Cleaning your roller blinds doesn’t have to be an arduous task. It’s not the easiest job on the chores list, but routine maintenance lets you keep your internal blinds free from dust and grime.

Often, roller blinds are neglected because they’re difficult to reach or because it looks like they will need to be removed from the window, but that’s not the case. You can freshen them up while they’re still in place. The longer you leave your blinds without cleaning them, the tougher it will be to get them back in good condition. Regular dusting, vacuuming, and wiping will prevent small marks from becoming a larger – more bothersome – task.

What’s The Best Way to Clean Roller Blinds?

If you don’t want to take your blinds down, you’ll be glad to know that it’s not necessary at all. The best way to clean roller blinds in place is to roll them down completely. Use the small brush attachment on your vacuum to remove dust buildup. Start at the top and move the brush from side to side. Following the grain makes it easier to remove the dust.

Once the surface dust has been removed, get a bowl of warm soapy water and a cloth. Again, it’s best to start at the top and wipe in a sideways motion if you have fabric blinds.

Vinyl blinds don’t have a grain, nor do they absorb water. That means you can wipe them down without the need to go in one particular direction.

Tips for Deep Cleaning Roller Blinds

Like any other household cleaning task – the longer you ignore the task, the harder it becomes to complete. If your blinds have accumulated excess dust, grime, cobwebs, or stains, you might need to remove them completely for a thorough and revitalising clean.

Roller blinds are simple enough to remove from the frame, though it can be tough to reach the top, especially if the sink and counter are in the way. Once you’ve taken them down – your bathtub is the ideal place to let them soak. Part fill with enough lukewarm water to cover the fabric and add some fabric-safe detergent.

White blinds look fantastic – when they’re clean, but they will probably begin to yellow over time. To get your white roller blinds back to peak appearance you might want to add a small dash of bleach to your bathtub solution.

If you don’t have a bathtub, a plastic tub (like a storage box) large enough to submerge the blinds will work just as well.

How to Clean Block Out Blinds: A Step-by-Step Guide

Block out blinds are a popular choice for bedrooms, media rooms, and any space where you want to block unwanted light and enjoy extra privacy. While they’re designed to be durable, dust, dirt, and even stains can build up over time, leaving your blinds looking tired and less effective. The good news is that cleaning block out blinds doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right approach, you can restore their fresh look and extend their lifespan.

Step 1: Dust Regularly

The easiest way to maintain your block out blinds is with regular dusting. Use a soft microfiber cloth, feather duster, or even the brush attachment on your vacuum cleaner. Gently run it over the surface of the blinds to remove dust and prevent buildup.

Tip: Make dusting part of your regular cleaning routine, especially in high-traffic rooms.

Step 2: Spot Clean Stains

Accidents happen—whether it’s fingerprints, food splashes, or other marks. For small stains:

• Mix a mild detergent with warm water.
• Dampen a soft sponge or cloth (never soak it).
• Gently blot the stain, avoiding harsh scrubbing that could damage the fabric.
• Wipe with clean water to remove soap residue and let air dry.

Step 3: Deep Clean When Needed

If your blinds are looking particularly grimy, they may need a deeper clean:

1. Take the blinds down if they’re heavily soiled.
2. Lay them flat on a clean surface.
3. Use the same mild soap and water solution to carefully wipe them down.
4. Rinse with a damp cloth and leave them to dry completely before rehanging.

Important: Avoid harsh chemicals, bleach, or abrasive brushes, as these can strip the protective coating and reduce the blind’s block-out effectiveness.

Step 4: Prevent Mould and Mildew

Block out blinds are often used in areas like bedrooms and living rooms, but if yours are in a more humid space, mould can be an issue. Keep windows and rooms well ventilated to prevent moisture build-up. If you do notice mould, clean it promptly with a mild vinegar-and-water solution, taking care not to oversaturate the fabric.

Step 5: Keep Mechanisms Clean

Don’t forget the parts that make your blinds work! Wipe down the tracks, cords, or rollers to ensure smooth operation and prevent dust from clogging the system.

How to Remove Stains from Roller Blinds

Any stains can be scrubbed using a small cleaning brush, or even a toothbrush. Try to brush in the direction of the grain – typically in a sideways motion. This helps keep the fibres aligned and reduces breakage that might be obvious once dried and put back on the window.

Thoroughly rinse your blinds to remove the soap – dried soap leaves a residue that holds tighter to dust creating more work for you in the long run.

If you can, hang your roller blind outside to dry. Alternatively, you can dry it indoors but ensure it’s kept flat to prevent creases and wrinkles.

Washing Roller Blinds That Have Mould

Roller blinds typically hang in the more humid rooms of our homes – particularly in the bathroom and kitchen. Mould can grow quickly in these conditions and can pose health risks to you and your family. Kitchen blinds are especially susceptible as they are more likely to capture small organic particles from cooking – the ideal conditions for mould to take hold.

It’s best to take steps to remove mould as soon as you notice it’s growing. While it can be difficult to completely remove large patches, small new growths are easier to tackle.

Using a feather duster or a dry cloth, wipe the surface of the mould to begin breaking up the colony and dislodging any extruding growths. You can use a mould removal cleaner; however, these can contain bleach and may not be suitable for darker-coloured blinds.

You can make a mould-killing solution from lemon juice, salt and water for light-coloured blinds. Or, for dark colours, you can use baking soda and vinegar. Always test a small inconspicuous area first to ensure the solution is compatible with the fabric/colour.

Air drying your clean blinds prevents hidden pockets of moisture from cultivating further mould growth.

Cleaning Roller Blinds Regularly Prevents Buildup

For best results, we recommend cleaning your roller blinds twice a month. You don’t have to completely remove the blinds from the window every time, only when you feel they would benefit from a deep clean.

Otherwise, it’s fine to simply dust your blinds with the small attachment on your vacuum, and wipe with a damp cloth. Some manufacturers even recommend using a baby wipe as it’s only slightly damp and doesn’t contain harsh chemicals. Whatever method you use, please remember to test a small, unnoticeable area to reduce the risks of discolouration or fabric damage.

The Best Way to Clean Roller Blinds – An Overview

1. If you’re doing regular maintenance, unroll the blind all the way down. Vacuum the dust, cobwebs, and grime by starting at the top and working in a sideways motion (direction doesn’t matter as much for vinyl blinds).
2. If you’re getting ready for a deep clean, remove the blinds, unroll, and soak in a bathtub part filled with warm soapy water.
3. Stains can be removed with a homemade – environmentally friendly – solution of lemon, salt and water for light/white blinds, or baking soda and vinegar for dark-coloured blinds. Always test in a small area before applying to the whole blind.
4. Ensure your blinds are fully dried before rolling them up – failing to do so may result in mould and mildew growth that’s harder to completely remove than any other surface stain.
5. Stains can be worked and removed using a gentle, fabric-safe soap and a small brush – a toothbrush will do.
6. Adding a little extra vacuuming and wiping to your regular cleaning routine will prevent heavy buildup that requires more effort to undo.

While maintaining your roller blinds is key to a beautiful and allergen-free home, it’s worth noting that at Uniblinds, we specialise in providing top-tier home improvement solutions. If you’re in Melbourne and considering upgrading your home’s aesthetics or security, exploring our roller shutters in Melbourne or security doors can be a great start.