Handmade, or how to wash roller blinds so as not to spoil them

A stylish, modern, practical element of the interior is a roller blind. Durable, functional, easy to use, they help create a special atmosphere of coziness and comfort in the room.

The positive properties of fabric roller shutters can only be preserved with proper care.

In this article we will tell you whether and how to wash roller blinds at home in a washing machine and by hand.

How to properly place roller blinds in the interior?

Firstly, in the production of curtains, a special impregnation is used, which prevents dust from penetrating inside the curtain, trapping it on the surface. And secondly, the fabric will not fade or stretch. This allows you to preserve the original appearance of the product for a long time, without resorting to washing or cleaning. Therefore, it is very important to pay attention to the quality of the fabric before purchasing. It is better to give preference to expensive models that will be carefully treated with an anti-dirt and deformation agent.

Caring for roller blinds includes the following rules:

• Do not hang in close proximity to radiators or other heating devices.
• Do not use in areas with high temperature or humidity.
• Do not hang in places where the risk of rapid contamination of the product is obviously high.
• When cleaning the apartment, roller blinds need to be rolled into a special protective tube.
• It is not recommended to wash curtains made from natural materials.
• Products must not be bent, pierced or cut.

To reduce dust settling, you need to open the window when there is wind. This will quickly refresh the canvas from dust and get rid of any unpleasant odors that may have been absorbed into the fabric. If possible, it is better to avoid frequent washing, as this will lead to rapid deterioration of the material.

Types of horizontal blinds

The method for cleaning blinds depends on what they are made of. There are three most popular materials for the production of horizontal blinds - aluminum, plastic and wood. Each of them has its own characteristics that must be taken into account in order to choose the best option for caring for these products.

Aluminum horizontal blinds

They are distinguished by higher flexibility than plastic blinds, but you should not subject them to excessive tests for strength and flexibility, as the slats can be irrevocably deformed. Aluminum blinds come in different colors, but they all have a pleasant glossy surface that shines in the sun. In order to maintain this pleasant appearance, you need to avoid harsh cleaning products containing solid particles. Choose creams, soap solutions, soft sponges. Do not use powders or hard sponges under any circumstances - they will damage the surface of the aluminum plates and create many micro-scratches on them, spoiling their appearance.

Stylish aluminum blinds

Due to the properties of the metal, aluminum blinds are less susceptible to complex contamination. Aluminum does not absorb dirt, and its smooth, glossy surface facilitates cleaning - this is a plus. But there is a minus - water stains are more visible on gloss.

Usually, all care for them comes down to wiping them from dust or soaking them in water for 10-15 minutes if the dirt requires soaking. To do this, the blinds will first need to be removed from the cornice. The specified time will be quite enough to cope with any contamination. To enhance the effect, especially if the lamellas are perforated or patterned, use a soft toothbrush that will reach dirt in hard-to-reach places without damaging the soft metal.

Plastic horizontal blinds

Plastic blinds come in different varieties – expensive and cheap. Accordingly, their quality will be different. For example, cheap plastic blinds are more fragile than aluminum ones

They can be broken if handled carelessly. As a rule, the slats of cheap blinds cannot be replaced, so you will have to change the entire structure

Expensive, high-quality plastic blinds are more durable than aluminum ones

They are more comparable to wooden blinds, but they have one important advantage over them - they do not crack from water. So we recommend that you choose this option if you are leaning towards plastic

Versatile and minimalistic plastic blinds

Plastic blinds, like aluminum ones, may sometimes need to be removed from the eaves and soaked in water. The fact is that plastic is more susceptible to contamination, and washing it can sometimes be problematic. When you are faced with a choice - soak it longer or rub it harder with a brush - it is better to choose the first option, which will be more gentle.

If you are removing blinds to clean them more thoroughly, proceed carefully and take care to keep the slats in order. Many people make the mistake not even while cleaning the plastic, but during drying. The blinds dry perfectly in their place - on the window. They do not need to be dried near a radiator or using other heating devices. Close contact with a heat source may damage the plastic!

