How can I clean a dirty vertical blind track?
by Char
+5
the track and mechanism that my vertical blinds move has years of dirt and gunk on them do the get stuck when I try to open and close them. Anyone know the best way to clean the blinds track without having to take them down? They are triple wide and it would be impossible for me to take them down by myself. Any ideas much appreciated.
Suggested Project Book
Compressed air can be directed into the tracks to break loose dirt. A dry lube spray or possibly garage door chain and hinge spray can help the blinds move. Use sparingly.
Hi Char,
If you can get on a safe ladder, you could open the blinds and clean the part that you can reach. I'd also spray some WD-40 along the track, move the blinds back & forth a few times, then wipe off any left over WD-40. The WD-40 should pull some of the dirt from the parts of the track you can't reach. I've never actually done exactly this with vertical blinds, but I've used the same premise with other projects. Just be careful not to get the WD-40 on the blinds if they have any fabric at all. I hope this helps you. Wishing you the best.
Try soaking cotton balls with a degreaser and placing in the track. Let sit and then remove. Wipe down. Repeat if needed.
get good sturdy ladder and vacuum the area out really well before you put anything wet or oily on it/in it or you'll really have mess use a stiff brush if your vacuum doesn't have one to loosen debris as you vacuum the tracks,moving the blinds back and forth so you get between them as your are cleaning; then when clean add a little WD40 dry lube to tracks if you need them to slide easier, don't just add it unless they don't move well;degeaser will remove any silicone or oil that helps them slide easier
Thank you all for your answers and great suggestions. I will definitely give them a try and take some pictures to post for others.
Soapy water and a toothbrush!
For vertical blinds just use warm water and a mild soap like Dawn.