Terms of UseHow to Deep Clean Your Fabric Blinds in a Bathtub in 12 Easy Steps Explore this Article IN THIS ARTICLE 1 Read the care label on your blinds. 2 Dust and vacuum the blinds. 3 Take the blinds down. 4 Lay a towel in the bottom of your bathtub. 5 Fill your bathtub with warm water. 6 Add enough dish soap to create suds. 7 Soak the blinds for at least an hour. 8 Scrub the panels with a sponge. 9 Rinse the blinds with clean water. 10 Lay the panels flat to dry. 11 Return the blinds to the window. 12 Deep clean your blinds once or twice a year. + Show 9 more... - Show less... Other Sections Expert Q&A Tips and Warnings Related Articles Expert Interview References Co-authored by Amy Mikhaiel and Amy Bobinger, BA
Last Updated: July 27, 2025 References
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This article was co-authored by Amy Mikhaiel and by wikiHow staff writer, Amy Bobinger, BA. Amy Mikhaiel is a cleaning guru and the CEO of Amy's Angels Cleaning Inc., a residential and commercial cleaning company in Los Angeles, California. Amy's Angels was voted Best Cleaning Service by Angie’s Lists in 2018 and was the most requested cleaning company by Yelp in 2019. Amy's mission is to help women achieve their financial goals by establishing empowerment through cleaning. There are 10 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been viewed 3,781 times.
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.
Steps
1
Read the care label on your blinds.
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.
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.
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2
Dust and vacuum the blinds.
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.[1]X Expert Source Jon GholianCleaning SpecialistExpert Interview
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.[2]XResearch source
3
Take the blinds down.
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.[3]XResearch 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.[4]XResearch source
If you don't have a flathead screwdriver, try using a credit card instead.[5]XResearch source
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.[6]XResearch source
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4
Lay a towel in the bottom of your bathtub.
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.[7]XResearch source
5
Fill your bathtub with warm water.
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.[8]XResearch source
You can test the water with a thermometer if you'd like.
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6
Add enough dish soap to create suds.
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.[9]XResearch source
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.
7
Soak the blinds for at least an hour.
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.[10]XResearch source
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.
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8
Scrub the panels with a sponge.
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.[11]XResearch source
It can help to spread the blinds out in the bottom of the tub so you can clean between each slat.[12]XResearch source
9
Rinse the blinds with clean water.
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.[13]XResearch source If you don't have one, fill your tub again cool water, then swish the water around the blinds with your hands.[14]XResearch source Advertisement
10
Lay the panels flat to dry.
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.[15]XResearch source
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.[16]XResearch source
11
Return the blinds to the window.
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.[17]XResearch source Advertisement
12
Deep clean your blinds once or twice a year.
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.[18]X Expert Source Jon GholianCleaning SpecialistExpert Interview
If you dust and vacuum your blinds every 1-4 weeks, you'll only need to deep clean them every 6-12 months.[19]XResearch source
Fabric odor eliminating sprays are another great way to keep your fabric blinds looking and smelling fresh.[20]X Expert Source Amy MikhaielHouse Cleaning ProfessionalExpert Interview
Expert Q&A
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Question What else can I use to clean fabric blinds? Amy Mikhaiel House Cleaning Professional Amy Mikhaiel is a cleaning guru and the CEO of Amy's Angels Cleaning Inc., a residential and commercial cleaning company in Los Angeles, California. Amy's Angels was voted Best Cleaning Service by Angie’s Lists in 2018 and was the most requested cleaning company by Yelp in 2019. Amy's mission is to help women achieve their financial goals by establishing empowerment through cleaning. Amy Mikhaiel House Cleaning Professional Expert Answer A steam cleaner is great! Start by spritzing your blinds down with a fabric odor eliminating spray; then, steam the fabric with a portable steamer. Open the windows to let the blinds air-dry. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 0 Helpful 2
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Tips
If there are stains you can't remove from your fabric blinds, take them to a professional dry cleaner.[21]XResearch sourceThanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
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Expert Interview
Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about blinds, check out our in-depth interview with Jon Gholian.
References
↑ Jon Gholian. Cleaning Specialist. Expert Interview
Co-authored by: Amy Mikhaiel House Cleaning Professional This article was co-authored by Amy Mikhaiel and by wikiHow staff writer, Amy Bobinger, BA. Amy Mikhaiel is a cleaning guru and the CEO of Amy's Angels Cleaning Inc., a residential and commercial cleaning company in Los Angeles, California. Amy's Angels was voted Best Cleaning Service by Angie’s Lists in 2018 and was the most requested cleaning company by Yelp in 2019. Amy's mission is to help women achieve their financial goals by establishing empowerment through cleaning. This article has been viewed 3,781 times. 1 votes - 0% Co-authors: 4Updated: July 27, 2025 Views: 3,781
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Co-authored by: Amy Mikhaiel House Cleaning Professional This article was co-authored by Amy Mikhaiel and by wikiHow staff writer, Amy Bobinger, BA. Amy Mikhaiel is a cleaning guru and the CEO of Amy's Angels Cleaning Inc., a residential and commercial cleaning company in Los Angeles, California. Amy's Angels was voted Best Cleaning Service by Angie’s Lists in 2018 and was the most requested cleaning company by Yelp in 2019. Amy's mission is to help women achieve their financial goals by establishing empowerment through cleaning. This article has been viewed 3,781 times. 1 votes - 0% Co-authors: 4 Updated: July 27, 2025 Views: 3,781 
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776 
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. 
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.[1] 
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.[3] 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.[4] 
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.[7] 
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.[8] 
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.[9] 
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.[10] 
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.[11] 
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.[13] If you don't have one, fill your tub again cool water, then swish the water around the blinds with your hands.[14] Advertisement 
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.[15] 
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.[17] Advertisement 
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.[18] 
Amy Mikhaiel House Cleaning Professional Amy Mikhaiel is a cleaning guru and the CEO of Amy's Angels Cleaning Inc., a residential and commercial cleaning company in Los Angeles, California. Amy's Angels was voted Best Cleaning Service by Angie’s Lists in 2018 and was the most requested cleaning company by Yelp in 2019. Amy's mission is to help women achieve their financial goals by establishing empowerment through cleaning.