My nana taught me this 1 trick for cleaning dusty window blinds with almost 0 work. Here’s how it works

The Simple Sock Trick My Nana Used to Keep Her Blinds Dust-Free (And It Still Works Like a Charm!)

Let’s be honest—cleaning window blinds is one of those chores that always ends up at the bottom of the to-do list. The slats collect dust like nobody’s business, and wiping each one by hand? No thank you. But years ago, my nana showed me a clever little trick that made all the difference—and I’ve been using it ever since.

It’s easy. It’s fast. And best of all, it uses something you probably already have sitting in your drawer.

The Problem We All Know Too Well

Blinds, whether they’re wood, vinyl, or fabric, are dust magnets. Over time, that buildup doesn’t just make your windows look dingy—it can also stir up allergies and affect the air quality in your home. Traditional cleaning methods can be tedious and frustrating, which is why so many of us just close the blinds and try not to think about it.

My Nana’s No-Fuss Cleaning Secret

Back in the day, my nana didn’t rely on fancy gadgets or pricey sprays. Her go-to tool? A good old-fashioned sock.

That’s right—just a soft, clean sock. She’d slip it over her hand like a mitt, give it a light dampening, and go to town on those blinds. It’s simple, it works like a charm, and it takes almost no time at all.

Why It’s So Easy (And Surprisingly Satisfying)

There’s something satisfying about how well this trick works. The sock traps the dust instead of just moving it around, and using your hand gives you the flexibility to clean both sides of each slat in one go. In just minutes, the blinds go from dusty to sparkling clean—and you barely break a sweat.

Here’s How to Do It:

1. Grab a pair of old socks—cotton works best.
2. Slip one sock over your hand like a glove.
3. Lightly dampen the sock with plain water or a gentle cleaner (optional).
4. Start at the top of the blinds, and gently pinch each slat between your fingers.
5. Slide your hand along the slat to pick up the dust.
6. Work your way down until they’re all clean.
7. Rinse the sock or toss it in the laundry for next time.

What You’ll Need:

• A pair of soft old socks
• Water or mild cleaner (if needed)
• Optional: a dry cloth for touch-ups

A Few Helpful Tips

• Less is more: Don’t soak the sock—just a little moisture goes a long way.
• Watch the fabric: Avoid socks with rough textures or sequins that could scratch your blinds.
• Keep it up: A quick wipe every week or so keeps the dust from piling up.