How to clean fabric vertical blinds at home without removing them

Blinds are a great option for your home or office. It is always possible to close them in sunny weather and open them on a cloudy day, letting in a sufficient amount of light into the room. Over time, they become covered with dust (and in the kitchen, also with grease), fade and lose their original appearance. Dust can simply be brushed off, but to remove stubborn stains, you must follow the tips and tricks on how to wash vertical blinds at home.

How to Clean Vertical Fabric Blinds by Removing Them from a Window

Sometimes, in order to wash fabric blinds, you have to remove them.
Fabric blinds are made from natural and synthetic materials. They are coated with a special impregnation to protect them from fading. All this must be taken into account when washing at home, so as not to spoil their appearance. Some recommendations will help put the product in order.

Procedure if the blinds need to be removed for washing:

Clean each strip of material with a vacuum cleaner equipped with a furniture attachment or one specifically for blinds.
Detach the slats from the cornice.
Unfasten the bottom chain.
Remove the weights.
Roll each individual part into a coil.
Soak in soapy water for about 1 – 2 hours.
Rinse the material in cool running water.

If all dirt has not been removed, soak the curtains again in a fresh soap solution.

Immediately after washing, the blinds should be hung in place, without waiting for them to dry. With this drying method, the strips of material will not be distorted and will retain their original appearance.

Forbidden:

Wash fabric vertical blinds in the washing machine to prevent them from becoming deformed.
Rinse the slats in hot water, otherwise they may shrink.
Use aggressive bleaches and stain removers.
Cleaning curtains with a brush may damage the protective coating of the material.
Wring out, twist, bend when drying, otherwise the resulting creases will be impossible to straighten.

If you take these prohibitions into account, the slats will look elegant and beautiful for a long time.

Products made from polyester are easier to clean and less susceptible to alteration. And jacquard blinds are more capricious. It is better to clean them dry.

How to wash Day-Night blinds

In terms of their structure, Day-Night models are classified as roller blinds and are made from textiles of varying densities. However, due to the fact that they allow you to regulate the light flux like rigid lamellas, we will consider cleaning them in this article.

In order to remove all the accumulated dirt, you need to remove the curtain from the curtain rod and soak it in a large amount of water with the addition of a cleaning agent. This is convenient to do in the bath. Let the chemicals work on the dirt for 15-30 minutes. At this time, you can wash the window and sill.

Carefully, so as not to damage the delicate mesh, wipe the curtain with a soft brush or washcloth. While working, roll the treated area onto the holder bar. Try to avoid wrinkles.

If the product does not need to be rinsed off, simply hang the curtain to dry to allow the water to drain. Otherwise, you need to rinse the fabric well in clean water.

Without waiting for complete drying, hang the curtain on the window. Here it will dry in a straightened state.

How to tidy up blinds on your windows

The vacuum cleaner removes dust well from vertical blinds
. Before you start cleaning the curtains, you need to read the operating instructions. Each type of fabric reacts differently to water and detergents. To ensure that window products do not lose their attractive appearance, you need to take into account all the features of caring for them.

You can wet the blinds only as a last resort, when stains or ingrained dirt have formed on them. In other situations, you can clean dirt and dust using more delicate methods:

Vacuum cleaner with a special attachment. You need to brush along each lamella from both sides from top to bottom.
A fluffy broom or a large soft brush. Special soft brushes for vertical and horizontal blinds are especially good. To remove dust with such a device, the curtains are turned towards themselves for treatment, first on one side, then on the other.
Napkins. To clean the blinds, you can buy cloths for office equipment at a specialized store.
Spray bottle with soap solution. The slats are only slightly moistened with liquid, and then carefully wiped with a dry soft cloth.
Steam cleaner. A jet of steam knocks dirt from top to bottom from each strip of fabric. Then all that remains is to wipe the slats dry with a soft cloth. Using a steam generator you can even remove stains.

If a stain appears on an individual lamella, it can be rubbed with a sponge soaked in soapy water, then washed with a clean wet cloth. Finally, carefully wipe dry.

After any of the selected cleaning methods, the curtains do not require special drying. The main thing is not to open the window until the material is completely dry.

Fabric blinds are impregnated with a special compound that repels dust, dirt and moisture. Impregnation has an antibacterial, antistatic effect and keeps the shape of the lamellas. After contact with water, it is washed away. Therefore, it is not recommended to wet curtains for the first few years; you need to use other cleaning methods and after that wash them no more than once a year.

If all else fails, you can invite specialists to your home. They will remove dirt and stains using ultrasound.