Wooden horizontal blinds

The most capricious type of blinds. Being made from thin strips of natural wood, they contain all the disadvantages and requirements of wooden products. Firstly, they cannot be soaked, unlike the previous option - plastic blinds. When soaking wooden blinds, the same negative changes occur as with any wooden product. Wood is a delicate material and needs to be taken care of. Secondly, you need to use gentle products that will not cause irreparable damage to the structure of natural wood. It is best to choose products for washing natural wood products, as well as cosmetics for caring for them - this will help preserve their pristine beauty for a long time.

Wooden blinds are luxurious and very difficult to maintain

Damaging wooden blinds will be even more offensive than plastic ones, because their price is much higher

When buying window decor made from natural materials, you need to be prepared for the fact that you will have to take care of it and show more attention than in the case of practical materials. But the appearance will pay for these costs, right?

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.

Useful tips

The collection of folk recipes for caring for various types of wallpaper also includes those that are suitable for roller blinds:

• If chewing gum is stuck to the material, you need to take molded ice and rub the sticky fragment. When frozen, the gum will simply break off from the tissue.
• To remove grease stains and traces of wax crayons, use the most common cleaning agent used to wash dishes. A few drops are applied to soft tissue and problem areas are treated.

And a few more ways that may be useful:

• The iron will handle the creases. The fabric is covered from the inside out with damp gauze and ironed, setting the iron to the “minimum” setting.
• A hairdryer in cold blowing mode effectively removes surface dust.
• Oil deposits on curtains are a problem in kitchen areas; it can be solved with the help of table salt. It is absolutely harmless to dyes, plastics, natural fabrics and synthetics. The canvas is evenly coated with salt, left for 2-3 hours, and then removed. A simple procedure will return matter to its original, pure appearance.

How to perform wet cleaning?

Following simple and basic care rules on how to wash roller blinds will help you avoid thorough washing for the first few years after their purchase and installation. Therefore, canvases must be subjected to not only dry cleaning, but also wet cleaning. It can be carried out several times a year.

To do this, you will need a flannel rag that needs to be wetted with warm water. Gently and thoroughly wipe the curtains around the entire perimeter, not forgetting the corners. Then you need to go over the fabric with a dry cloth and leave it straightened so that it dries completely.

How to wash roller blinds?

The first thing to remember before washing your roller blinds is that this is done only as needed. The canvas is very delicate and any careless impact can simply destroy or ruin it. In order for the washing to be successful, the fabric to remain safe and sound, and the product to last for a long time, you should follow certain rules. These include:

1. The curtains are carefully rolled into a roll, after which the roller shutters can be removed from the mounting. Before doing this, you need to look and figure out how they are secured, so that after washing they can also be hung in place.
2. The washing machine must not be used under any circumstances. Even after the most delicate and careful treatment, roller blinds can only be thrown away. Therefore, they are washed exclusively by hand.
3. A bath is best for this procedure. You need to fill it with a small amount of warm water, in which the detergent is pre-dissolved. For these purposes, you can use powder, laundry soap or other cleaning products. The main thing is that the composition does not contain chlorine or similar aggressive substances.
4. Thoroughly dissolve the detergent and check that no grains remain in the water.
5. Dip the roller shutter into the soapy solution and straighten the curtain. Roller blinds can be cleaned using a soft brush, sponge or cloth. Wash it extremely delicately so as not to erase the protective layer.
6. The washed fabric needs to be rolled up, and the dirty piece should be unrolled to replace it. Thanks to this, you will thoroughly wash every centimeter of the roller blind.
7. Rinse the entire product well. It is best to use a shower. It will help you quickly and efficiently remove all soap solution from the fabric so that there are no streaks left after drying. If for some reason it is not possible to use the shower, then you need to fill the bath halfway with water. After this, the curtain must be raised and lowered into the water.
8. Roller blinds should never be wrung out or twisted after washing. This will lead to bends and creases. To avoid such a situation, you simply need to leave the canvas in the bathroom and let it completely drain of water.
9. Drapes are dried in a vertical position. Because if you leave them in a roll or hang them on a clothesline, this is guaranteed to lead to creases and, accordingly, damage to the curtains. It is best to install them in place, completely unfold them and allow them to dry completely. To make the process go faster, you can open the window to provide fresh air. But under no circumstances should you use heating devices or a gas oven for this. When the temperature is near, the product may become deformed: twist, shrink, or stretch.

If all the steps and rules on how to wash roller blinds are followed, this will allow you to quickly refresh the roller blind and prevent the appearance of creases or deformed elements.

