If you’re into minimalist decor, chances are you’ve got a few roller blinds in your home.
Roller blinds are made from a single sheet — usually fabric or vinyl — that rolls up and down to any height you like.
They give any room a sleek, tidy look compared to the folds of honeycomb blinds or the slats of Venetian blinds.
This simple design also means that roller blinds are easy to maintain! Their smooth, continuous surface has fewer spots where dust can collect.
That said, you should still clean your roller blinds to keep them looking great.
Vacuuming is the first step. For vinyl roller blinds, a quick wipe with a damp cloth works too. But if your blinds are fabric, avoid getting them too wet.
What You Need | Routine Cleaning | Removing Stains | Deep Cleaning | Maintenance Tips
Before Cleaning Your Roller Blinds
Before you start, it’s important to know what your indoor roller blinds are made from.
Vinyl blinds look slightly shiny and have a plastic-like feel. Meanwhile, you’ll notice a knit or weave pattern on fabric blinds.
If you’re unsure, your best bet is to read the product manual. It should tell you the material and include care instructions, too.
When cleaning roller blinds, stick to gentle cleaning methods and follow the manufacturer’s directions.
Skip harsh chemicals and abrasive cleaners that can damage or discolour your roller blinds.
To be safe, test your cleaning solution on a tiny, hidden spot and watch for any colour changes.
Lastly, don’t forget to wear gloves and a mask for safety!
What You Need to Clean Roller Blinds
Not sure what to clean your roller blinds with? You don’t need any special cleaning products — a few household items will do!
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Water
- Dish soap
- Soft sponge
- Microfibre cloth
- Vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment
For vinyl roller blinds, you can use a feather duster if you don’t have a vacuum cleaner.
Routine Cleaning Steps for Roller Blinds
If you’re wondering how to clean roller blinds as part of your regular home upkeep, you’re in luck!
You can clean your roller blinds without taking them down — all you need is a vacuum cleaner with a soft brush attachment.
Run it over your roller blinds every 2 weeks to prevent dirt build-up.
Roller blind cleaning shouldn’t take more than an hour, but this will depend on how many blinds you have.
If you’ve got too many blinds and windows to manage, it’s more efficient to book expert home cleaners instead!
How to clean vinyl roller blinds
Vinyl or PVC is a type of plastic, which makes vinyl roller blinds easier to clean than fabric ones. They’re also waterproof and less likely to stain.
To clean vinyl roller blinds, start by fully extending the blinds.
Use a vacuum cleaner with a soft brush attachment to remove all loose dirt from the sheet. Work horizontally, going from top to bottom.
Don’t forget to do the same on the other side!
Next, wipe the sheet with a cloth dampened in a mixture of water and a bit of dish soap. This helps break down any sticky grime.
Follow with another clean, damp cloth to rinse off any soap residue.
If any stains remain, spot-treat them with a mild cleaning solution, like diluted dish soap.
Let the blinds air dry completely before rolling them back up to prevent mould and musty smells. For faster drying, point a fan towards the blinds.
How to clean fabric roller blinds
Fabric roller blinds are usually made from a blend of materials like cotton, linen, or polyester.
They can be prone to mould and water stains, so be careful not to expose the blinds to excessive moisture.
First, unroll the blinds fully. Then, use a vacuum cleaner with an upholstery (brush) attachment to remove all loose dust and debris.
Work across the sheet horizontally, starting from top to bottom.
Vacuum the other side as well. Once done, you can use a damp cloth, but only for spot-treating stains.
Once all stains are gone, let the blinds air dry before rolling them up.
Use a hairdryer on the lowest or cool setting to quickly dry any damp spots and prevent water stains!
How to Remove Stains from Roller Blinds
Even indoor blinds can pick up stains — whether from food, kids playing with markers, or just everyday mess.
Mould can also grow if the area is too humid or if the blinds stay damp for too long.
To clean roller blinds with stains, act as quickly as you can. The earlier you treat them, the easier they are to remove.
When in doubt, test your stain remover on an inconspicuous area first.