Cheap method for cleaning horizontal aluminum slats

To work you will need:

kitchen sponges;
glass or dish cleaner (you can use an all-purpose kitchen cleaner);
pure water;
microfiber cloths;
textile gloves or regular socks;
spray.

Brush off the dust from the slats with a dry cloth or soft brush. This is good to do with downy brooms to remove dust. If you don’t have one on your household, you can simply vacuum the blinds while closed.
Remove the blinds from the window and soak the slats in warm water. This is convenient to do in the bath. Add a capful of all-purpose cleaner to the water. It is advisable to choose a chemical that does not leave streaks.
If there is no place to soak (for example, a shower stall in a super-compact house), then simply moisten the slats from a spray bottle with a cleaning solution and leave for a few minutes, not allowing them to dry out. During this time, the dirt will become wet and peel off from the curtain.
Then use a sponge to clean off any dirt from each slats. Rinse off the detergent with clean water and wipe with a dry cloth. Handle thin strips with care as... they may become deformed.
Flip the blinds over to the other side and repeat the entire process.
When both sides are cleaned, all that remains is to return the curtain to the window.

Chemical detergents

You should not use washing powder to wash blinds made of any type of fabric. It leaves whitish marks and streaks. Products containing chlorine and other caustic components are also not suitable for this purpose.

It is better to choose a liquid detergent for washing delicate fabrics or wool: BioMio, Sodasan, Vorsinka, Help, Lion Acron, Laska, Care and Repair . A neutral shower gel will also work.

Shavings made from baby soap are less effective for heavily soiled areas. If the curtains are moderately or lightly stained, this option will help to wash them without ruining the structure. You can buy shavings, but it won’t be too difficult to grate a piece of baby soap on a coarse grater.

Compositions for cleaning carpets and upholstered furniture help wash away stubborn dust and dirt: Shampoo 5+ Carpets, Drop Vox, Help, Vanish, Selena Carpet, Antipyatin, Nordland .

It is better to entrust expensive curtains to professionals than to experiment at home. Dry cleaning will remove all dirt and refresh the impregnation of the curtains.

Should I take the blinds to the dry cleaner or call a cleaning service?

Both options have their advantages. If you decide to use dry cleaning, then be prepared for the fact that your window will be without curtains for 2–3 days. But the blinds will be cleaned according to all the rules, using professional products. Specialists will not only remove all stains from the fabric, but also smooth it out, and also re-impregnate the fabric with a protective composition.

If you don't have time to wait and want your blinds cleaned quickly, but no less professionally, you can call a cleaning service. All work will be carried out in your home and you will be able to see the entire cleaning process. This service is not cheap, but the result is worth the money spent.

In their work, cleaning service specialists use various stain removers and washing equipment, such as an extractor. This is a washing vacuum cleaner that is used only for professional cleaning. The operating principle of this device is based on spraying a heated chemical solution through nozzles onto the surface to be treated. All dirt comes off and is sucked back into the vacuum cleaner along with any remaining product.

The suction power of the extractor allows for deep cleaning or drying of fabric in a short time. Such a device and the chemicals for it are quite expensive, which explains the high prices for cleaning services.

The procedure for specialists is usually as follows:

A film is spread on the floor, on which the removed strips of blinds are folded.
The cornice is cleaned.
All strips are passed over with an extractor on both sides.
The blinds are hung back.

Sometimes the strips are not removed, but cleaned directly on the cornice.

Folk remedies

First aid for any stains on fabric blinds
Folk recipes help get rid of stains much better than household chemicals:

Ammonia with water cleans and refreshes blinds well. Pour a bottle of ammonia into a bucket of warm water. Moisten the sponge with the resulting solution and carefully rinse each lamella on both sides.
Ammonia and soda. If you add a tablespoon of soda to the ammonia solution, you can remove even stubborn stains, such as ink, with a rag soaked in this liquid.
Citric acid will help get rid of tea stains. Pour a packet of powder into a bucket of warm water. Moisten a sponge with the solution and clean contaminated areas.
Acetone-free nail polish remover helps remove marker marks.
Vinegar solution. Will allow you to preserve color and prevent fading. Pour 3 tbsp into 10 liters of water. spoons of vinegar. Soak the curtains in the liquid for 30 minutes. After this procedure, the blinds look no worse than after dry cleaning.

There is no doubt about the effectiveness of these products, since they are used not only for cleaning curtains. They show their effectiveness in washing dishes, household appliances, and plumbing fixtures.

If stains remain on the blinds after washing, they can be removed with a white eraser. This should be done only after complete drying.

