How to Steam Clean Blinds

A damp cloth will work for touch-up cleaning. For a more thorough cleaning, a steam cleaning unit can be used. Hot steamer vapors not only lift dust, but also kill dust mites and mold.

1. Fill the steam cleaner with water using a funnel. Be careful not to overfill the reservoir. Consult your owner’s manual to determine if your model requires distilled water.

2. Connect the brush attachment to the steam hose if your model accepts attachments. For most models, this involves sliding the attachment onto the end of the hose.

3. Plug the steamer into an outlet and turn the unit on. Wait until the steamer is ready to produce steam. Heat-up time varies by model. It usually takes 10 minutes or less for the steamer to begin producing steam.

4. Pre-test a hidden area to make sure the steamer will not damage or discolor the blinds. Fabric and vinyl blinds are more prone to damage than wood or metal blinds.

5. Move the brush across the blinds allowing the steam to loosen the dust. Start cleaning at the top of the blinds and work down using smooth, steady strokes from one side to the other. Move rapidly when cleaning vinyl blinds.

6. Wipe any dust and moisture remaining on the blinds with a clean cloth or towel.

7. Rotate the blinds and clean the other side using the brush attachment. Wipe this side of the blinds with a cloth or towel.

8. Monitor the water level. The steamer will stop producing steam when the reservoir is empty. Refill the steamer when necessary. Be sure to allow the steamer to cool completely before refilling the unit. Depending on your particular model, cooling time make be 15 minutes or more.