After lifting the stain, dry the damp spot with a fan or a hairdryer on the cool setting.
Food stains
For food stains on your roller blinds, use dish soap or mild detergent.
Mix a few drops of your chosen cleaning product with a cup of water. Dip a microfibre cloth into the solution, then lightly dab the stain until it lifts.
Once done, wipe off any soap residue with a clean, damp cloth.
Ink stains
Got ink stains on your roller blinds? Start with a mix of dish soap and water.
If the ink won’t budge, try rubbing alcohol. But be cautious when using it and test it on a tiny spot first!
Once you confirm it’s safe, apply a small amount of rubbing alcohol onto a microfibre towel. Then, gently blot the ink stain until it fades.
Mould
To clean mould off roller blinds, use white vinegar.
Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle, then apply the solution to the affected area.
Let the solution sit for 15–20 minutes. Then, gently rub the mouldy spots with a damp cloth.
For stubborn mould, try a stronger vinegar solution and leave it on for at least an hour before wiping.
Water stains
Water can leave dark blotches on fabric roller blinds. These are usually caused by hard water minerals or residue from cleaning products.
If your blinds stayed wet for too long, that can also lead to water stains.
To remove water stains from fabric roller blinds, mix equal parts white vinegar and distilled water.
Dip a microfibre cloth into the solution, and gently blot the affected area. Then, use a hairdryer on the lowest setting to dry the fabric faster.
How to Deep Clean Roller Blinds
For a deeper clean, take the roller blinds down so you can wipe the headrail (the box-like casing at the top).
As for the sheet, it’s best to stick to spot cleaning. Only soak your roller blinds if the product manual or care label allows it!
If not, it’s safer to take your blinds — especially fabric ones — to a professional dry cleaner.
Always make sure your roller blinds are completely dry before reassembling them and putting them back up.
Step 1: Take the roller blinds down
Use a sturdy step ladder or chair to reach the roller blinds’ headrail. Take a screwdriver with you if needed.
Carefully unmount your blinds, following the product guide. Then, take the blinds out from the headrail for thorough cleaning.
Step 2: Clean the headrail
Use a vacuum with a soft brush attachment to remove all loose dust and debris from the headrail of your roller blinds.
Pay attention to the top surface, which tends to collect dirt (or even dead bugs!).
Afterwards, wipe the headrail down with a cloth dampened in soapy water. Follow with a clean, dry cloth to remove any residue from the cleaning solution.
Step 3: Spot-clean stains
Lay the blinds flat on a surface lined with old towels to prevent damage.
Spot-clean stains with a microfibre cloth dipped in soapy water. Do the same for the other side, too.
Blot any excess moisture with another clean, dry cloth.
Once you’re done, let the blinds air dry by hanging them in a shaded area. Use a fan for faster drying.
Step 4 (optional): Soak the roller blinds
Only do this if the care label or the product guide says it’s safe, and make sure to remove the blinds from the headrail first.
Fill your tub with warm water and about ½ cup of dish soap. Fully submerge the roller blinds and let them soak for 10–15 minutes.
Use a soft sponge or a microfibre cloth to gently scrub away grime and stubborn stains.
Once clean, drain the dirty water and rinse the blinds thoroughly using your shower head.
Take the blinds out of the tub and lay them flat on a surface lined with old towels. Gently blot the excess moisture using more towels.
Do not twist or wring the blinds to avoid any damage!
To dry, hang the blinds on a sturdy rack in a shaded area. Set up a fan nearby for quicker drying.
Tips to Keep Your Roller Blinds Clean
Cleaning your blinds doesn’t have to be difficult and time-consuming.
A light dusting every few weeks is usually enough to keep your roller blinds looking spotless.
If you can stick to this schedule, you’ll only need to do a deep clean 1–2 times a year, maybe even less.
Keeping your home as dust-free as possible also helps. One way to do this is to wipe down your walls and windows regularly.
If you have curtains over your blinds, make sure to wash them, too. They can trap dirt that could end up on your roller blinds.
A little upkeep goes a long way in keeping your roller blinds looking brand new!
