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How to Clean Roller Blinds (Expert Guide)
Practical
Posted 09/05/2024
Spotted a build-up of dust and dirt on your roller blinds? A mysterious mark that definitely wasn't there last week? Not ideal. But the good news is, keeping your blinds clean is usually a pretty straightforward job.
For everyday cleaning, you won't even need to take them down. A vacuum, soft cloth, and a little know-how can go a long way. Deeper cleaning might require more attention, but don't stress; we're covering it all in this guide.
How often should you clean roller blinds?
A quick dust or vacuum around your blinds once a week or so can help stop dirt from building up. Then, every few months, you can give your blinds a more robust clean if they need one.
There's no need to get the cleaning kit out unnecessarily, though. How often your blinds need attention will depend on the style, material, the room they're in, and what they come into contact with. Blinds in busy kitchens, for example, might need a little more TLC than those in a spare bedroom.
What you'll need to clean roller blinds
Ready to get going? There's no specialist blind-cleaning kit required – you can get started with things you already have around the house. For a routine blind clean, you'll generally need:
A vacuum cleaner with a soft brush attachment
A microfibre or other soft cloth
A bowl of warm water
A small amount of mild detergent
A clean, dry cloth or towel
Before using water or any cleaning product on your blinds, always spot test any products on a small, inconspicuous area before diving into the full clean.
How to clean roller blinds without taking them down
Good news: for a regular clean, there's usually no need to start taking your roller blinds out of their brackets. Here's how to clean them while they're hanging, step by step.
1. Fully extend your blinds
Roll the blind all the way down so the fabric sits flat, and you can easily reach the whole surface.
2. Vacuum from top to bottom
Using the soft brush attachment on your vacuum, gently work your way down the blind to pick up dust and loose debris. Keep the pressure light – you're cleaning the fabric, not trying to vacuum it off the window.
3. Don't forget the other side
If you can access the reverse of the blind, give that a once-over too. Dust has a habit of finding its way everywhere. No vacuum handy? A clean microfibre cloth or feather duster can also do the trick for a quick dust-down.
And voila! For everyday, routine cleaning, you really don't need to make things more complicated than that.
How to clean different types of roller blind
Not all roller blinds are created equal. They're all made from different materials, so the best cleaning method can differ too. Before reaching for the soapy water, it's worth knowing what you're working with.
How to clean fabric roller blinds
Regular dusting or gentle vacuuming is the best place to start with fabric roller blinds.
For marks and stains, check whether your particular fabric is suitable for spot cleaning before using water or cleaning products. If it is, use a soft, lightly dampened cloth and avoid soaking or aggressively scrubbing the fabric.
How to clean PVC and waterproof roller blinds
If wiping mysterious splashes off your blinds is becoming a regular occurrence, PVC and 100% waterproof roller blinds can make life considerably easier. Their wipe-clean surfaces make them particularly practical in kitchens and bathrooms, where moisture, splashes, and everyday mess tend to come with the territory. If you're choosing a new blind for a particularly busy kitchen, take a look at our guide to the best blinds for kitchens for more advice.
For general cleaning, simply wipe the surface gently with a soft damp cloth.
How to clean blackout roller blinds
Blackout roller blinds can have specialist coatings or finishes to help block incoming light, so treat them gently.
Regular dusting or vacuuming with a soft brush attachment is a good starting point. If yours needs more than that, proceed carefully using water or a gentle cleaning product and avoid abrasive cloths or vigorous scrubbing that could damage the surface.
How to remove stains from roller blinds
Got a mark that dusting alone isn't going to shift? You may be able to spot-clean it, depending on the material.
Start by removing any loose dust and debris. Then test your cleaning method somewhere inconspicuous before tackling the stain itself.
If the material can be damp-cleaned:
Mix a small amount of mild detergent with warm water.
Dampen a soft cloth or sponge – it should be damp, rather than soaking wet.
Gently dab or wipe the affected area, avoiding aggressive rubbing or scrubbing.
Remove any remaining soap with a clean damp cloth if needed.
Leave the blind fully extended until it's completely dry.
Whatever you do, resist the temptation to roll it straight back up while it's still damp (and more on that later).
How to clean a roller blind chain and mechanism
The blind itself isn't the only bit that can collect dust.
