How to Clean Roman Blinds | 247 Blinds

Roman blinds bring a touch of warmth and style to any room, but can collect dust, smells and the odd stain if left untouched - so the easiest way to keep them looking fresh is to give them a gentle vacuum every few weeks and spot-clean stains when needed. 

In this guide, you’ll learn why regular care matters, exactly which tools to use, and a safe, step-by-step method to clean your Roman blinds without risking shrinkage or damage. 

Roman blinds are soft fabric blinds that fold up neatly into pleats when raised, find out more here. They’re often lined to help filter light, keep heat in, or block light entirely - perfect for cosy bedrooms and sunny living rooms alike. You’ll usually find them in cotton, linen, or polyester blends. Because they’re made from fabric rather than plastic or wood, they can show dust, marks, or smells a bit more easily, so it’s important to give them a gentle clean every once in a while to keep them looking sharp.

Dust, pet hairs, cooking smells, even pollen - Roman blinds can catch them all if left unchecked. This build-up can fade colours, wear down the fabric, and even trigger allergies. A quick bit of regular maintenance keeps them fresh, bright, and ready to wow. And trust us, it’s easier than you might think when you know the right steps. 

Grab a few simple supplies:

- Vacuum with a soft brush or upholstery attachment

- Mild fabric-safe detergent or soap

- Microfibre cloths or a feather duster

- Sponge

- Cold or lukewarm water

Start by pulling your Roman blind down to its full length. This gives you complete access to the fabric, so you can clean it evenly and thoroughly from top to bottom.

Use a vacuum cleaner with a soft brush attachment or an upholstery tool. Gently work from top to bottom using light strokes. This helps lift dust, pet hair, and everyday fluff without pulling or damaging the fabric.

If you spot a mark or stain, grab a clean cloth or sponge and dampen it with lukewarm water. Gently dab (don’t rub!) the area to lift the stain. Patience is key here – no need to scrub.

For trickier marks, mix a small amount of mild detergent into your lukewarm water. Before going in, always do a quick spot test on an unseen part of the blind to make sure it doesn’t affect the fabric. Once safe, gently dab the stained area.

Soaking or scrubbing can damage the fabric, so keep the cleaning gentle. Use a dabbing motion with minimal water to avoid leaving watermarks or weakening the fibres.

Once you’ve finished, leave the blind fully extended and let it air dry. This helps prevent creases or marks from forming as it dries.

Skip the hot water, bleach, or any harsh chemicals—these can harm the fabric or cause discolouration. And no matter how tempting it might be, resist the urge to scrub! The method above is the safest and most effective way to clean your fabric Roman blinds without fuss.

In short, please don’t! Machine washing can warp rods, shrink linings, and wreck the shape of your Roman blinds. Some removable covers may be washable, but always check the care label first. When in doubt, a professional dry clean is the way to go - or give the 247 Blinds team a shout for advice on your fabric type. 

- Give them a light vacuum every few weeks to keep dust at bay.

- Open blinds when you’re cooking or airing out a room to prevent debris or odours from settling.

- Keep your space well ventilated to stop damp or mould from forming. 

- Do a regular spot check for stains or signs of moisture.

- A gentle steam (from a safe distance) can help freshen fabric up every now and then - double check your fabric is suitable for steaming prior to this one! 

Ready to upgrade? At 247 Blinds, we’ve got a huge range of Romans in every colour, pattern and texture you could imagine - from bold prints to calming neutrals, with options like blackout, thermal lining, and our no-drill Twist&Fit system. Find your perfect match today and give your windows the glow up they deserve! 

Need cleaning advice for other blind types? Check out our ultimate blinds cleaning guide here.