Detergents

When planning a wet clean, choosing the right product is key to the success of the event.

Today, along with a wide range of roller blinds themselves, there is a great variety of liquids developed for the fabrics from which curtains with antistatic impregnation are made.

In the absence of a specialized product or other reasons why store-bought products cannot be used, any mild detergent that does not contain chlorine can be used for roller curtains.

This may be a not too concentrated solution with laundry soap, liquid detergent, or washing powder thoroughly dissolved in water.

How to remove a stain from the surface of a roller blind?

Dirt on curtains can form for various reasons. For example, in the kitchen they could appear from food and drinks, or they could be left by small children while playing or carelessly handling paints or felt-tip pens.

Therefore, you need to know how to clean roller blinds from stains. The most common and effective means include:

1. Stationery eraser. The main thing is not to overdo it, as it can erase the protective layer from the fabric.
2. Whiteners and stain removers made from natural ingredients. They will help you quickly deal with even the most difficult stains. It is very important to make sure before use that they do not contain aggressive chemicals or chlorine.
3. Wet wipes. They will help remove greasy food residues and will not leave behind streaks.

It is better to try to prevent stains from forming. For example, if fabric roller blinds are hanging in the kitchen, then they need to be raised completely while cooking. Splashes of food or various liquids will not be able to get on the fabric. The same should be done if they are installed in a children's room.

It is much easier to prevent paints or markers from getting on rolled fabric than to then remove stains from its surface.

Stages of the technological process depending on the type of pollution

Dry cleaning of clothes is a chemical-physical process using effective solvents of different compositions. The most common cleaning agent used for cleaning clothes is perchlorethylene (PCE). It is also possible to use water and special surface-active liquids - detergents.

In addition to solvents, when cleaning clothes, other chemical materials are used for degreasing, stripping and stain removal. Liquids are selected depending on the technology (cleaning with water, solvents containing carbohydrates or perchlorethylene), the type of contaminants, and the material from which the items are made.

The stages of the technological process include:

• receiving clothes - this stage is very important. During the appointment, the specialist determines the type of material, defects of things, type of contamination, selects the necessary substances to remove stains, and processing technology. In addition, a contract is drawn up;
• sorting - at this stage, batches of items are assembled for subsequent loading into a special machine that performs chemical cleaning. Sorting is carried out according to the texture of the fabric, the color of the items, the level of contamination, since due to the individual characteristics, each fabric feels differently in the machine. Sorting by color is necessary so that dyes do not move from one thing to another;
• stain removal - this process is also called preliminary cleaning. The process is suitable for the most contaminated areas of clothing. To remove stains at this level, detergents and solvents are used. Surfaces are cleaned to remove stains using local light. Such tables are a surface with a hood located on them. Compressed air and steam are supplied using guns. A powerful air flow combined with water, solvents and fabric detergents effectively removes stains;
• Dry cleaning in a machine involves drawing out dirt using solvents from the fibers of the material and dissolving them. Dry cleaning equipment operates in a closed cycle. In the container, perchlorethylene, which has already absorbed dirt from things, is filtered and passes into the distiller, where it is cleaned. To protect workers and customers, dry cleaning equipment is equipped with an adsorber. The device absorbs solvent vapors formed during drying and, accordingly, removes them from things and the drum;
• finishing operations - basically, the finishing stage consists of ironing. This occurs on ironing surfaces using irons with steam supplied from the built-in steam generator. Mannequins and presses are also used.

Reception of clothes

Sorting

Removing stains

Machine washable

Ironing
Contamination occurs on the entire surface or locally. The most noticeable ones are stains or dust. The hardness of the material from salt, which is present in foods or sweat, is less visible. The color changes and an unpleasant odor appears due to acid or alkali contamination.

There are many substances that contaminate clothes, but some contaminants are similar to each other. They can be divided into the following groups:

• Soluble are those contaminants that dissolve during degreasing. These include fatty substances, oils, and waxes. Such contaminants do not dissolve in water;
• water-soluble - stains are divided into two types. The first type (sugar, salt) is easily dissolved in water, the second - partially (sauces, soups). These contaminants are called food contaminants;
• insoluble - these contaminants are completely insoluble in water or solvents. These include dust, soot, and pigment substances. The process of removing stains from fabric uses dry cleaning. The problem is that stains can appear after removal; resorption occurs, causing things to look gray;
• Contaminants in small areas of the product, which include varnish stains, blood, paint, are removed with preliminary cleaning, often manually using special tools.

