Forget vinegar. Dirt deposits have an oily component that vinegar cannot clean. Might as well use plain water, since vinegar smells bad. Here's what I do: - Swiffer dusters if there's just loose dust. (By the way, those specialty blind cleaners that look like 5 fingers don't work well, IMO.) - Mr Clean Magic Eraser for more serious grime, OR (if I don't have MCME on hand) - microfiber cleaning cloths (I use the automotive ones from Costco, have dozens on hand) with Method All-purpose cleaner (really good performance, without the nasty fumes of 409). OR, if the dirt doesn't come off easily with Method, then Trewax Nature's Orange Degreaser, which is the BEST heavy-duty household cleaner I've ever used...however, I can't find Nature's Orange anywhere anymore (probably due to VOC laws) and products that look similar are probably different formulas and not as effective....so then I'm back to Mr Clean Magic Eraser. I don't have tapes, mine have little strings. I would try scrubbing on Oxi Clean I had mixed in heated water (200*) with a microfiber cloth. Give it time to work. Then maybe a shot of steam from a steam cleaner. Try not to steam the wood, and definitely don't leave any moisture on the wood. Then, soak up as much moisture as possible from the tapes with dry microfiber. This is assuming the tapes are white. If they are colored, I would measure the Oxi carefully according to package directions, not heat it as aggressively, and test a small inconspicuous area first. Heated, concentrated Oxi Clean CAN remove color from dyed fabrics/rugs. Once they are clean, regular dusting with Swiffer should keep them that way for a long time.

I use a swiffer duster on mine, the yellow one on with the extension handle....It really does a good job with the dust. I do hand wash my blinds about twice a year. I just take like a mop bucket with warm water and Dawn Dishwashing liquid and use a wash cloth. It gets them really nice and clean with no residue and I have never had cords get stained from washing. It's not like you use it sopping wet... just wring the rag out and after a few slats swish it in the water, wring it out and continue...I just noticed today I need to do the same thing as you....

The lambswool duster sticks work well, you need to wipe them at least once every two weeks, and go over them with a damp rag once in a while. They should stay clean.

I use a 'moppy' type microfiber duster to dust my wooden blinds. It's made by Bissell to reach high areas, and the dusting portion comes off of the extension rod for dusting lower areas and can be set to any angle you want. It seems to really hold onto the dust instead of just moving it around, and can be removed from the frame and tossed in the washer to clean the 'mop' head. I close the blinds and run it down the front and back, then reverse the closure angle and run it down the front and back - it only takes a minute or two per window that way, Hope this helps!