How to Clean Fabric Blinds in a Bathtub

Co-authored by Jon Gholian and Amy Bobinger

Last Updated: December 16, 2021 References

Over time, fabric blinds can get pretty grimy due to dust, dirt, and even grease in the air. If your blinds need a deep clean, you may be able to wash them in the bathtub! Soaking your blinds is way easier than trying to scrub them while they're hanging in the window, and the before-and-after is totally satisfying. Our guide will walk you through the simple steps of cleaning your fabric blinds in the bathtub, so let's get started.

Method 1

Method 1 of 12:
Read the care label on your blinds.

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Make sure it's safe to put them in the tub. Most fabric blinds are safe to put in the bathtub, but there are some that shouldn't get wet, according to the manufacturer's directions. To be safe, look for a label somewhere on your blinds that gives directions on how to clean your specific blinds. If you can't find a care label, look up the manufacturer and model of your blinds online to try to find detailed cleaning instructions.^{[1]
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- For instance, some honeycomb fabrics should not be cleaned in the bathtub, while it's fine for others.
- Also, check the label to determine whether it's safe to immerse the headrail.
- Better safe than sorry: If you aren't sure whether your blinds are safe to clean in the bathtub, take them to be professionally dry cleaned.

Method 2

Method 2 of 12:
Dust and vacuum the blinds.

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Remove any excess dirt and dust from the surface of the blinds. Close the blinds so you can see each slat. Then, take a dry microfiber cloth and wipe down each slat of the blinds, working from top to bottom. When you're finished, go back over the blinds with the soft brush attachment on your vacuum cleaner.^{[2]
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Expert Source

Jon Gholian
Cleaning Specialist
Expert Interview. 19 April 2021.}
- If you clean off the surface dust before you soak the blinds, the water will be able to penetrate stubborn dirt and stains more easily.
- It's easiest to do this while the blinds are still hanging. Just remember to dust both sides.
- You can also use your hair dryer set to the coolest temperature to blow dirt out of the crevices of the blinds.^{[3]
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Method 3

Method 3 of 12:
Take the blinds down.

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You may need a screwdriver to remove the blinds. On some blinds, you can simply tilt the headrail (the rail at the top of the blinds) up and back. Then, lift the blinds over the top of the brackets that are holding them in place.^{[4]
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Research source} Other blinds require you to press a tab on the bracket and slide the headrail out at the same time. The tab can be hard to press, so it can help to use a flathead screwdriver.^{[5]
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- If you don't have a flathead screwdriver, try using a credit card instead.^{[6]
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- There are usually two brackets holding up blinds—one on each end. However, sometimes there's an extra one in the middle.
- Check your manufacturer's directions for specifics on how to remove your blinds.^{[7]
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Method 4

Method 4 of 12:
Lay a towel in the bottom of your bathtub.

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This will keep the blinds from scratching your tub. Even though your blinds are made of fabric, the headrail and other hardware could scratch your ceramic tub. The towel will also prevent the blinds from being damaged by bumping against the bottom of the tub.^{[8]
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Method 5

Method 5 of 12:
Fill your bathtub with warm water.

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Hot water will melt the glue on the blinds. Add enough water to the tub to completely cover your blinds. Use your hands to test the water to make sure it's warm, but not hot. The ideal temperature for the water is about 85 °F (29 °C). That's just a little warmer than room temperature.^{[9]
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- You can test the water with a thermometer if you'd like.

Method 6

Method 6 of 12:
Add enough dish soap to create suds.

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You'll probably need about 2–3 US tbsp (30–44 ml) of soap. No need to measure precisely—just add a couple of good squeezes of soap as you swish the water around with your fingers. When you start to see suds forming, you'll know you've added enough soap.^{[10]
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- Mild dish soap is the perfect cleanser for your blinds because it will break up dirt and grease, but it won't discolor or damage the fabric panels.

Method 7

Method 7 of 12:
Soak the blinds for at least an hour.

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You can leave them in for up to 3 hours if you need to. Lay the blinds on the towel in the bottom of your tub, ensuring they're completely submerged. Some cleaning experts suggest leaving the blinds in for as little as 5 minutes, but for the deepest clean, most suggest soaking them for 1-3 hours.^{[11]
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- If the blinds don't fit completely under the water, or if they float on top of the water, flip them over every 30 minutes or so to ensure all sides get cleaned.

Method 8

Method 8 of 12:
Scrub the panels with a sponge.

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Work methodically down the blinds. After your blinds have finished soaking, drain the water from the tub and wipe the blinds down thoroughly with a soft sponge or microfiber cloth. This will remove any dirt and grease that was loosened while the blinds were soaking. Spend extra time scrubbing anywhere you notice stubborn dirt or stains.^{[12]
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- It can help to spread the blinds out in the bottom of the tub so you can clean between each slat.^{[13]
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Method 9

Method 9 of 12:
Rinse the blinds with clean water.

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Either refill the tub or use your shower attachment. If you have a handheld shower attachment, hang the blinds from your shower rod and spray the fabric panels down to remove any remaining dirt or soapy residue.^{[14]
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Research source} If you don't have one, fill your tub again cool water, then swish the water around the blinds with your hands.^{[15]
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Method 10

Method 10 of 12:
Lay the panels flat to dry.

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Place them on top of towels to absorb moisture. Spread towels out over your floor or another flat surface. Place the blinds on top of the towels, then use a separate towel to gently pat the top of the blinds. Once you've gotten up as much excess water as possible, leave the blinds to air dry.^{[16]
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- It can take up to 1-2 days for the blinds to be completely dry.
- You can also hang the blinds from your shower rod to dry them.^{[17]
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Method 11

Method 11 of 12:
Return the blinds to the window.

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Keep the slats slightly open in case they're still damp. To hang the blinds, simply push the headrail back into the bracket. Then, open the blinds slightly. If there's any moisture left on the blinds, it could cause mold or mildew to grow.^{[18]
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Method 12

Method 12 of 12:
Deep clean your blinds once or twice a year.

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Do a light clean about once a month to keep them looking their best. To keep your blinds dust-free between washings, wipe them down with a microfiber cloth, then vacuum them with a soft brush attachment. If you notice any spots or stains, gently blot the area with a microfiber cloth dipped in warm soapy water, then allow the blinds to air dry.^{[19]
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Expert Source

Jon Gholian
Cleaning Specialist
Expert Interview. 19 April 2021.}
- If you dust and vacuum your blinds every 1-4 weeks, you'll only need to deep clean them every 6-12 months.^{[20]
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