How to Clean Venetian Faux Wood Blinds (and Aluminum Blinds Too)

Quick answer: To clean faux wood or aluminum venetian blinds, tilt the slats downward and wipe them with a dry microfiber cloth or a vacuum brush attachment. For deeper cleaning or sticky residue, use a cloth dampened with warm water and mild dish soap. Never use harsh chemicals, and never soak faux wood blinds, as water can damage the internal lift strings even if the slats are waterproof.

One of the biggest advantages of venetian blinds—whether they are made of faux wood or aluminum—is how easy they are to clean compared to fabric shades. You don't need specialized equipment or professional dry cleaning. With a simple routine, you can keep them looking brand new for years.

This guide covers the best methods for routine dusting, deep cleaning sticky messes (like kitchen grease), and what cleaning mistakes will ruin your blinds.

Routine Dusting (Do This Once a Month)

The secret to keeping blinds clean is not letting dust build up until it binds with moisture in the air and becomes grime. A quick dusting once a month is all it takes.

Method 1: The Microfiber Cloth

1. Lower the blinds completely.
2. Tilt the slats all the way down so they lie almost flat against each other.
3. Hold the bottom rail with one hand to steady the blind.
4. Starting at the top left, wipe a dry microfiber cloth across the slats, working your way down to the bottom.
5. Tilt the slats all the way up (the opposite direction) and repeat the process on the other side.

Method 2: The Vacuum Cleaner

1. Attach the soft brush tool to your vacuum hose (do not use a hard plastic nozzle, as it will scratch faux wood and bend aluminum).
2. Set the vacuum to the lowest suction setting to avoid sucking the slats into the hose.
3. Tilt the slats down and gently brush across them from top to bottom.
4. Reverse the tilt and vacuum the other side.

Deep Cleaning (For Grime, Grease, or Sticky Spots)

If your blinds are in the kitchen (see our guide on Best Blinds for the Window Above Your Kitchen Sink) or the bathroom, dry dusting won't be enough. Aerosolized cooking grease and hairspray act like glue for dust.

The Soap and Water Method:

1. Fill a bowl with warm water and add just a few drops of mild dish soap (like Dawn).
2. Dip a microfiber cloth into the soapy water and wring it out completely. The cloth should be damp, not dripping.
3. Wipe down each slat individually. For stubborn grease, you may need to gently pinch the slat with the damp cloth and slide it from end to end.
4. Follow immediately with a dry cloth to prevent water spots, especially on darker faux wood finishes.

What NOT to Do When Cleaning Blinds

• Do not take them down and soak them in the bathtub. While PVC and PS faux wood slats are 100% waterproof (which is why they are great waterproof bathroom blinds), the metal components inside the headrail will rust, and the cotton ladder strings will degrade and discolor if submerged in water.
• Do not use bleach or abrasive cleaners. Harsh chemicals will strip the faux wood-grain finish and can discolor aluminum blinds.
• Do not scrub aluminum blinds aggressively. Aluminum slats are durable but thin. Pressing too hard while scrubbing can permanently crease or bend the metal.

Special Considerations for Real Wood vs. Faux Wood

If you are cleaning real wood blinds, you must be much more careful. Real wood should never be cleaned with soapy water, as moisture will cause the wood to warp, swell, and crack. Only use a dry cloth or a wood-safe furniture polish applied lightly to a rag.

This massive difference in maintenance is why we usually recommend faux wood for most homes. Read our full comparison on Faux Wood vs. Real Wood Blinds to understand which fits your lifestyle better.

What About Fabric Shades?

Fabric window treatments require entirely different maintenance. You cannot wipe down a cellular shade or a Roman shade with soapy water, as it will stain the fabric or ruin the pleats. Have fabric shades too? Here is how to clean roman shades without damaging them. If your cordless mechanism ever gets stuck during a heavy cleaning, check out our guide on how to fix stuck cordless blinds or see what to do if your cordless blinds won't go down.

Further Reading

• Venetian & Horizontal Blinds: The Complete Buying Guide
• Faux Wood vs. Real Wood Blinds: Which Should You Choose?
• 2 Inch Faux Wood Blinds: The Complete Buying Guide
• Best Blinds for the Window Above Your Kitchen Sink
• How to Shorten Mini Blinds That Are Too Wide or Too Long
• Waterproof Bathroom Blinds: The Complete Buying Guide