Cleaning Blinds - Expert Tips

Emily Wells

BY Emily Wells

Published: 30 November 2023 Updated: 20 May 2024

Although many of us remember to clean our windows regularly, cleaning blinds every now and then can often slip our mind. Our window dressings need some TLC too, so Kim Ray, Interiors Expert at Victory Blinds would like to share her expert advice on how to clean your blinds this spring. 

Top tip: No two styles of window dressings are the same. Different techniques of cleaning are needed for the different styles of blinds. 

Roller blinds

“Roller blinds are fairly easy to clean due to their specialised, wipe-clean fabric. All you need to do is roll your blind down fully and use your vacuum’s upholstery tool to gently remove any dust or dirt. If you want a deeper clean, wipe in a downward motion from top to bottom using a damp and clean cloth. Remember to let your blind dry out fully before pulling it back up to prevent bad smells or mould manifesting on your window covering.

Sometimes condensation on windows can mean mould starts to grow on blinds, as the nasty buildup thrives in warm and damp conditions. Mould can be difficult to clean, however, it is possible to remove with the right technique. Pick up some fabric detergent formulated for killing spores and using a stiff brush, gently brush patches on the areas containing mould. Leaving your blind to air dry after cleaning can help prevent further outbreaks!”

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Vertical Blinds

“Vertical blinds don’t tend to trap dirt and dust very easily as the louvres hang downwards.  Before you tackle the louvres of your vertical blind, pay attention to the headrail. To clean your headrail you should carefully unclip each of the louvres from the top bracket, so you can access the underside. Using a damp cloth, simply wipe the headrail clean before clicking the blind back into place. 

As your vertical blinds often sit in high usage areas, such as a kitchen or bathroom, you may find you need to clean them more often. Fabric stain remover combined with a damp cloth will normally remove those stubborn stains but be aware that the treated area may look significantly lighter than the rest of the blind.“

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Roman Blinds

"Roman blinds are made from a soft material, so it’s best to clean them using the soft brush attachment of your vacuum cleaner. Close your blind fully and use the upholstery attachment to carefully brush the fabric in a downwards motion until you have vacuumed the whole of the blind surface. Work in a downwards motion from top to bottom, paying particular attention to the bottom and side edges, where dust may gather."

You can lightly steam your Roman blind if it becomes creased or wrinkled. If your Roman blind is made from velvet, steam on the lining only. Make sure you use the very lowest steam setting, hold the attachment well back from the fabric and move it lightly so you’re not hovering in one area.”

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