How to Clean Roman Blinds

Cleaning Roman blinds is a relatively easy task. Before tackling this job, it is advisable to first check whether the roman blinds you are about to clean, are indeed washable. A small number of blinds that are made of fragile material have to be dry-cleaned to avoid shrinkage and damage.

Roman blinds can be made of any fabric like silk, suede, hemp, cotton, linen, or wood, but as they are exposed to sunlight, rain, and dust, they need regular vacuuming and a good cleaning every now and again to extend their life. Those that can be cleaned require few household items and some patience. However different fabrics require different treatments, depending on the material used.

Vacuum

Vacuum the blinds with the upholstery attachment to remove dust and any loose particles of dirt. Use the crevice attachment to go into the folds if there are any. The more often you vacuum your blinds, the less extensive cleaning they will require down the road.

Spot Clean

If you have fabric blinds, use spot removing solution to remove any stains. Use with a damp cloth and follow the manufacturer’s instructions. It is always wise to test first in an inconspicuous area.

Washing Machine

If the blinds are heavily soiled and their material allows traditional washing then they can be washed in a washing machine with a mild detergent. It may be a good idea to make use of the “delicate” setting in this case and avoid any spinning or tumble-drying. Choose a sunny clear day to wash them and hang out to dry naturally. Make sure to remove all detachable plastic attachments beforehand.

Steam Clean

There are some Roman blinds that don’t tolerate water well so they should be steam cleaned. They can be left in place but be careful you don’t overdo it as you can scald the material or dampen it too much.

Wood Blinds

In the case of wooden blinds use a “wood only” cleaner after vacuuming. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions in order not to damage your blinds in any way.

Roman blinds may be made of different materials and styles but all are maintained by regular vacuuming. Remember to clean them on both sides if they are not removed from the window.

If you are pressed for time or you feel it is too much of a job, you might consider taking them to a good laundry which specializes in curtain washing. If you do it yourself you will save yourself a good amount of money and have the satisfaction of a job well done. Always remember to consult with your manufacturer or the shop from where you bought your blind on which treatment is best.