Your Complete Roller Blind Cleaning Schedule for Proper Maintenance

Keeping a clean environment in the home is very important, and it's no different when it comes to your windows and window treatments. Roller blinds are relatively easy to maintain as window treatments, which is great news if you have a lot on your plate. By following a simple weekly, monthly and annual cleaning schedule, you can keep your blinds in tip-top shape without putting too much effort into it.

Weekly cleaning

Just like you don't need to clean your windows daily, your blinds will need some attention once every week depending on the dust levels where you live. For this cleaning, extend the blinds into the closed position and use a clean, damp soft cloth to wipe both sides of the blind. This removes dirt and other particles from the surface and protects the material from premature deterioration. Take some time to wipe down the window panes and sills so that the area around the blind is also clean.

Monthly cleaning

If you keep up with weekly cleanings, you may not have much to do with the monthly cleaning. The focus of this is stain removal and cleaning hard-to-reach areas. Use a vacuum cleaner to remove dust from the tracks and brackets. Any stains can be removed using strong detergent solution (pre-test a small hidden portion to ensure the fabric can stand the detergent) or specialised stain remover.

Annual cleaning

For annual cleaning, take down your blinds from the brackets (you should see a flip-up cover which can be lifted to take the blinds off the casing). Find out whether or not your blinds can be immersed in water.

If they can, fill a tub with warm water and add mild detergent. You can pre-soak white blinds with a little bleach for a better clean. Unwind the blinds to that they sit loosely to allow water to penetrate all surfaces and then immerse them in water. Allow them to soak for some time, and then lift, open up and examine for places with spots or stains. Use stain remover to scrub them out. Drain the washing water and replace with two or more rounds of fresh water – until all the soap has been removed. If a drying rack is not available, you can use a table or chairs to rest the blinds outside to dry. Ensure that they dry properly before rolling back and replacing on the window, or you could cause mildew or mould to grow on them.

For blinds that can't be immersed, clear enough space so that you're able to lay the blind completely or mostly open. Use damp cloth and stain remover to clean the entire length of the blind on both sides. Wipe up and down across the surface and then use clean water to wipe out the soap and stain remover. Lay out to dry as above, and secure back onto the window when completely dry.

Invest in professional cleaning every two or three years, especially if you have the latter kind, so that they're cleaned properly. Ensure you follow manufacturer's instructions when handling your blinds to avoid premature damage.