Proper drying

The last, but no less important step in washing vertical fabric blinds is drying them. Properly dried strips will remain smooth and continue to serve properly, protecting the room from bright light and heat.

After washing, the rolls should be unrolled and hung upright in a well-ventilated place. This could be a bathroom, the main thing is not to close it so that excess moisture can evaporate. Or you can dry the blinds outside away from the sun's rays.
The use of household appliances for drying lamellas is prohibited.
You need to hang it using a special strip fastening.
When placing the elements of the blinds, they should be straightened, avoiding creases and distortions.
Manufacturers recommend drying the product by hanging it back on the curtain rod. In this case, a special weight is hung from below, removed before washing.

Preventing contamination of fabric blinds

An antistatic agent will help restore the protective film on the blinds.
Preventing the formation of a thick layer of dirt is much easier than trying to wash it a long time after it appears. To do this you need to use the following recommendations:

From time to time, spray the curtains with an antistatic agent, then dust and other contaminants will stick much less.
It is better not to hang blinds made of woven fabric in the kitchen, otherwise greasy deposits and stains cannot be avoided.
Once a week, when cleaning the room again, don’t neglect the curtains. With weekly vacuuming, the material will retain its fresh, clean appearance.
Remove heavy stains, such as wine or coffee stains, immediately. This will be much more difficult to do in the future.
During operation, touch the slats with your hands as little as possible, this will keep them clean longer.

In order not to contact cleaning companies for help in cleaning curtains, you need to follow the recommendations for caring for them, and also regularly remove minor dirt and stains from them.

Useful tips

— to treat the rotating mechanism, you can use sewing machine oil or automotive lubricant;
— When using the wet cleaning method, wipe with a soft cloth after drying;
— Use a toothbrush if the blinds have a relief pattern;
— You can buy a special nozzle to use for washing blinds;
— To avoid the formation of corrosion and rust on parts, they must be removed before washing in the bathroom;
— To ensure that the fabric parts stretch when drying, they are hung and small weights are attached.

Depending on the material from which the blinds are made, you need to follow certain tips and recommendations. Keeping your blinds clean is not that difficult. Choosing the right cleaning method will help improve its efficiency and maintain the attractive appearance and functionality of your blinds for a long time.

Main

The blinds can be machine washed, but only on a delicate cycle at temperatures up to 30°C and without spinning. If you wash the slats by hand, it is better to first soak them in a basin with a solution for a couple of hours.
Before washing, it is better to roll the strips and secure them with thread, put them in a special bag or pillowcase. Do not use aggressive chlorine products or powders.
To dry the strips, you need to hang them in the bathroom, let the water drain and return them to their place while still damp.
It is advisable not to resort to frequent washing, but to clean the slats without removing them using a vacuum cleaner, rag or soft sponge, and remove stains locally.

Dry cleaning: pros and cons

Some people do not have time to do household chores on their own, while others are simply unsure of the success of home cleaning.

Let's figure out in what cases it is better to seek help from professionals:

for serious dirt and stubborn stains that cannot be cleaned at home;
if you are dealing with expensive material, the type of which is difficult to determine;
the instructions for use and care indicate that vertical blinds cannot be washed;
the canvas contains an original ornament that may fade or be washed away from exposure to water;
the curtain is equipped with many decorative elements or has an unusual covering.

If you are not sure that you can cope with complex stains and the unusual design of the blinds, leave the washing to specialists.

Of course, the procedure is not cheap, but you can definitely be sure of the integrity of the product and an excellent result. In addition, you can spend the freed time on important matters or caring for loved ones.

Washing blinds, depending on the type of fabric

Each type of fabric has its own nuances that must be taken into account when washing.

Jacquard fabric made of cotton and linen threads does not tolerate wet processing. It may shrink or become deformed during washing. Therefore, manufacturers do not recommend using water to clean such blinds. To maintain cleanliness, it will be enough to go over the fabric with a vacuum cleaner once a week. But if the curtains are so dirty that dry cleaning no longer helps, you can try washing them by hand. But try to avoid soaking and do not use too hot water. It is better to hang washed blinds immediately by inserting weights into the strips. This way, the likelihood that they will sag and not lose their shape will be higher.
Pure cotton vertical blinds will shrink over time, so choose a longer option from the start. This fabric can be washed either by hand or in a machine. The water should be warm and the spin mode should be turned off. If the blinds are made of colored fabric, then use a washing powder that has the inscription “Color” on the box.
Fiberglass blinds should never be washed. This material can only be cared for using a vacuum cleaner. You can use wet wipes from time to time.
Both hand and machine washing are suitable for cleaning polyester. This material is easy to clean and practically does not accumulate dust. The water temperature and washing mode should be the same as for other types of blinds.

