How to Clean Fabric Blinds: From Daily Care to Deep Cleaning Essentials

Keeping fabric blinds clean is more than just maintenance – it's about enhancing your home's appearance while enjoying efficient light control. 

Any type of window blinds, if properly maintained, add a sparkling touch to any room and extend their lifespan. At Factory Direct Blinds, we understand the importance of this task, which is why we're offering our guide on how to clean fabric blinds correctly. 

Follow along as we share our expert insights.

CHECK OUT OUR OPTIONS FOR FABRIC BLINDS

Understanding Your Fabric Blinds

As you learn how to clean fabric blinds, knowing the type plays a crucial role. The range includes:

• Pleated blinds: These blinds are made from fabric pleats. Their design mimics a concertina, folding up neatly into a stack when raised.
• Vertical blinds: Long, individual fabric vanes hang from a horizontal track. These blinds are ideal for wide windows or patio doors.
• Roman blinds: Elegant and sleek, these blinds lie flat when lowered but fold into defined pleats when raised.
• Roller blinds: A single piece of fabric wraps around a casing and fits into the top of your window. You control it with a pull cord.
• Panel blinds: These are oversized blinds ideal for larger windows or as a room divider. They consist of wide fabric panels that slide from side to side. 

Each has unique characteristics that demand specific cleaning methods. Like roller shades, some fabric blinds may have delicate textures that require gentle handling. 

Hence, it's vital to check the manufacturer's instructions or labels for all kinds of window treatments, including blinds, shades, and shutters. This step ensures you clean your blinds safely and effectively.

Regular Maintenance: Prevention is Better than Cure

Establishing a monthly cleaning routine acts as a preventive measure against dust and dirt buildup, and this is especially true for vertical blinds. With each vane hanging vertically, vertical blinds present more surface area for dust to settle on compared to horizontal blinds. 

Regular maintenance ensures consistently clean, crisp-looking window treatments.

Vacuuming

With the help of a brush attachment on your vacuum cleaner, a monthly cleaning can be a game-changer for your blinds. Ideally, move the vacuum in an S-pattern. This technique helps pick up dust without displacing it. While this approach is useful on fabric blinds, it's equally beneficial for harder surfaces like wooden blinds. 

Dusting

Learning how to clean fabric blinds doesn't always require fancy equipment. A simple yet effective dusting routine can help prevent dirt buildup. 

For this method, you can use materials easily found at home. A feather duster, a non-abrasive clean cloth, microfiber mitts, or even a DIY duster made from old socks can work wonders. Start from the top and work your way down to ensure you don't overlook any areas.

Source: Kateryna Kubitsa/Shutterstock.com

Spot Cleaning: Addressing Stains Immediately

You can quickly get rid of stubborn stains with spot cleaning. This method typically involves a mild detergent mixed with warm water. By promptly treating the stained areas, you can prevent the dirt from setting into the fabric and keep your blinds looking their best.

Choosing the Right Cleaning Solution

Remember this: Gentleness is key. A solution of mild dish soap diluted in water often does the trick. However, it's important to test any cleaning solution in an inconspicuous area first. This step ensures it won't discolour or damage your blinds. Be wary of harsh chemicals that may harm the delicate fabric. 

Always opt for mild, fabric-friendly products to keep your blinds in prime condition. Alternatively, here are some substitutes for mild dish soap for fabric blind cleaning:

• Vinegar: Mixed with warm water, white vinegar can be an effective, natural cleanser that breaks down grime.
• Laundry Detergent: A mild, colourless laundry detergent can be used in place of dish soap.
• Commercial Blind Cleaning Solutions: Look for non-toxic, fabric-friendly formulas designed specifically for blinds.

The Right Technique

Your technique matters your go-to tactic for addressing spillages or dirt patches should be blotting, not rubbing. This method helps clean the stained area without causing unnecessary damage to the fabric of your blinds. And once again, here's the golden rule: Always be gentle.

Deep Cleaning: Giving Your Blinds a Fresh Start

Sometimes, if the blinds look dull with more stubborn stains, a deep clean becomes necessary. This thorough maintenance gives entire blinds a fresh, rejuvenated look and even maintains their quality and longevity.

Soaking Method

If deep cleaning is on the to-do list, the soaking method is a surefire way to clear off the grime. Here are the steps you can follow: 

1. Remove your blinds carefully from the window.
2. Fill a large tub or basin with warm soapy water. 
3. Submerge the blinds in this solution, ensuring they are completely dowsed. Let it sit for about an hour.
4. After soaking, gently rub off any lingering dirt. 
5. Rinse thoroughly with clean, warm water to remove soap residue.
6. Finally, air dry them before rehanging. With this, you'll see a notable difference!

