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How To Clean Blinds And Curtains
Are your window furnishings looking a little drab, and now you're wondering how to clean curtains and blinds properly? Not surprisingly, your curtains and blinds need regular cleaning and maintenance to keep them in great shape. But luckily, this doesn't have to be a difficult process! There are lots of simple tricks to help your curtains and blinds look their best, as well as a range of products and services to help with maintenance over time.
At Spotlight, we provide a fantastic range of ready-made curtains and blinds to our customers, as well as a Made to Measure service if you need custom-fitted window furnishings for your space. Keeping your curtains and blinds clean will not only help them look their best, but will also extend their lifespan and save you money on expensive cleaning treatments or even replacement furnishings.
It is important to take these tips as a general guide and always refer to the specific cleaning instructions from the manufacturer that are on the packaging of your products.
See the video below and read our guide on cleaning your curtains and blinds!
Let's go through the best ways to keep all the most popular kinds of curtains and blinds clean!
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How To Clean Curtains
Including curtains in your normal cleaning routine will help you keep on top of things with minimal cost or effort. Just like you vacuum your floors, wash your bed linen and wipe down your bathroom, so too should curtain cleaning with a vacuum or duster become part of your weekly cleaning pattern. When it comes to a big wash, consistent dusting will mean your curtains only need a deep clean once a year!
Read on to learn how to clean curtains of all kinds of materials and styles.
How To Clean Sheer Curtains?
Sheer curtains are fairly durable despite their fragile appearance, but care still needs to be taken when deciding how to clean sheer curtains to avoid any damage.
To remove dust from sheer curtains, giving them a good shake is the simplest way to quickly freshen them up. If you have a delicate attachment for a handheld vacuum you can also give them a light vacuum, but avoid powerful suction or rough vacuum heads that may tear or damage the sheer curtain fabric.
Have you let your sheer curtains become a little dirty and are wondering how to clean sheer curtains by washing? The method you use to wash your sheer curtains will depend on what kind of material they are made from.
Cleaning Linen or Silk Sheer Curtains:
Linen or silk blend sheer curtains should only be hand washed, as they are too delicate for a washing machine. It is always important to refer to the care instructions that are attached to the product itself. Follow these guidelines when cleaning your delicate curtains:
- Fill a large tub with warm water and a mild cleaning agent, then immerse your sheer curtains in the mixture.
- Agitate the curtains slightly and then leave to soak for around 10 minutes - why not clean your windows and wipe down your window-sills while you wait?
- Remove the curtains and then immerse in clean water and rinse to remove all the detergent.
- Gently wring out, then lay down a large clean towel and place your curtains down flat on top.
- Roll the curtain up in the towel and let it sit for a few minutes and absorb the water. Then unroll, shake out and hang up on a line to dry.
- Hang them up in the same way they would be hung on your window, as this will help them dry into the correct shape
Cleaning Polyester Sheer Curtains
Polyester sheer curtains are more durable and can be washed in a washing machine on a delicate or gentle setting. Make sure your curtains have plenty of room in your machine to move - it should only be half full, to make sure every bit of your curtains can be thoroughly washed during the cycle.
Remove any curtain hooks or rings before putting your curtains into your washing machine. Set your machine to a delicate cycle with cool water, and run a couple of rinse cycles to make sure all traces of your detergent are completely gone.
Do not tumble dry - instead, use the towel method from above to remove excess water, then line dry to get them into the perfect shape.
How To Clean Blockout Curtains?
High-quality blockout curtains are a great tool for helping you improve your sleep and can come in a range of colours and patterns. Because they are made from a thick material (Necessary to keep out the sun), they are a little tougher than sheer curtains, making them easier to clean in some ways. Learning how to clean blockout curtains properly is a must if you want them to last!
Regular vacuuming of blockout curtains is important, as they have a textured surface. Remove your blockout curtains from the rod or track , give them a shake outdoors and then lay them flat and vacuum using a brush attachment. Don't press too hard when you vacuum!
