Roman blinds are one of those window dressings that never really go out of style. They work beautifully in almost any room. But like any fabric furnishing, they look better when they’re clean. So, what do you need to do?
Cleaning Advice For Roman Blinds
Why regular cleaning matters
Because Roman blinds are made from fabric, they tend to attract dust more than wooden Venetian blinds and other harder window dressings. And while the build-up happens gradually, it can leave the fabric looking dull. Regular cleaning helps to:
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Keep colours looking fresher
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Prevent dust build-up
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Reduce allergens in the home
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Avoid stubborn stains setting into the fabric
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Extend the life of your blinds
That’s where a simple maintenance routine can help.
Start with regular dusting
The easiest way to keep roman blinds clean is regular dusting. You can use:
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A vacuum cleaner with a soft brush attachment
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A microfibre cloth
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A feather duster
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A lint roller for textured fabrics
If you do use a vacuum, always use the lowest suction setting. Otherwise, you risk distorting the shape of the fabric over time.
It’s also best to clean the blinds while they’re fully extended, as this allows you to reach into the folds where dust tends to settle most.
How to deal with stains
Whether it’s grease stains, fingerprints, or the remnants of an exuberant craft project, accidents happen. And when they do, spot cleaning is usually the safest option for Roman blinds.
Start by lightly blotting the stain with a clean, damp cloth. Avoid rubbing, as this can spread the stain or damage the fabric fibres. If water alone doesn’t work, use a very mild fabric detergent diluted in warm water. Test it on a hidden area first to make sure it won’t affect the colour or texture.
A few important things to avoid:
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Harsh chemical cleaners
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Bleach products
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Soaking the fabric
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Scrubbing aggressively
Gentle cleaning is always best when it comes to roman blinds.
Can Roman blinds be machine washed?
This depends entirely on the individual blind. Some Roman blinds have removable fabric covers that are specifically designed to be machine washable. Others are fully structured and simply can’t be. So, check the label first.
You will usually find that professional dry cleaning is the recommended option for:
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Linen roman blinds
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Silk fabrics
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Interlined blinds
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Blackout roman blinds
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Designer or made-to-measure fabrics
Trying to machine wash blinds that aren’t designed for it can leave you having to find a replacement.
Cleaning Roman blinds in kitchens
Anywhere that food is regularly cooked will be greasy, damp, or smelly from time to time. And all of that has an impact on your blinds. So, if you have Roman blinds in your kitchen, you’ll probably need more attention than the blinds in other parts of your house. Regular vacuuming becomes even more important to stop the dust clinging to the grease particles. And you’ll probably have to spot clean more often.
It’s worth noting, though, that using an extractor fan while cooking can help minimise the amount of grease that settles onto your blinds, which can save you a little cleaning time.
Don’t forget the mechanisms
While most of the attention goes towards the fabric, your blind’s operating system also needs occasional maintenance. Dust gathered around the cords, chains, and headrail over time needs a quick wipe with a dry cloth.
And gently cleaning the operating mechanism can help to stop your Roman blinds from seizing up.
How often should you clean Roman blinds?
Most people can get away with lightly dusting their Roman blinds once every week or two, with a spot clean as required. But if you smoke, have pets, or suffer from allergies, you may need to increase your cleaning frequency.
Roman blinds can look beautiful in any home. But they’ll always look better if properly cared for.
Not sure what you need for Roman blind installation? Find out how Poles & Blinds can help.