Professional Cleaning

You're unsure of what to do, afraid of damaging the fabric, or dealing with highly delicate or high-end fabric blinds – these are scenarios when it's best to opt for professional cleaning. Blinds experts know the right techniques and materials to use to effectively clean any type of fabric without inflicting damage. 

Specific Examples

Pleated Shades

Here's another easy step-by-step guide to help you restore the freshness of these window shades:

• Remove the shade from the window and lay it on a flat surface.
• Vacuum both sides, paying extra attention to follow the direction of the pleats.
• Identify any soiled spots or visible fingerprints.
• Use a fabric or upholstery spray foam cleaner on these targeted areas.
• Wipe the areas gently with a clean, damp cloth or sponge in the direction of the pleats.
• Follow up by blotting with a dry cloth, removing excess water.
• Wait until the shades are completely dry before rehanging them.

By ensuring careful and periodic cleaning, your pleated shades can be kept looking like new for much longer. Keep up with these simple steps, and you're on your way to enjoying fresh, clean blinds and shades.

Roman Shades

Cleaning varies with different styles, fabrics, and fold options of Roman shades. The key aspect to consider when caring for these shades is to determine if they are machine washable. This information can typically be discerned from the tag or product packaging. With this knowledge, you're ready to start the cleaning process.

BROWSE OUR EASY-TO-CLEAN ROMAN SHADES

How to Clean Washable Roman Shades

1. Start with a thorough dusting or vacuuming to clear off any loose dust or dirt.
2. Carefully extract all dowels from the blinds. You have an option to leave the strings in place or remove them, whichever suits you.
3. Follow the fabric's instructions for laundry procedures, and proceed with washing.
4. After washing, hang the shades to dry.
5. Once completely dry, utilize a steamer or an iron to smooth out wrinkles.
6. If removed earlier, re-string the blinds.
7. Put the dowels back in their place.
8. Finally, rehang your spruced-up, fresh Roman shades. A job well done!

Source: TarnPisessitih/Shutterstock.com

Cleaning Non-Washable Roman Shades

Certain materials like wool, linen, silk, and fibreglass blends mean your Roman shades are not machine-washable. For these, and especially for custom Roman shades, regular dusting and vacuuming are enough to keep them looking their best. 

Occasional professional dry cleaning is only recommended when they become visibly soiled. Just take note that you should always inform the dry cleaner of any previous use of chemical cleaners or detergents.

Additional Tips and Tricks

Here are some bonus tips to ensure your fabric blinds retain their shape and appearance:

• Dry fabric blinds flat: Drying them horizontally helps prevent deformation. 
• Clean with white cloths: This avoids potential colour transfer, keeping your blinds true to their original colour.
• Opt for natural cleaning agents: They are environment-friendly while being gentle on your blinds. Avoid harsh chemicals, which may damage the fabric.

Remember, the more knowledge you have before purchase, the better you can care for your product. 

You can gather product-specific guidelines from blogs like our roller shades buying guide. These resources empower you to maintain your window treatments in their top-notch condition.

Conclusion

Keeping your fabric blinds in top condition requires regular cleaning, with the specific process dependent on your blinds' style and fabric composition. If you're uncertain about how to clean your fabric blinds, refer to the care instructions tag for guidance.

Looking for more information about window treatments? Consider learning how to install curtains over blinds for a more aesthetic look, or visit our cellular blinds buying guide to learn more about its insulation benefits. 

However, if you feel like your blinds could use more than just cleaning, perhaps it's time to freshen up your windowscape with brand-new fabric blinds. 

Don't worry; at Factory Direct Blinds, we've got you covered. Enjoy browsing our extensive product lineup, from cellular shades to mini blinds, all providing excellent quality and an aesthetic boost to any home. Bonus: You don't have to worry about extra costs because we offer free shipping too! So, come and explore our offerings today.

FAQs

What is the easiest way to clean fabric vertical blinds?

The easiest way to clean fabric vertical blinds involves routine dusting or vacuuming and spot-cleaning any small stains with warm soapy water right away.

How do you wash cloth blinds without taking them down?

To clean cloth blinds without removing them, use a vacuum with a brush attachment.

How do you maintain fabric blinds?

Regular vacuuming, spot-cleaning stains, and periodic deep-cleaning keep fabric blinds in top condition.

Can you use white vinegar on fabric blinds?

Yes, white vinegar diluted in warm water can safely clean fabric blinds, often proving effective in removing grime.