Give the operating chain a gentle wipe with a clean cloth to remove everyday dirt, taking care not to get the blind's mechanism wet. A soft, dry cloth or brush can also help remove dust from around the mechanism itself.
If your blind isn't rolling properly, feels stuck, or has developed another mechanical problem, cleaning might not be the answer. Our guide to fixing roller blinds can help you figure out what's going on.
What not to do when cleaning roller blinds
Sometimes knowing what not to do is half the battle. Unless the care instructions for your particular blind say otherwise:
Don't put roller blinds in the washing machine. It can warp or damage the fabric and blind.
Don't soak fabric blinds. A damp cloth is very different from a dripping-wet one.
Don't reach straight for bleach or harsh cleaning products. They could damage or discolour the material.
Don't scrub aggressively. Be especially careful with coated or more delicate fabrics.
Don't roll your blinds up damp. Leave them fully extended until they're completely dry.
Don't steam clean them without checking first. Heat and moisture may damage some fabrics, coatings or components.
Prrotecting your roller blinds from mould
Mould is gross, but it's usually avoidable. It loves damp conditions, so bathrooms, kitchens, or rooms with lots of window condensation are the areas to be a little more vigilant. Water-resistant blinds are naturally more resistant to mould too. But what to do if you do find something growing on your roller blind?
How to remove mould from roller blinds
The sooner you tackle it, the better. First, if your blind came with care instructions give them a read, and test any cleaning solution on a small, hidden area before getting started. Then:
Remove any loose surface mould. Gently vacuum the affected area using a soft brush attachment, taking care not to rub the mould further into the fabric.
Mix a mild cleaning solution. A diluted solution of one part white vinegar to three parts water can be used to tackle mould on suitable materials.
Treat the affected area. Lightly dampen a soft cloth with the solution and gently wipe the mould, rather than soaking or scrubbing the blind.
Let it dry completely. Keep the blind fully extended and allow it to air dry thoroughly before rolling it back up.
Be a little more cautious with specialist fabrics or coated blinds, including blackout designs, as vinegar or other cleaning products may not be suitable for every finish.
If the mould is extensive, has become deeply embedded in the fabric, or keeps coming back despite cleaning, it may be time to consider replacing the blind.
How to stop mould coming back
Prevention is usually easier than tackling mould once it's taken hold. To keep mould at bay:
Make sure blinds are allowed to dry fully whenever they get damp and try to reduce excess moisture in the room. Opening a window, using an extractor fan, or running a dehumidifier can all help improve ventilation and manage humidity.
For rooms that regularly get steamy or splashy, choosing waterproof roller blinds or an anti-fungal option can also make ongoing maintenance easier.
Not sure what will stand up to life around cooking, sinks and splashes? Our guide to choosing the best blinds for kitchens is just the thing for you.
Roller blind cleaning FAQs
Can you use vinegar to clean roller blinds?
Yes, diluted white vinegar can be useful for tackling mould on some roller blinds. A solution of one part white vinegar to three parts water can be gently applied to the affected area with a soft cloth.
However, vinegar isn't suitable for every fabric, coating, or finish, so always test the solution on a small, hidden area first. Avoid soaking the blind, and leave it fully extended until completely dry.
Can I use disinfectant wipes or a Magic Eraser on roller blinds?
Check the material first. Cleaning products and abrasive sponges can affect certain fabrics, colours, and specialist coatings, so don't assume that something that's safe for your kitchen worktop is safe for your blinds.
A soft cloth and the cleaning method recommended for your particular blind are the safer bet.
Do I need to take roller blinds down to clean them?
Usually, no. Routine dusting, vacuuming, and suitable spot cleaning can generally be done while the blind remains fitted. Simply roll it down fully so you can access the entire surface.
Can you wash roller blinds in the washing machine?
We wouldn't recommend it unless the manufacturer's care instructions specifically state that the blind is machine washable. Washing can warp or damage the fabric and other components. Gentle cleaning while the blind is fitted is usually the better approach.
Can you steam clean roller blinds?
Steam isn't suitable for every roller blind, as heat and moisture can potentially affect the fabric, coatings, or components. Check the manufacturer's cleaning instructions before using a steam cleaner.
