Most roller blinds are made of fabric, so they can be easily cleaned with a vacuum cleaner or soapy water. When cleaning roller blinds, it is important to pay attention to the fabric type and the cleaner you choose. It is best to use warm soapy water or a mixture of water and vinegar instead of cleaning products. If you choose to use a cleaning product to remove stubborn stains, make sure it is suitable for your roller blind fabric material to avoid damaging the roller blind.
You can also just remove the curtain fabric from the curtain track and throw it into the washing machine. However, most manufacturers recommend only washing blinds by hand. This is because the fabric may wrinkle or pill if washed improperly or in a machine. Instead, follow the general and deep cleaning methods in this guide, which will make your blinds look new without damaging them.
Whether you want a quick touch-up or need a deep cleaning to remove stains, there are different cleaning methods to protect your blinds while keeping them looking like new. Here are the methods on how to clean roller blinds, from general cleaning to stain removal and mildew treatment.
1. Clean regularly
Roller blinds should be vacuumed occasionally to prevent dust accumulation. While you can use a duster, a vacuum cleaner is more effective in removing dust particles from the fabric of roller blinds. When roller blinds start to appear dusty, you can vacuum them every few weeks or add it to your daily cleaning routine.
For general cleaning of roller blinds, use a vacuum cleaner with an upholstery brush attachment. Roll the roller blind all the way down so that the fabric is flat and without any wrinkles. Hold the edges of the roller blind fabric and start vacuuming from the top to the bottom. Don't forget to clean the back of the roller blind as well.
If you want a deeper clean to remove fine dirt, you can also use a damp cloth after vacuuming. Fill a bucket with warm soapy water and dip a microfiber cloth into the warm water. Instead of soap, you can also use vinegar or a small amount of laundry detergent. Make sure the foam is suitable for the blind fabric and don't use any products that contain bleach, otherwise it may ruin the color or pattern.
Wring out the excess water and wipe the blinds from top to bottom. Dip a rag in the soapy water as needed. When you are done, take another rag and dip it in a bucket of warm water without soap. Wipe the blind fabric once more with clean water. Allow the blind to air dry completely before rolling it back up to prevent mold.
2. Remove stains
Over time, blinds can pick up stains and require a deep clean. To remove stubborn stains, you can use a stain remover, as long as it is formulated for the type of fabric your blinds are made of. Read the label of the stain cleaning product or contact the blind manufacturer to make sure the product will not damage the fabric.
You can use a soft brush or an old toothbrush to gently scrub dirt and stubborn stains off the fabric. Try to brush in the direction of the fabric weave to avoid leaving lines and marks on the fabric.
3. Mold cleaning
The best way to clean your blinds really depends on how dirty your blinds are. In some cases, including mold, you may need a stronger cleaner or professional help. Mold thrives in damp, warm environments. If you have fabric blinds in your bathroom or kitchen, they can become moldy if they are not properly dried. Blinds can also become moldy if condensation continues to form on your windows.
To make cleaning your blinds easier, it's important to avoid mold buildup as much as possible. Make sure your blinds are dried immediately if they get wet. You can use a hair dryer to speed up the drying process, open a window for ventilation, or turn on a fan or dehumidifier if humidity is high.
If your blinds get wet (like if you forgot to close the window and it rained hard), you can remove the blinds from the top rail to dry. Lay the fabric on a drying rack and make sure the rest of the blind (including the top rail and mechanism) is dry before reattaching the blinds.
If you notice mold growing on your blinds, you can take the fabric to a dry cleaner to have it removed. You can also use a fabric-safe cleaner that specifically targets mold spores. White vinegar and lemon juice kill mold spores and can help remove stains from blinds without damaging the fabric.
