Michigan State University Extension
Home Maintenance And Repair - 01500407
06/24/03
Washing Venetian Blinds at the Window
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. Open blind and let it hang all the way down. Protect
window sill and area with plastic drop cloth.
2. Mix up a pail of detergent suds.
3. Start at the top and wash one slat at a time with suds
by folding a cloth or sponge around the slat and sliding
it from left to right to wash both sides at the same
time. Or cut halfway through a thick flat sponge and use
it the same way.
Another quick way is to wear a pair of cotton work
gloves. Then dip both hands into the suds, and use the
gloves like sponges to wash the slats.
4. Rinse the slats the same way and wipe them dry.
5. Scrub the tapes on both sides with a brush covered
with thick suds. Rinse them with a clean damp sponge or
cloth.
6. Wipe each pull cord with a folded sponge or cloth--
first with suds and then with clean water.
7. Let the blind hang open and dropped all the way down
until it is dry and the tapes are stretched smooth. Put
old cloths or towels under it to catch any dripping
water.
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 .