Quality blockout curtains will have a rubber or acrylic coating on them that helps keep light from penetrating the curtain, but this coating also makes them a little tricky to clean - you need to be careful you don't damage this coating, otherwise your blockout curtains won't be able to do their job anymore.
Spot Cleaning Blockout Curtains
To spot clean blockout curtains, find a cleaning solution made for use on coated fabrics and follow the instructions on the bottle to find out how much you need to dilute it. Gently blot at the stain to remove it with a clean cloth - gently is key, as pushing too hard into the curtain may damage the coating. Once the stain has been lifted, use a different, dampened clean cloth to remove any excess cleaning solution. Let your curtains dry before hanging up again.
How to Wash Blockout Curtains?
Depending on the manufacturer, your blockout curtains may need to be dry cleaned instead of machine washed - check the care label to make sure yours are being cleaned correctly! For washable blockout curtains, here are a few guidelines to follow:
- To machine wash your blockout curtains, remove any hooks or hardware and place them in a suitable wash bag.
- Set your machine to a gentle cycle using cool or cold water, as warm or hot water can damage the coating.
- Add a mild detergent suitable for coated fabrics or at least a very gentle one, then let your machine do its job.
- When done, don't let your blockout curtains be dried in a dryer, as, again, high heat can damage the coating. Instead, line dry in the shade until all moisture has evaporated.
To dry clean your blockout curtains, take them to a professional and ask for a gentle clean that won't damage the acrylic lining - your dry cleaner will know what to do! They should be ready to hang up straight away when you get them back.
How To Clean Thermal Curtains?
Thermal curtains, much like blockout curtains, come with a rubber backing - but this backing is designed purely for temperature control, rather than light or sound management. The degree to which you can safely wash your thermal curtain will depend on the state of the backing - an intact thermal curtain may be able to be cleaned in a washing machine, whereas a thermal curtain with a peeling backing should be hand washed.
As with blockout curtains, thermal curtains should be vacuumed using a brush attachment every week or so to keep them fresh. They can also be spot-cleaned with a solution designed for use on coated fabrics. Spot cleaning is as far as you should go if the lining of your thermal curtains is in particularly poor shape!
Hand Washing Thermal Curtains
To hand wash thermal curtains, fill a tub with cool water and dissolve a gentle detergent in it before immersing your thermal curtains in the solution. Agitate them with your hands to help the solution penetrate the fabric, then leave it to soak for up to an hour. Make sure you don't scrub or mash the thermal lining into itself, as this can cause it to stick. Rinse your thermal curtain with clean water until all the detergent is gone, then line dry in the shade until finished.
Machine Washing Thermal Curtains
To wash thermal curtains in a washing machine, it is essential to check the label on your curtains to make sure they are safe to wash. Trying to wash thermal curtains in a machine when they aren't suitable can lead to the thermal lining sticking to itself and creating a big, clumpy mess in your machine. If it is safe, then set your machine to a cool cycle with gentle detergent - make sure the detergent is one that will dissolve fully, as you don't want any remaining on your curtains. Let your machine go through its wash cycle, but stop the cycle before any spinning. Instead, remove the thermal curtains, rinse them with clean water and hang them in the shade to finish.
How To Clean Blinds
Like your curtains, indoor blinds work hard everyday and, every now and then, they need some TLC. It's a small price to pay to keep your home both stylish and hygienic!
Choosing how to clean blinds will depend on construction or material, rather than the actual style of the blind. For example, a fabric vertical blind would be cleaned in much the same way as a fabric horizontal blind. Nevertheless, we've broken down all the most popular types of blinds and how best to clean them here for your convenience. Skip to your own variation of blinds, or read each one to learn how to clean blinds of all types!
Don't forget to carefully read the care instructions on the package or tag for your individual blinds for the best results.
How To Clean Roman Blinds?
These elegant blinds are made of fabric and have multiple large folds when not in use, meaning plenty of little gaps for dust to accumulate. The best way to dust Roman blinds is to fully extend them and work your way from top to bottom with a duster or microfibre cloth, focusing on folds and ridges where dust may have built up. You should also dust along the bottom, as dust can gather there as well. Follow these care instructions for Roman blinds to ensure they stay in good shape:
- Gently vacuum with the appropriate attachment and vacuum dust from the folds and surfaces.
