How to Clean Roller Blinds? Step by Step Guide

Should You Clean or Replace Your Roller Blinds?

Not all blinds are beyond saving. But some are better off replaced than scrubbed within an inch of their life.

Clean your blinds if:

• There are only surface-level dust or light stains

• Mechanisms still work smoothly

• No visible warping, fraying, or funky odors

Replace your blinds if:

• Stains won’t budge or they’re badly yellowed

• Mold keeps returning after cleaning

• Mechanisms are broken, cords are fraying, or blinds don’t roll properly

• The fabric is torn or warped

Tip: If the mechanism is fine and the fabric’s just stained or dated, you might be able to get away with a re-skin (replacing the fabric only).

Tools & Supplies You’ll Need

Before you start, gather a few essentials. No fancy gadgets needed – just a few household staples:

For regular cleaning:

• Vacuum with a soft brush attachment

• Microfiber cloth

• Mild dish soap

• Lukewarm water

• Soft sponge or old toothbrush

For deep or stain cleaning:

• Fabric-safe stain remover (test first)

• White vinegar (for mold, mildew, and smells)

• Dry towel

• Optional: steam cleaner (only if fabric allows)

And: 

A drying rack or well-ventilated spot to hang the blinds if you take them down.

Know Your Blind Material

Different roller blind fabrics require different TLC. 

Here’s what to look out for:

Fabric blinds (polyester, cotton, linen blends):

• Use mild detergent or white vinegar solution

• Avoid soaking or over-wetting

• Never use bleach or harsh chemicals

Vinyl/PVC blinds:

• Wipe with warm, soapy water

• More tolerant to moisture, but avoid abrasives

Bamboo or woven wood blinds:

• Dust first, spot clean with damp cloth

• Avoid soaking – bamboo warps easily

• White vinegar works for mold (spray and wipe)

Always test on a small, hidden section before going all in.

Step-by-Step: How to Clean Roller Blinds While Hanging

If your blinds aren’t too far gone, you don’t even need to take them down.

Step 1: Fully lower your blinds. 

You want the entire fabric exposed and hanging flat.

Step 2: Dust or vacuum. 

Use a vacuum with a brush attachment or microfiber cloth to remove dust. Don’t skip this as water and dust = mud.

Step 3: Spot clean any visible stains. 

Mix a small amount of dish soap with lukewarm water. Dip a sponge or cloth, wring it out so it’s damp (not dripping), and gently blot the stain. 

Use a toothbrush for stubborn spots – light pressure only.

Step 4: Wipe the rest of the blind. 

Start from the top and work down in vertical strokes. Keep rinsing your cloth in clean water to avoid spreading grime.

Step 5: Dry thoroughly. 

Leave blinds fully extended until completely dry. Rolling them up wet = mildew central.

Deep Cleaning Roller Blinds

For blinds that haven’t seen a cleaning cloth in years, it might be time to take them down.

When to deep clean:

• Grease build-up (hello, kitchen blinds)

• Set-in stains

• Musty or moldy smells

How to do it:

1. Remove blinds carefully from their brackets. No yanking – check for release clips or screws.

2. Lay them flat or hang them over a clean tub.

3. Fill with warm water + mild soap, or vinegar if you’re tackling mold.

4. Soak (if safe) for up to an hour, gently agitating now and then.

5. Use a soft sponge or cloth to scrub gently.

6. Rinse and dry fully before rehanging. Use a fan or towel to speed things up.

Remember: never soak bamboo or wood blinds. Spot clean only.

How Often Should You Clean Roller Blinds?

• Weekly or biweekly: Light dusting with a microfiber cloth or vacuum

• Monthly: Spot cleaning stains

• Every 3 to 6 months: Deep cleaning (or more often if blinds are near kitchens, bathrooms, or pets)

Keeping up a simple routine means less grime, fewer stains, and longer lifespan.

Dealing With Tough Stains

If gentle soap isn’t cutting it:

• Try a vinegar-water mix (1:2 ratio) for mold or organic stains

• Use a fabric stain remover, but always test first

• Blot, don’t scrub

• Toothbrush trick: For ground-in dirt, use light circular strokes

• Pat dry and air-dry completely before rolling back up

Can You Machine Wash or Steam Clean Roller Blinds?

Machine wash? Usually no. Even gentle cycles can warp, fade, or fray fabrics. Unless your care label says otherwise, skip it.

Steam clean? Sometimes, yes. Great for polyester or blockout fabric. Keep the nozzle a few inches away and don’t linger in one spot too long.

Rule of thumb: When in doubt, hand wash.

Common Cleaning Mistakes to Avoid

• Soaking when you shouldn’t: Fabric, wood, or bamboo don’t like being drenched

• Scrubbing like it’s grout: Be gentle

• Skipping dusting: It just makes everything messier

• Using bleach or strong solvents: They break down fabric and coatings

• Rolling up while damp: Mold, warping, and regret ensue

Long-Term Maintenance Tips

• Dust weekly to prevent buildup

• Spot clean spills right away

• Clean chains or sidewinder mechanisms (dry cloth or silicone spray)

• If your blinds look tired, ask us about fabric reskins