• Vertical blinds are available in many colors and styles.VERTICAL image by SKYDIVECOP from Fotolia.com
  
  Vertical blinds are most commonly made from vinyl or fabric and they are available in a variety of styles depending on your tastes. Typically vertical blinds are floor length, but they can also be cut to fit most standard window heights. Routine care can make cleaning your vertical blinds easier and ensure that you do not have to make costly repairs.
  
  

Basic Cleaning Rules

• One of the most basic tenets of cleaning is to clean from top to bottom. This method keeps you from having to clean areas again because dirt or cleaning solutions run into the areas you thought you had finished. If you plan to use water or other liquids, place towels underneath the blinds to catch any excess.
  
  

Remove Loose Dirt

• A lamb's wool duster will grab dust and dirt and hold onto it while you clean. You can also vacuum your blinds with the brush attachment of your vacuum cleaner. Either method will remove the loose dirt and dust before you add liquids to your blinds. Once the blinds are wet, the dirt and dust will become muddy and more difficult to remove. If you dust or vacuum the blinds regularly, you will find you do not have to deep clean your blinds as often.
  
  

Vinyl Blinds

• To deep clean vinyl blinds, mix 1 tsp. ammonia with 1 qt. water in a bucket. Dip a clean cloth in this mixture and fold the cloth around each slat, gently sliding the cloth from the top of the slat to the bottom. Rinse using clean water and a clean cloth, again sliding the cloth from top to bottom.
  
  

Fabric Blinds

• Spot clean fabric blinds only. Test any cleaning solutions in an inconspicuous area before using them. Washing your fabric blinds can warp the fabric, so if deep cleaning is necessary, remove the blinds and take them to a dry cleaner that specializes in window coverings.