How to Clean Roman Blinds

Roman blinds are one of the most popular ranges of made to measure blinds, thanks to our huge range of colours and fabric styles to choose from. Unlike traditional blinds, which are made of slats or panels, Roman blinds consist of fabric panels that fold up neatly when raised and lie flat when lowered. Their unique design adds texture and warmth to any home, but it also means that cleaning them requires a little bit more care and attention. If you’re unsure how to clean roman blinds, then keep reading.

Are your Roman blinds in need of some TLC? With the right techniques and a little know-how, you can easily maintain the beauty and condition of your Roman blinds for years to come. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about cleaning Roman blinds like a pro. Whether you’re dealing with everyday dust or stubborn mould, Unbeatable Blinds has you covered with expert tips from our Roman blinds specialists.

Before we get started, it’s important as always to check the care label on your roman blinds or confirm with the manufacturer before cleaning as not all fabrics will be suitable for your chosen cleaning method.

How do you clean roman blinds?

Cleaning Roman blinds can be a straightforward task that can be done with basic household cleaning supplies. Here’s our step-by-step guide on how to clean Roman blinds and keep them looking brand new for longer.

Start with regular dusting

To prevent dirt buildup, begin by regularly dusting your blinds. Use a soft brush attachment on your vacuum cleaner or a duster to gently remove loose dust. To make sure you’re thoroughly getting rid of the dust build up, ensure that you clean both the front and back surfaces of the blinds. You should do this regularly as part of your household cleaning.

Spot cleaning Roman blinds when required

For small stains or spots, we recommend using a damp cloth to quickly blot away minor stains. To make a cleaning solution, mix mild detergent or a mixture of water and vinegar on a clean cloth, then gently blot the stained area without rubbing to avoid damage to the blind fabric. Allow the blinds to air dry completely before raising them back up. Please note that we do not recommend using any detergent on silk or linen fabrics – please see care advice for your specific fabric if you are unsure. Any cleaning solution should first be tested on a small, hidden area of the blind as some products may lighten the fabric.

Can you hand wash Roman blinds?

Yes, you can hand wash Roman blinds if they are made of fabric and labelled as hand washable; more durable fabrics like cotton can be hand washed if done so with care. You can find instructions for your blind fabric on the care label.

First, remove the blinds from the window and fill a bath or large sink with lukewarm water and add a mild detergent. Put the blinds in the soapy water solution, ensuring they are fully covered and then gently rub them to loosen dirt and stains. After removing dirt from the blinds, rinse them thoroughly with fresh water to ensure that all traces of soap has been washed off. Hang the blinds in a suitable location to dry completely before reinstalling them on your window.

Can Roman blinds go in the washing machine?

Most fabric Roman blinds can be safely washed in a washing machine, but we always recommend that you check the care label and manufacturer’s instructions first to see if your Roman blinds are machine washable. Use a gentle cycle with cold water and a mild detergent, and avoid bleach or harsh chemicals that could damage the fabric or cause it to shrink. Always remove any decorative elements or hardware before washing. Once washed, hang the blinds to air dry or lay them flat to dry to ensure there are no creases, avoiding direct sunlight to prevent fading.

For delicate fabrics or intricate designs, we would always recommend hand washing or professional cleaning, as machine washing may cause damage to your blinds.

Is it best to dry-clean Roman blinds?

The safest and most effective way to clean Roman blinds is to have them professionally dry-cleaned, particularly for delicate fabrics like silk or linen. We recommend that you check directly with your dry-cleaner to ensure that they are confident that they can clean the specific material that your blind is made from. The fabric part of the Roman blind is conveniently detachable for professional cleaning, as it is attached to the headrail using a Velcro strip.

How to clean mould off Roman blinds

Mould build up on Roman blinds can be a common issue, especially in rooms with poor ventilation or higher levels of humidity. Because Roman blinds are made from fabric, any early signs of mould should be seen too quickly in order to prevent any unwanted staining or lasting damage. Cleaning mould off of Roman blinds is most effective by spot-cleaning, but as we’ve previously mentioned, check that your fabric type is suitable for spot-cleaning with a damp cloth and cleaning solution.

Here’s how you can effectively clean mould off your Roman blinds:

Remove the blinds from your windows

If there are fairly large areas of mould, take your Roman blinds down and lay them flat on a clean surface, preferably outside. Make sure your blinds are completely dry before starting the cleaning process.

Brush off loose mould

To remove loose mould from the window blinds, gently brush it away with a soft brush or vacuum it up using a vacuum cleaner that has a brush attachment.

Prepare and apply a cleaning solution

To create an effective mould-killing solution, mix equal parts white vinegar and water. Apply this mixture to a clean cloth or sponge and gently blot the affected areas of the blinds. Ensure that the solution remains on the blinds for at least 15 minutes to allow it to penetrate and eliminate the mould.

Scrub the blinds gently if required

To gently remove mould stains without damaging the fabric, dampen a soft brush or sponge and lightly scrub the affected areas using circular motions. Apply gentle pressure as you work to effectively lift the stains. It’s important to use a light hand as vigorous scrubbing may damage the fabric or push stains further into the fabric.

Rinse thoroughly

After cleaning the blinds with the vinegar solution, rinse them thoroughly with clean water to remove any residual vinegar. Before rehanging the blinds, make sure they are completely dry to prevent the growth of mould.

How to prevent mould from growing on Roman blinds

To stave off mould recurrence, make sure there is adequate ventilation in the room and try to maintain consistent humidity levels if you can. For added protection, think about using mould-resistant blinds or applying a mould-resistant spray, this is particularly helpful if you’re hanging your blinds in the bathroom.

Hopefully, by following our simple steps on how to clean roman blinds, you can keep your Roman blinds looking fresh and clean for years to come. Whether you’re tackling routine maintenance or dealing with tough stains and mould, a little bit of care and attention goes a long way in preserving the beauty and functionality of your blinds. Remember to check the manufacturer’s guidelines for specific care instructions to maintain the warranty and ensure optimal performance.