Release cords to allow blind to drop to full length of
window.
3. Tilt slats. With dry cloth, carefully dry each slat.
4. Reverse tilt of slats and dry other side of slats.
5. If cords are water soaked, pull straight by holding
bottom edge of blind.
6. Allow to completely dry in slat-open position.
OR
1. Place blind on table with plastic top, or cover with
heavy plastic tablecloth, and with old blanket on top to
absorb water.
2. With dry cloth, wipe each slat dry on both sides.
3. Replace blind at window and allow to air dry in down
position, with slats open.
This article was written by Anne Field, Extension
Specialist, Emeritus, with reference from Mary Ellen
Delsipee and Isabel Jones, previous Extension specialists.
This information is for educational purposes only. References
to commercial products or trade names does not imply
endorsement by MSU Extension or bias against those not
mentioned. This information becomes public property upon
publication and may be printed verbatim with credit to MSU
Extension. Reprinting cannot be used to endorse or advertise
a commercial product or company.
MSU is an affirmative-action, equal-opportunity employer. Michigan State
University Extension programs and materials are open to all without regard to race,
color, national origin, gender, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, disability,
political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status or veteran status.
Issued in furtherance of MSU Extension work, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in
cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Thomas G. Coon, Director,
MSU Extension, East Lansing,MI 48824. This information is for educational
purposes only. Reference to commercial products or trade names does not imply
endorsement by MSU Extension or bias against those not mentioned.
This file was generated from data base 02 on 02/04/08.
Data base 02 was last revised on 06/24/03.
For more information about this data base or its contents please contact
strausc@msu.edu .