- Spot clean with a damp sponge on a flat surface using warm water and dissolved soap flakes.
- Sponge with fresh water and dry gently with a clean towel.
- Test in an inconspicuous area before spot cleaning.
- Do not wash by fully submerging and do not dry clean.
- Do not iron.
- Do not bleach.
- Drip dry in shade.
- Do not tumble dry.
How To Clean Venetian Blinds?
Multiple slats, multiple sides… cleaning Venetian blinds can be a real chore! While they look wonderfully modern and stylish, Venetian blinds can accumulate dust and dirt due to their vertical design and multiple surfaces.
Any kind of Venetian blind will benefit from a quick dusting once a week - you can use a small feather duster that can fit between the slates, a specially designed blinds duster or a microfibre cloth to remove dust and dirt from both the top and underside of each slat. If you have the right attachment, you can use a vacuum accessory to remove dust and dirt from your Venetian blinds as well - you can do this without taking them down from your window!
If you'd like to wash your Venetian blinds, how you do so will depend on what material they are made out of. Read the below tips on caring for your venetian blinds.
Cleaning Wooden Venetian Blinds
Wooden venetian blinds are usually finished with an oil coat to keep them shiny and prevent the wood from drying out, but this also means dust can stick to it, and things like fingerprints will really show up on the slats. Use a damp microfibre cloth to wipe down the wooden slats, using the damp side for dirt or other stains that need to be wiped off, and the dry side for dust. Make sure your microfibre cloth is very soft, as scrubbing with a dirty or non-microfibre cloth can leave scratch marks on your wooden blinds.
Cleaning Faux Wood Venetian Blinds
Faux wood venetian blinds are a popular choice thanks to their great look and durable composition. They exude the warmth and texture of real wood but are simple to maintain. To care for your faux wood venetian blinds, dust them regularly with a soft duster or dusting tool to remove loose dust. Clean each slat individually with a damp cloth and then give the blind an overall wipe. Leave the blind open to ensure it is completely dry. Do not completely soak the blinds, cords or brackets and avoid abrasive products.
Cleaning Aluminium Venetian Blinds
Aluminium venetian blinds can be wiped down with a wet cloth and soapy water. But, thanks to the waterproof nature of this material, you can also soak your blinds in the bath or sink if that's easier for you. Add dishwashing detergent to the mix and your blinds will come clean in no time. Just make sure to air dry them properly before re-hanging.
How To Clean Roller Blinds?
Unlike other kinds of blinds, roller blinds are one long piece of material that you can roll and unroll to change the light levels in your space. Having one piece of material to clean may sound easier, but these blinds can actually be quite tricky to clean!
You can give your roller blinds a good clean without even taking them down. Unroll them fully, and use a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment to vacuum from top to bottom on your blind, moving from left to right as you work your way down. If you have blinds in your kitchen or high-traffic areas, they can get a bit grimy, ensure you follow the care instructions for your blinds to keep them fresh and clean.
Follow these care instructions for roller blinds to ensure they stay in good condition and avoid damage:
- Gently vacuum with the appropriate attachment.
- Spot clean with a damp sponge on a flat surface using mild detergent.
- Test in an inconspicuous area before spot cleaning.
- Do not wash or submerge in water.
- Do not use bleach or abrasive products.
- Pat dry with a clean soft towel and allow to air dry before rolling up.
- Ensure ventilation in your room to reduce dust build-up.
How To Clean Vertical Blinds?
Because of the way they hang, vertical blinds are the kind of blind that accumulates the least amount of dust - so less cleaning for us, hooray! But yes, even the most cleverly designed blinds still need the occasional cleaning, and vertical blinds are no exception.
You can use a vacuum with a brush attachment or a damp cloth to remove dust from each panel of your vertical blinds from top to bottom, but make sure you are cleaning each side as you go.
How To Clean Cellular Blinds?
Cellular blinds like other window treatments can get dusty over time. Removing dust is easy, simply use your vacuum with the appropriate brush attachment and low suction setting, move horizontally across the pleats. Regular dusting will keep your cellular blinds clean, and reduce build-up of debris.
