How to clean your roller blinds.

Tips and tricks for cleaning your indoor blinds.

If you have chosen the sleek, clean lines of roller blinds for your home — you’ve made a great choice! Roller blinds look great in every room, adding a minimalist and modern feel to your space.

But how do you keep your roller blinds looking clean? While these durable blinds are suited to high-traffic areas and are extremely low-maintenance, over time some stains or dirt patches may start to appear.

Depending on the type of stain and the material of your blinds, there are different methods of cleaning them. Here are a few of our tried and tested ways for maintaining and restoring the cleanliness of roller blinds. That way, you can continue to enjoy their blind-ing beauty.

Why should you clean your roller blinds?

Roller blinds are a highly appealing and functional form of window covering. As they are often used in high-traffic areas such as kitchens and bathrooms, they can become dirty after a while. Keeping them clean will maintain their lustre and have them working as they should. Thankfully, roller blinds are extremely easy to care for, and only require a spot clean for most marks and stains.

How to clean roller blinds.

When it comes to cleaning roller blinds, you have to be mindful of the type of fabric you’re working with, along with the severity of the stain. Most roller blinds can be cleaned easily with a duster or vacuum. Sometimes, however,  hard-to-remove stains such as dirt, makeup, bugs, and mould can leave a lasting mark that requires further attention.

Most manufacturers warn against using strong detergents and solvents, or scrubbing your blinds because it can damage the coating of the fabric, crease it or disfigure it altogether. Generally, a hand clean with a warm, damp cloth, is all that’s needed to keep roller blinds blemish-free. 

Whether you just want to do a quick touch-up or a deeper clean of your blinds, the following methods should prove effective in keeping them looking brand new.

1. Use a cloth or vacuum

For most light stains, dust, or hand marks, using a duster or soft lint-free cloth, or the dusting brush nozzle of your vacuum cleaner will do the trick. A white eraser can often be effective for removing hand marks too! Just remember to do it gently. 

Roller blinds that are coated or have a glossy surface, may also tolerate a damp cloth or sponge without any risk of discolouration. Using warm water with mild laundry detergent, spot-test an inconspicuous part first - and if it's safe, simply dip your cloth or sponge and ring it out, before gently buffing away at the stain. Wait to let the blind dry completely before rolling it back up, as you may run the risk of mould developing if it remains damp. You can always use a hairdryer on the lowest heat setting to speed up the drying process.

For dust build-up, simply use a vacuum with the upholstery attachment. With blinds fully extended, hold the end taught toward you as you work the vacuum nozzle from bottom to top.

It's recommended to vacuum your roller blinds at least once a month to keep them free of dust and dirt build-up.

2. Deep cleaning for stain removal

To remove tough stains from your roller blinds, a more invasive method of cleaning may be required—however, we do recommend the use of warm-soapy water rather than any commercial chemicals.

Depending on the stain and the fabric of your blinds, you may attempt spot-treating using a stain remover. Following the directions as outlined on the stain removal product, spot test first - then apply to the blemish and gently scrub using an old toothbrush.

You can then follow with a cloth soaked in warm soapy water and apply as needed.

If you are unsure what material your blinds are made of, or what type of stain remover can be used, contact your blind's manufacturer and follow their instructions for safe stain removal.

3. Removing mould from roller blinds

Mould on blinds is common, particularly if they are suspended over a drafty window susceptible to condensation or within a damp or humid environment. Sometimes mould can appear if a window was accidentally left open during a rainstorm and didn't have the chance to completely dry.

If you have noticed mould on your blinds, the best course of action is to dismantle them from your window and take them to a dry cleaner for professional removal.

If the mould growth is minor, you can try spot cleaning where necessary by gently scrubbing with a toothbrush. Once cleaned, hang on a drying rack to fully air dry before re-assembling.

There are also commercial mould removers available that you can use to treat mould and mildew on your blinds. Always read the label to ensure it's safe to use on roller blinds or fabrics before using.

What next?

If you’re in need of some inspiration, visit our gallery or Instagram page for ideas and real-life photos from our customers.  Once you’ve decided which product you prefer, make use of our free fabric samples. They will allow you to see and feel the fabrics before selecting the one you like best.

So, if you've got a home that could benefit from a refresh, let us help you! The DIY process is easy to follow, and it will make a world of difference to your home, we promise.

Need some help? You can either Contact our customer service team or book in a free design consultation with me.

Thanks for reading!
Cheers, 

Mike Gubby. 

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