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Can you wash vertical blinds in the washing machine? This is a common question among homeowners looking for an easy way to maintain their blinds.

Vertical blinds accumulate dust, dirt, and stains over time, so regular cleaning is essential to keep them looking fresh and prolong their lifespan.

There are multiple ways to clean vertical blinds, including vacuuming, hand washing, and, in some cases, machine washing.

However, not all vertical blind slats are suitable for the washing machine, as certain materials can shrink, fray, or lose their fire-retardant coating when exposed to excess moisture and agitation.

In this guide, we’ll explore whether washing vertical blinds in a washing machine is safe, which types of blinds can be machine-washed, and alternative cleaning methods to ensure your blinds remain in top condition.

What Types of Vertical Blinds Can Be Washed in a Machine?

Before tossing your blinds into the machine, it’s important to determine whether they are machine-washable. Different materials react differently to water and agitation, so always check the manufacturer’s care instructions before cleaning.

• Fabric Vertical Blinds – Most fabric vertical blinds can be machine-washed on a low-temperature, delicate cycle. However, some fabrics have fire-retardant coatings or glued bottom weights that can be damaged in the wash.
• PVC and Faux Wood Vertical Blinds – These blinds should never be machine-washed, as the water and heat can warp or discolour them. Instead, wipe them down with a damp cloth.
• Wooden Vertical Blinds – Wood should never be submerged in water or placed in a washing machine, as it can absorb moisture, leading to warping and cracking.

Always check the manufacturer’s guidelines before deciding how to wash vertical blinds in a machine. If unsure, opt for hand washing instead.

How to Wash Vertical Blinds in a Washing Machine Safely

If your vertical blinds are machine-washable, follow these steps to clean them without causing damage:

1. Remove the slats from the headrail
   • Carefully unclip the vertical blind slats from the headrail. If your blinds have bottom weights, remove them to prevent damage during the wash.
2. Pre-clean the blinds
   • Shake off any loose dust or dirt.
   • Use a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment to remove excess debris.
3. Place the slats in a protective bag
   • To prevent fraying, put the slats inside a pillowcase or mesh laundry bag. This will minimize agitation and protect delicate fabric edges.
4. Use a gentle wash cycle
   • Water temperature: No hotter than 30°C (86°F).
   • Detergent: A mild, non-bio detergent suitable for delicate fabrics.
   • Cycle: Delicate or hand wash cycle with low spin speed.
5. Avoid overloading the machine
   • Washing too many slats at once can cause excessive friction, leading to damage. If you have multiple blinds, wash them in small batches.

Risks of Washing Vertical Blinds in a Washing Machine

Although some vertical blinds can be machine-washed, there are risks involved:

• Shrinkage – Some fabrics may shrink, causing the slats to no longer fit properly.
• Fraying – Delicate edges can fray, especially if not protected inside a laundry bag.
• Loss of Fire-Retardant Coating – Many vertical blinds have a fire-retardant treatment that can be stripped away by machine washing.
• Glued Weights Coming Loose – If the bottom weights are glued in place, exposure to warm water can break the adhesive bond.

If you’re unsure whether your vertical blinds can handle machine washing, consider an alternative method to clean them safely.

Alternative Methods for Washing Vertical Blinds

If your blinds are not machine-washable or you prefer a more controlled cleaning approach, there are other effective ways to clean them.

How to Clean Vertical Blinds Without a Washing Machine

For light cleaning, regular maintenance can keep your blinds looking fresh without the need for deep washing.

• Vacuuming – Use a vacuum cleaner with a soft brush attachment to remove dust and debris. This is particularly effective for Venetian window blinds that collect dust easily.
• Spot Cleaning – For small stains, use a damp cloth and mild detergent to gently clean affected areas. Avoid soaking the fabric to prevent watermarks.

This method is ideal for maintaining vertical blinds in between deep cleans.

Deep Cleaning Vertical Blinds by Hand

If your blinds require more than just spot cleaning but shouldn’t be machine-washed, hand washing is the safest deep-cleaning method.

1. Fill a bathtub or basin with warm water (max 30°C/86°F).
2. Add a mild detergent designed for delicate fabrics.
3. Submerge the blinds for a few minutes but do not let them soak for too long, as this can cause shrinkage.
4. Gently scrub stains using a soft sponge or cloth. Avoid using harsh brushes.
5. Rinse thoroughly with clean water to remove any detergent residue.
6. Lay the blinds flat on a towel to dry. Hanging them while wet can cause stretching or warping.

