How To Clean Roller Blinds

Thom Quilliam

BY Thom Quilliam

Published: 26 May 2026 Updated: 08 July 2026

How To Clean Roller Blinds

INHB 49 Web (1)

Roller blinds are known for their simplicity and versatility but one of the main benefits of choosing a roller blinds is that they are easy to clean and maintain. This makes them great for high usage areas such as bathrooms and kitchens.

 

Here we take you through our tried and tested techniques for making sure you keep your roller blinds looking brand new.

What You Will Need

Vacuum with brush or upholstery attachment

 

Damp cloth (optional, for high-performance fabrics)

 

 

Before You Start

Check your roller blind's fabric type - it's important you use the right technique for the right fabric.

 

High-performance fabrics have a glossy finish and are waterproof, so they handle a damp cloth easily.

 

Soft sheer fabrics are more delicate and work best with the vacuum alone.

 

Don't use harsh cleaning products on either type. A gentle vacuum or wipe is all you need. You'll also need to clean both sides, so plan for that.

 

If you use a damp cloth, let your blinds dry completely before rolling them back up.

 

 

Steps By Step

Roll your blinds down to the closed position

 

This stabilises the blind and creates a taut surface to clean. Making it easier to clean your roller blinds while hanging and avoid taking them down.

 

 

Grab your vacuum with the brush or upholstery attachment

 

The soft bristles remove dust gently without damaging the fabric.

 

 

Gently vacuum up and down the roller blind

 

Work from top to bottom, keeping track of where you've already covered. Use light, even pressure.

 

 

Repeat on the other side

 

Flip the blind and vacuum the back the same way. Both sides collect dust.

 

 

Optional: wipe down (high-performance fabrics only)


If your blind is a high-performance fabric, finish with a quick wipe using your damp cloth. Let it dry before rolling back up.

How to remove grease and oil stains

Roller blinds are often used in kitchens which makes them prone cooking splashes. If you need to tackle these particular stains, do the following...

 

 

Blot (don't rub) any excess oil with a dry paper towel

 

Mix a together a small amount of dishwashing liquid with warm water (only a few drops for a litre of water)

 

Grab a small, clean cloth and dip it in the water (you don't need to go crazy here, you want damp not soaked!)

 

Dab the stain with the cloth. Be careful not to soak the fabric

 

Rinse with another damp cloth and let dry before rolling back up.

 

 

It's worth noting here that high-performance fabrics will be much easier to clean if grease stains are a possibility.

 

If you have a really stubborn stain you can use a little baking soda on the stain to help draw out the grease.

How to remove water stains

Roller blinds are a popular choice for areas where humidity or moisture could be a problem. If not cleaned regularly, you can sometimes end up with water stains. Thankfully, they are pretty easy to clean if you follow the below steps

 

 

In a small bowl, mix together equal parts warm water and white vinegar

 

Use a clean cloth, wipe the stain with the mixture

 

Be careful not to soak the fabric because some fabrics could end up warping.

 

Pat dry with a separate, dry cloth and let fully dry before rolling back up.

 

How to remove mould or mildew

Wet blinds and north facing sun is a perfect breading ground for mould and mildew so it's important to make sure your roller blinds are regular cleaned to avoid any build up. If you do see any signed of mould or mildew accruing then follow these steps to stop it in its tracks.

 

 

Vacuum the fabrics to remove any surface spore

 

Mix equal parts warm water and white vinegar.

 

Using a spray bottle, spray the fabric lightly with the water and vinegar solution and let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes.

 

Then using a cloth, wipe the fabric clean and dry with a separate cloth to avoid any further build up.

Cleaning roller blind components

It's not just the fabric that needs a bit of TLC every now and then. Roller blinds are made up of a bunch of components that sometimes need a bit of care to ensure you get the longest life span out of your purchase.

 

If your roller blind is chain operated, a small amount of silicone spray will help keep everything running smoothly. Just be extra careful not to spray the fabric!

 

Chords or plastic chains can be wiped clean pretty easily with a damp microfibres cloth. However, make sure to use a dry cloth if you have metal chains.

 

Avoid using any wet clothes near any motorised componentry. Use a dry microfibres cloth instead.

 

 

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