Your Guide to Cleaning Window Coverings

When it comes to cleaning window coverings, not all blinds and curtains require the same level of care. Follow this simple guide for the most common window coverings and the best way to clean and maintain your blinds and curtains, to help prolong their life.

Venetian Blinds

Timber Venetian Blinds

Timber Venetian Blinds, also known as Wood Blinds, are made from timber, so it is essential that these blinds do not get wet and no harsh chemicals are used to clean the blind. Instead, the best place to start is by giving them a dust over with a feather duster. This will help to loosen and remove dust sitting on the slats and this is a simple weekly cleaning technique that will help you to keep on top of your general window covering cleaning. To give your Timber Venetian Blinds an overall clean, grab a microfibre cloth or simply place a sock on your hand and run your hand along each slat, ensuring your hand is wrapped around both sides of the slat. Once you have gone over each slat, tilt the slats into the upwards position and run your cloth along each slat. Do the same with the slats tilted in the downwards position. The key to making Venetian Blinds easy to clean is regular maintenance. Ensuring you keep up with regular dusting will ensure when it comes time to do a deep clean, the task won’t be as time consuming or difficult.

Timber Venetian Blinds - Kitchen

PVC and Aluminium Venetian Blinds

PVC (Timber Look) Venetian Blinds and Aluminium Venetian Blinds are designed for much more durable locations, such as bathrooms, kitchens, etc. They can withstand water, moisture, humidity and heat. This means they are also easier to clean with a damp cloth. Similar to how you would clean a Timber Venetian Blind, start by giving the blind a dust. Once you have dusted the blind, repeat the process above, cleaning each slat individually and then giving the blind a wipe over all together. When using a damp sponge, remember to rinse the sponge frequently to ensure you are cleaning the blinds with fresh water. Leave the blind in the open position to ensure the blind can completely dry. For tough stains, use cleaning products that do not contain bleach such as dishwashing liquid.

Timber Look Venetian Blinds - Living Room

Honeycomb Blinds

With the unique design of the Honeycomb Blind, cleaning the cells from the inside and also the outside is important. When looking at the side profile of the Honeycomb Blind, there are cells which trap air, and this helps to create a barrier between inside and out. Cleaning inside those cells is simple with a vacuum. Using the soft brush head, run the vacuum down the side of the blind along the cell opening. You can also use the soft brush head along the front and back of the honeycomb blind to remove dust. For tougher stains, use a damp cloth to dab or blot the stain. Avoid using harsh chemicals, especially those that contain bleach to avoid damaging the fabric.

Vertical Honeycomb Blinds - Dining Room

Roller Blinds

The Roller Blind is the most common blind found in Australian homes, due to their budget friendly price, unobtrusive and easy to use design and a look that suits a variety of different décor style. To clean Roller Blinds, start with the blind rolled all the way down. Give the blind a general dust over with a feather duster or microfibre cloth. With the blind still in the down position, use a clean damp cloth or sponge and give the blind a wipe of from top to bottom. Remember to regularly rinse your sponge to remove any dust and build up. For tough stains, use water with a small amount of dishwashing liquid. Due to the Roller Blind being made from fabric, avoid using harsh chemicals to protect the fabric for getting damaged.

Roller Blinds Bay Window

Roman Blinds

As Roman Blinds can be made from a variety of different fabrics and this means that cleaning Roman Blinds will vary depending on the fabric chosen. For all Roman Blinds, start by giving the blind a dust over with a feather duster or using the brush head attachment for your vacuum on a low suction. For tough stains, use a mild detergent and dab the affected area. Finish the cleaning of the tough stain with a warm damp cloth. To wash Roman Blinds, the fabric is removable and each blind will contain a care label with instructions on the best way to wash the certain fabric. Once you have washed the fabric, ensure it is completely dry before reassembling the blind.

Roman Blinds - Dining Room

Curtains

Similar to the cleaning of Roman Blinds, to clean Curtains, it is dependant on the fabric chosen. Regular dusting of your curtains will help to improve their longevity and spot cleaning of any stains, again with a mild detergent and warm damp cloth. For a thorough clean of your curtain fabric, it is recommended that they are dry cleaned by a professional. This will help to ensure they are cleaned thoroughly and avoid shrinkage or damage to the curtain. Always check with your supplier for recommendations and how to best clean your chosen curtain fabric.

Cleaning Tips

For cleaning blinds, it is recommended that regular maintenance is conducted to help avoid the need for regular thorough cleans. Keeping a feather duster handy is an easy way to maintain your blinds and curtains.
Avoid dust build up on items surrounding the blinds or curtains. For example, ceiling fans. Regular dusting of your ceiling fans will ensure dust particles don’t travel through the air, onto your window coverings.
Clean the areas around your blinds or curtains such as window architraves, fly screens, etc.
After thoroughly cleaning your blinds or curtains, ensure they are completely dry before using to avoid mould or mildew.