In the conditions of dry cleaning enterprises, the factors that influence the ease and quality of removal are the type of contamination of the material, the number and type of stains, and the length of time they remain on things.

The cleaning method is selected depending on the type of contamination

How to properly care for roller blinds?

Some people believe that caring for roller blinds is quite labor-intensive and problematic. But this is a mistaken opinion. Modern materials are easy to clean and retain their original appearance for a long time. The main thing is to follow the basic rules. Once a year you need to check whether the roller blind mechanism is working properly. To prevent it from malfunctioning, it is best to lubricate it with silicone aerosol from time to time. There is no need to pull the chain hard or sharply when lowering or raising the roller blind.

Like any other interior item, curtains need constant cleaning and maintenance in their original condition. That is, you should constantly wipe the roller blinds from dust, prevent them from becoming deformed and prevent the appearance of household stains. This will preserve the color saturation and freshness of the product for many years.

What types of stains on blinds are there?

The choice of cleaning method for blinds depends on the specific problem you need to deal with, so we suggest you familiarize yourself with the most common problems and how to fix them.

Before choosing a method for cleaning horizontal blinds at home, make sure that it will be effective for the task assigned to it.

Dust: regular cleaning in detail

The simplest and most easily fixed problem is dust. In order to get rid of it, it will be enough to carry out dry cleaning. It is suitable when you need to quickly clean horizontal blinds at home without removing them from the window.

You can also use options with wet wipes, soap solution and an antistatic agent, which will prolong the effect and protect the slats from dust settling for some time.

Grease traces: how to clean horizontal blinds in the kitchen?

It’s good if in the kitchen, where heat pollution is usually found, you have practical and unpretentious blinds made of aluminum or plastic. Then to care for them you will need the following set of measures:

• Pour 0.5 liters of water into a small container.
• Add 250 ml of vinegar to the water (the proportion should always be 1 to 2).
• Wear rubber gloves for cleaning.
• Take a clean cloth and soak it in the solution.
• Wipe the slats.

That's the whole secret! Fast, easy and effective.

Blinds in the kitchen are a practical solution, but how to remove grease from them?

If you have wooden blinds hanging in your kitchen, don’t be discouraged - there is a way to help them too. You will need to buy a special liquid detergent for wood that will cope with grease marks. However, it is best not to allow wooden slats to become coated with grease.

Paints, markers

• Wipe the area with the marker stain with a cotton pad soaked in alcohol. This will help make the stain less durable and make it easier to remove in the future. The process may take several minutes. If alcohol does not help, try nail polish remover, but be careful - it can “eat” the color of the slats. Continue cleaning with soapy water;
• You can also use a cleaner for marker boards - they are sold in office supplies;
• Toothpaste can help, try rubbing it on the area with marker marks and then rinsing it off;
• Another way is hairspray. Spray it on the stained area, wait a minute, then wash off the varnish with soapy water;
• If you have all-purpose automotive lubricant (WD-40) on hand, try using it. Apply a small amount of lubricant to the stained lamella, then wipe it off with a clean cloth;
• A stain-removing sponge and a soft version of a hand pad may also come in handy.

Blinds in the kitchen are a practical solution, but how to remove grease from them?

Nicotine stains

Plastic absorbs nicotine very well, and therefore plastic slats, especially light-colored ones, quickly lose their cleanliness in a room where people smoke. The best way to combat yellowing is to use an aerosol to care for your car's plastic dashboard. It is also called interior cleaner.

This product was developed for salons where people smoke constantly. Due to the fact that this problem has long become quite acute and needed some means of help, special auto chemicals were developed containing strong formulas that easily eliminate traces of nicotine and tar.

Bring back the blinds to snow-white color!

You can also try regular soda - it will help if the situation is not too advanced and the plaque has not yet turned bright brown. Dilute baking soda with water to a paste and apply the mixture to stains on the slats. It will act like bleach. After a short time, remove the soda solution with clean water.

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:

1. You cannot use the washing machine.
2. Dry assembled.
3. Allow bends to form.
4. Handle carelessly.
5. 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.