Dust wooden blinds slat by slat
Dust wooden Venetian blinds without soaking the slats. Work from top to bottom, clean both faces and check the maker’s advice for sticky marks.
- Estimated time
- 20 min
- Skill level
- Beginner
Before you start
Check whether the slats are real wood and look up the maker’s care instructions. Start with a clean, dry cloth. Place an old sheet under a dusty blind to catch loose dust, and work only on slats you can reach comfortably.
Tools and materials
- Two soft microfibre cloths
Step-by-step instructions
Lower the blind
Tilt the slats nearly closed so the broad faces are easy to reach.
Dust from the top
Support each slat lightly with one hand and wipe along it with a dry cloth. Work down so loose dust falls onto slats you have yet to clean.
Reverse the tilt
Turn the slats the other way and dust their backs.
Handle sticky marks separately
Use the maker’s approved method for the finish. If its instructions specify dry cleaning only, keep water away from the slats. For a finish that permits a damp cloth, spot-test a hidden area, use a barely damp cloth and dry the spot straight away.
Check the result
Open the slats enough to see both faces in daylight. Wipe any line of dust left around the ladder cords. Tilt the blind back to its usual position and check that each slat moves freely.
Troubleshooting
If a slat bends as you wipe, reduce pressure and support it closer to your hand.