How to clean fabric blinds

Fabric blinds are a popular choice for windows, but they often get forgotten when it comes to cleaning and maintenance. Have you ever looked at your blinds and thought they needed a clean?

Most people will think to clean their blinds at some point, however may not really sure where to begin, so let the dust pile up. Big mistake. When not regularly cleaned, fabric blinds can develop a buildup of dust and grime that affects the look of a room.

As fabric specialists, we’re here to answer the question: “how do you clean fabric blinds at home?” Fabric blinds can be made from several different fabrics, including vinyl, polyester and waterproof PVC which is especially ideal for bathrooms. Fortunately, there is one method that’s universally recommended to clean fabric blinds, which we’re sharing below.

The good news is that cleaning them doesn’t have to be hard or time-consuming – with some simple steps, you can restore your fabric blinds back to their original beauty. Here’s an easy guide on how to clean fabric blinds quickly and effectively.

How to clean fabric blinds without taking them down

Step 1: Vacuum

Start by individually vacuuming slats with a soft brush attachment. This will help remove any loose dirt and dust from the fabric. To clean vertical fabric blinds, start vacuuming from the top and work your way down to the bottom. This way, if any dirt falls when the blinds make contact with the brush attachment, this can be vacuumed away.

Pro tip: it’s a good idea to get into the habit of vacuuming blinds whenever you vacuum floors as this will stop dust and dirt from building up.

Step 2: Make your cleaning solution

Next, mix a solution of warm water and mild detergent in a bucket or bowl. Refrain from using harsh chemicals to clean your fabric blinds, as they can stain them or lead to discolouration – mild detergent is fine. Dip a clean cloth into the mixture and wring it out until it’s damp but not dripping wet. Avoid using hot water.

Step 3: Wipe the blinds

Gently wipe down each slat with your damp cloth, making sure to get into all of the crevices and folds of the fabric. If cleaning vertical blinds, start from the top of each slat and work your way down. Make sure the cloth is covering both sides of the blind as you hold it and wipe down, to ensure both sides are getting cleaned.

If cleaning horizontal blinds, follow the same process, but instead, wipe across from one side to the other. Again, make sure your cloth is covering each side of the blind (above and below) to ensure they are both getting cleaned evenly. You may need to spend more time wiping any areas with tough stains. Avoid scrubbing blinds as this can damage them. Instead, gently wipe them down.

Step 4: Don’t forget to dry!

Once you’ve wiped down all the blinds, use a dry cloth to buff them until they are completely dry. To finish off, use an upholstery brush to fluff up the fabric and restore it to its original texture. This final step is a great way to revive your fabric blinds and make them look refreshed and renewed, instead of flat and dull.

How to clean fabric roller blinds at home

If you’re looking for information on how to clean roller blinds, the process is pretty simple. It involves vacuuming and wiping, just like the above. The only real difference is to wipe the blinds in a downward motion, focusing on one side at a time. There is no need to take your roller blinds apart to clean them, just roll them down fully and start cleaning.

Summary

And there you have it! Following these tried-and-tested tips to clean your fabric blinds will have them looking as good as new in no time. Cleaning fabric blinds at home is not as difficult as it seems – as you can see, it’s actually pretty straightforward. Just be sure to take care when cleaning your blinds to avoid damaging them.

At Fabric Online, we sell a wide range of materials that can be used for your home. If you’re looking for your next upholstery project to match your newly cleaned blinds, check out our complete range of upholstery fabrics here.