Hand washing provides a deep clean while protecting the fabric from the harsh agitation of a washing machine.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Wash Vertical Blinds in a Washing Machine

If you’re wondering how to wash vertical blinds in the washing machine, follow these steps carefully to ensure they come out clean without damage.

Remove the Slats Properly

Before you begin washing vertical blinds in the washing machine, you must detach the slats correctly to avoid breaking any components:

1. Unclip the slats from the headrail by gently lifting or sliding them out.
2. Check for bottom weights—if your blinds have them, remove them to prevent damage.
3. Lay the slats flat to prevent creasing before placing them in the washing machine.

Tip: Be extra careful when removing vertical blind slats, as plastic clips can become brittle over time.

Pre-Clean Dust and Debris

To achieve the best results when washing vertical blinds, it’s important to remove as much dust and dirt as possible beforehand.

• Vacuum the slats using a brush attachment to lift dust from the fabric.
• Wipe down each slat with a damp cloth to remove surface grime.
• For stubborn stains, gently blot the area with warm water and mild detergent before washing.

Skipping this step can cause excess dirt to circulate in the washing machine, leading to poor results.

Choosing the Right Washing Machine Settings

When washing blinds in a washing machine, always use a gentle setting to prevent damage:

• Water Temperature: No hotter than 30°C (86°F) to prevent shrinkage.
• Detergent: A non-bio detergent is best to protect delicate fabrics.
• Cycle: Use a delicate or hand-wash cycle with low spin speed to minimize stress on the fabric.

Avoid fabric softeners or bleach, as they can weaken the material and affect fire-retardant coatings.

Protecting the Blinds During the Wash

To prevent fraying or damage, follow these precautions:

• Place the slats in a pillowcase or mesh laundry bag to reduce friction during the wash.
• Never overload the machine—wash a small number of slats at a time for best results.
• Avoid mixing with other laundry, as zippers or buttons can snag the fabric.

This method ensures your vertical blind slats are protected while getting thoroughly cleaned.

Drying the Blinds Properly

Proper drying is essential to prevent stretching or warping:

• Air drying is recommended—never put blinds in a tumble dryer, as high heat can shrink or distort them.
• Lay them flat on a towel to dry naturally, flipping them occasionally to prevent creases.
• Avoid hanging them while wet, as this can cause stretching and misshapen slats.

If you’re short on time, a cool setting on a hairdryer can speed up drying without heat damage.

Rehanging the Blinds on the Headrail

Once your vertical blinds are completely dry, you can reinstall them:

1. Ensure they are fully dry to prevent mildew or warping.
2. Reattach the slats carefully, making sure they are aligned correctly.
3. Check the headrail for dust or debris before hanging the blinds back up.

Now, your blinds should be fresh, clean, and looking as good as new!

Can You Wash Vertical Blind Slats Without Removing Them?

If you prefer not to remove your blinds, it is still possible to clean them while they remain attached to the headrail.

• Use an upholstery steam cleaner to lift stains and sanitize the fabric.
• Spot clean with a damp cloth and mild detergent for minor stains.
• Vacuum with a brush attachment regularly to keep dust at bay.

This method is ideal for routine maintenance but may not be as effective as washing vertical blinds in a washing machine for deep cleaning.

Can You Wash Blinds in the Washing Machine? (Other Types of Blinds)

Not all blinds are safe for machine washing. Here’s how different types compare:

Can You Wash Wooden or Faux Wood Vertical Blinds?

• Wooden blinds should never be submerged in water or placed in a washing machine, as moisture can cause warping, cracking, and discoloration.
• Faux wood blinds are more durable but should still be cleaned with a damp cloth rather than being machine-washed.

For wooden blinds, a microfiber cloth and furniture polish can keep them looking fresh.

Can You Wash Venetian or Roller Blinds in the Washing Machine?

• Venetian blinds (aluminum or wooden) should be dusted or wiped down with a damp cloth, never machine-washed.
• Roller blinds can sometimes be removed and hand-washed in warm water, but always check the manufacturer’s recommendations first.

For Venetian window blinds, regular dusting is the best way to maintain them.