How to Clean Your Blinds (Without Damaging Them)

A simple cleaning guide for every blind type — Venetian, roller, Roman, vertical, and shutters — so your blinds stay looking their best for longer.

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Care & Maintenance5 min read13 January 2025By Damon Tait
How to Clean Your Blinds (Without Damaging Them)

Blinds collect dust, grease, and moisture over time — but most types are straightforward to clean if you know what you're doing. Here's a quick guide to cleaning every common blind type.

Aluminium Venetian Blinds

Close the slats fully and wipe down with a damp microfibre cloth. For a deeper clean, close the slats in the other direction and repeat. For stubborn grease (common in kitchens), add a small amount of washing-up liquid to the water. Dry with a clean cloth to prevent water marks.

For a thorough clean, you can remove the blind and lay it flat in the bath with warm soapy water. Rinse well and allow to dry completely before rehanging.

Faux Wood and Real Wood Venetian Blinds

Dust regularly with a dry microfibre cloth or a blind duster. For faux wood, a damp cloth is fine for occasional cleaning. For real wood, avoid excess moisture — a slightly damp cloth is fine, but don't soak the slats. Never submerge real wood blinds in water.

Roller Blinds

For light dust, wipe down with a dry microfibre cloth while the blind is fully lowered. For marks and stains, use a damp cloth with a small amount of mild detergent. Wipe gently — don't scrub, as this can damage the fabric coating. Allow to dry fully before rolling up.

Some roller blind fabrics are machine washable — check the care label or ask us when we fit your blind.

Roman Blinds

Roman blinds are the trickiest to clean because of their fabric folds. For light dust, use a vacuum cleaner on a low setting with the upholstery attachment. For stains, spot-clean with a damp cloth and mild detergent. If the blind has a removable lining, this can often be machine washed.

For a thorough clean, most Roman blinds can be dry-cleaned. Check the care label first.

Vertical Blinds

Remove individual louvres and lay them flat. Wipe down with a damp cloth and mild detergent. Rinse and allow to dry completely before rehanging. Fabric louvres can usually be machine washed on a gentle cycle — remove the weights from the bottom first.

Plantation Shutters

Shutters are the easiest window covering to keep clean. Dust regularly with a dry microfibre cloth. For a deeper clean, wipe down with a slightly damp cloth. The painted finish is durable and won't be damaged by normal cleaning. Avoid abrasive cleaners or scouring pads.

General Tips

  • Dust blinds regularly — it's much easier to remove light dust than built-up grime.
  • Always check the care label or ask your fitter before using water or cleaning products on a new blind.
  • For kitchen blinds, wipe down monthly to prevent grease build-up.
  • Never use bleach or harsh chemicals on fabric blinds — they can damage the fabric and affect the colour.
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