A dishwasher's heat may be too high to safely clean your blinds.
Vertical blinds, unlike horizontal blinds, are typically attached only at the top of the rod from which they hang. Although they don't collect as much dust as horizontal blinds, they still get dirty and require an occasional cleaning. While placing them in the dishwasher may seem like an ingenious idea at first glance, it is not your best option.
Materials
Vertical blinds are made from a variety of materials. Fabric blinds are often made from linen or cotton and contain weights sewn into the hem to help them maintain their shape and prevent them from blowing in the wind. You can also choose PVC backing as an additional option to help them hold their shape and preserve your privacy. Other blinds are fashioned from plastic, vinyl or aluminum and come in a variety of colors. At the more expensive end of the spectrum are genuine wood blinds or a less expensive alternative made from faux wood products.
Considerations
While you may want a quick, easy way to clean your vertical blinds, putting them in the dishwasher is almost sure to ruin them. Even if the vertical slats are short enough to fit in your dishwasher without bending, the intense heat of the water and the exposure to moisture is likely to warp blinds made from plastic or wood. Blinds made from flexible materials are likely to come out of the dishwasher with a permanent curve if you had to bend them to place them in the machine.
Traditional Cleaning Methods
To avoid damaging your vertical blinds, clean them in a traditional fashion. Fill a bucket with hot water and dish soap. Dip a dishcloth into the water, wring it out and clean each side of each slat. Repeat the procedure with clean water and no soap. Follow up by drying each slat with a clean, dry dishtowel. Alternatively, detach the blinds from the vertical rod and place them in a bathtub filled with hot water and dish soap. Avoid using scalding water straight from the tap -- it can cause warping. Soak for an hour. Drain the water and refill the tub with clean water to rinse the blinds. Dry each slat and rehang them one by one.
Other No-Nos
Since vertical blinds can represent a significant financial investment, you don't want to ruin them. Avoid using chlorine bleach-colored slats made from fabric or plastic. Avoid placing vertical blind slats in the washing machine even when they're flexible. The agitation of the washing machine, not to mention the spin cycle, will destroy and deform the blinds. Treat aluminum blinds especially carefully. Accidentally bending, crimping or folding the slat can require replacement.
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