The process of washing vertical blinds is quite labor-intensive, but if you follow all the recommendations, the result will be excellent.

How to wash without removing from windows?

We have already shown an example of how to wash blinds without removing them from the windows, but this method is suitable not only for plastic vertical slats. This way you can clean any blinds at home.

Close the slats.
Vacuum them or wipe them free of major dust.
Wet the cleaning brush over the blinds.
Grab several slats and run from start to finish.

The brush will have to be rinsed after each pass. If the dirt is strong and warm water is not enough, add a cleaning agent to it.

When cleaning, be careful not to damage or break the fragile mechanism.

Life hack: If you don’t have a special brush, use regular microfiber or office equipment wipes - they will help remove even stubborn dirt.

How to wash vertical blinds directly on the window, watch the video:

Handwash

This option is for those who are used to acting for sure. You can control the process yourself, so you definitely won’t miss a single spot. It is best to do the washing in the bathtub, because you are unlikely to be able to clean the slats in the basin well. Before washing vertical blinds, prepare all the necessary products. You can use furniture cleaning gel, carpet shampoo, baby laundry detergent, or organic powder.

On a note! The main condition is that the product used does not contain aggressive chemicals or abrasive particles that are poorly soluble in water.

As for cleaning tools, a foam sponge or soft bristle brush works great. Using scratching brushes is taboo, because they can damage the product.

Let's consider the main stages of washing:

remove all elements from the cornice;
carefully spread them over the surface of the bath, and then wet them using a shower with warm water (the temperature should not be higher than 30-40ºC);
in a small bowl, prepare a soap solution from the selected product, and then soak a foam sponge or brush in it;

slowly, with gentle movements, work the fabric on both sides;
let stand for 10-20 minutes so that the product penetrates deep into the tissue;
rinse and treat with the solution again;
rinse thoroughly and let the water drain;

perform a similar procedure with each lamella;
hang the items on a drying rack or hanger and let them dry completely;
If necessary, iron at minimum temperature.

Note that when processing, circular and transverse movements should be avoided. They can lead to the formation of scratches and streaks, so blinds should be cleaned strictly along the canvas. Also, after washing, the slats can be immediately fixed to the cornice.

Important! In this position, they will not only dry well, but will take on their usual shape and level out.

Preparatory stage

No matter how well you take care of your curtains, fabric blinds will eventually need to be washed. Of course, high-quality cleaning of suspended slats will be problematic, so you definitely need to know how to remove vertical blinds.

It's quite easy to do this:

open the window using the control chain;
move all the slats to one side;

carefully release the weights from the chain on both sides (hold the clasps with your fingers so as not to break them);
remove plastic weights from all slats;

put all structural elements in one place so as not to lose them;
stand on a stable surface and inspect the cornice;
Grab the slider with one hand and hold the top of the strip with the other;
move the long part of the clothespin of the runner aside, and then lift the base of the lamella up and, after a click, sharply lower it down in the direction opposite to the elongated clothespin;

the product will detach from the mount, and all you have to do is fold it in the right place;
perform similar manipulations with all elements of the blinds.

Next, you should clean each strip of dust with a damp cloth or vacuum it. This completes the preparatory stage.

What can't you do with a roller blind?

They, like any other window decorations, curtains, plastic windows, require careful handling. If you ignore basic care rules, this will lead to damage to the product. This will affect not only the appearance of the canvas, but also its performance. Therefore, you should definitely know what not to do with roller blinds:

You cannot use the washing machine.
Dry assembled.
Allow bends to form.
Handle carelessly.
Iron.

Therefore, to answer the common question: “Is it still possible to wash roller blinds?” The answer will definitely be positive if you follow these simple care rules. This will help extend their life while maintaining their original qualities.

Roller blinds are very popular today due to their practicality and convenience. They can be found in different designs and styles for modern spaces.

How to dry clean?

It is very important to frequently ventilate the room whose windows have roller blinds. This will prevent dust from settling on them. That is, a strong air flow will not allow small debris to linger on fabric treated with a special protective compound.

A person who hangs roller blinds on windows must clearly understand that they become an additional piece of furniture that is subject to constant cleaning and dusting. Therefore, it is important to know how to clean roller blinds correctly. There is no need to perform any special manipulations for this. It is enough to wipe them with a dry cloth when cleaning the apartment.

In addition, a vacuum cleaner is suitable for cleaning. It will allow you to collect the smallest specks and dust from the surface of the roller blinds. It is enough to use it once every few months to maintain freshness and cleanliness.