If there are more stubborn tough stains, blot with a damp cloth and do not use any harsh chemicals. Avoid soaking the material or aggressive scrubbing as this may cause damage.
How To Clean Veri Shades® Blinds?
Veri Ready blinds are a beautiful and easy-to-clean option for your home. Veri Shades® are made from an easy-care fabric that makes maintenance easy. The surface of Veri Shades® fabric and tracks will collect a layer of dust over time. Surface dust can be removed using a feather duster.
Washing Veri Shades® Blinds
Veri Shades® fabric can be lightly hand-washed and dried and can also be ironed with a cool iron or steamed to remove creases. You can conveniently unhook each blade and clean it as needed.
Dusting and Caring For Veri Shades® Tracks
Veri Shades® tracks can be cleaned with a feather duster, or a slightly damp microfiber cloth to ensure the components are also dust-free.
At least twice a year (or more in high-risk environments), silicone spray should be used to lubricate all the track gears. Before spraying the tracks, remember to slide your Veri Shades® fabric over to one side or cover to avoid any overspray.
If spraying insecticides or any harmful chemicals, the Veri Shades® fabric must be moved aside. These chemicals must not come in contact with the blinds.
CAUTION: Never use harsh cloths, harsh abrasives, chlorine or ammonia-based chemicals or cleaners on any Veri Shades® surface as they may affect the appearance, longevity and warranty of the product.
How To Clean Patio Blinds?
Outdoor patio blinds are great for your space and can be cleaned by hosing and wiping down with a soft damp cloth and mild detergent. Do not use harsh cleaning products or detergents. Allow the blinds to fully dry after washing or wet weather before rolling them up to ensure moisture is not trapped.
Remove any residues, bird droppings, leaves or dirt as soon as possible to avoid staining and damage. Regular care and maintenance will ensure your patio blinds remain in good condition over time!
Additional Care Tips For Patio Blinds
In heavy winds or stormy conditions ensure your Patio Blind is fully rolled up to avoid damage to blind.
PVC Patio Blind fabric expands and contracts as blinds are wound up tightly in packaging. For best results, allow blind to hang so PVC fabric can settle.
Window Furnishings Cleaning Tips And Tricks
Here are some extra tips and tricks to keep in mind when cleaning your curtains and blinds:
Allow Fresh Air & Ventilation
Fresh air will help keep dust from settling on your curtains and blinds, as well as keep your fabric window furnishings from smelling musty. Make sure to open windows when you can to extend the life of your curtains and blinds between dusting!
Keep Window Sills Clean
During colder months it's important to wipe down your window sills. This is because moisture will form on the inside of the glass due to the difference in temperature, causing the perfect breeding ground for mould and even bacteria - which can then make the leap onto your curtains and blinds!
Don't Forget to Clean Window Rails
Don't forget the rails! While they may be hidden most of the time, make sure you dust the curtain rod or curtain track of your window furnishings - after all, why put clean curtains or blinds back on a dirty track? If you use water to clean, make sure you dry it afterwards so a metal track or pole doesn't rust.
Using Steamers To Clean Fabric Window Furnishings
You can use a garment steamer to freshen up fabric window furnishings such as curtains. Use a low setting to gently steam your furnishings, removing any wrinkles and light stains. Steamers can be used for delicate fabrics such as sheer curtains, ensure you follow the directions for the steamer, read the care tag on your curtains and spot test on a small area first.
Explore Curtains And Blinds At Spotlight
Now that you know how to maintain your curtains and blinds, why not grab a new set from Spotlight? You can explore our range of curtains and blinds online, where you can safely pay and have your window furnishings home delivered. Alternatively, visit your nearest Spotlight store and our friendly team will take you through the amazing range of curtains and blinds in person!
Make sure to check out our other buying guides on How to Measure Your Windows, How to Hang Curtains and The Best Curtains and Blinds For different Rooms. And for amazing ideas and inspiration, read our blogs on How to Layer Curtains and Why You Need Blockout Curtains This Summer!
