Roller blinds are a popular window treatment option for many homeowners. Thanks to their sleek appearance and easy-to-use design, they can provide privacy and light control without blocking out the view. And they are more affordable than vertical blinds.
If you have roller blinds at home, then you’ve probably noticed that they can get dirty over time. Dust and dirt as well as other debris can collect on the outside of your window blinds, making them look grimy and unkempt. Fortunately, there are simple stain removal methods you can use to remove stains from roller blinds with minimal effort and little time invested. This way, your window blinds will look clean and fresh again.
(Three Words OF CAUTION before you get started
- Check the fabric of your roller blinds. Many roller blinds are made from vinyl-treated fabric, which gives them a smooth, glossy finish. This type of blind is also waterproof, making it easy to keep clean with a damp cloth. Otherwise, vacuum them using the brush attachment. Don’t use liquid to clean the polyester ones.
- Do the patch test first.
- Before you start cleaning your roller blinds, it’s important to vacuum them first to remove any surface dust, dirt, or debris.)
Wiping Them Down:
To clean your roller blinds, start by dipping a cloth in warm, soapy water, then wipe the blinds from top to bottom. Let them air dry with the blinds down to avoid mold and dirt.
Use a Fabric Stain Remover to Clean Roller Blinds:
While warm soapy water is a traditional way to clean anything, it might not work on those stubborn stains on the blinds. That’s why you can use a fabric stain remover instead. But avoid the one that contains bleach as it can discolor the bleach. Check the instructions on the packaging to make sure the cleaning method is safe for your blinds’ fabric.
And one more thing–do the patch test first to see if it impacts the color of the fabric.
Once you are sure that this stain remover is ideal for cleaning roller blinds, apply some of them to the stained areas and use a sponge or an old toothbrush to scrub gently. Carry on with scrubbing until you see the results.
After removing a stain, rinse the area with water or use a clean microfiber cloth.
Use the Vinegar and Water:
Another easy step is to give spot-on cleaning to your blinds. Here’s how to do it.
- Mix equal parts vinegar and water in a bowl.
- Dip a cloth into the mixture, making it damp but not dripping.
- Gently rub the stained area until the stain fades.
- Rinse with water and dry with a towel.
- Repeat if needed.
(Note: Avoid replacing vinegar with lemon juice as the former is more effective.)
Cleaning the Roller Blinds in the Bathtub:
If your roller blinds are dotted with countless stains, it might be tiresome and time-consuming to target each stain with the above-mentioned methods. In this scenario, you need to remove the blinds and wash them just like you do with your loads of laundry.
All you need to follow the steps to clean roller blinds
Remove the blinds from the bracket
Soak the blind in a bathtub filled with soapy water. Leave them for an hour.
Check the blind for stains by looking at both sides. You can also use a damp cloth.
Rinse the blind in a clean water
Dry them by draping them over a drying rack. Once dry, put them back into the brackets.
Using Hydrogen Peroxide:
Household-strength hydrogen peroxide can also be used to remove stains from roller blinds. Again, you need to make sure it doesn’t discolor the blinds, requiring you to go for a spot test first.
Once you are sure that hydrogen peroxide is safe for the blinds, go ahead by pouring some hydrogen peroxide into a bowl. Now, dip a cloth in the solution and apply it to the stain. Repeat till the stain is removed.
Using a Dry Cleaning Solvent:
Do those greasy stains on your fabric blinds? A dry cleaning solvent can do the trick, especially when it comes to taking on those blinds that are too large to remove and clean. You must be familiar with the fact that dry cleaning can efficiently remove greasy residues such as petroleum and oil stains. You can order the dry cleaning solvent online. Make sure to read the instructions before using them.
Using Bleach for Removing Water Stains:
Blinds often come into contact with water, thanks to the leakage in the ceiling or window frame or spills. The water stains often look brownish. But they are not easy to remove. Bleach can be an effective remedy to get rid of those water stains on your blinds. Here are two things you need to keep in mind while using this trick.
First of all, perform a patch test to make sure there are no unwanted effects on the color or the texture of the blinds. Secondly, dry the piece quickly before another water stain occurs. Let’s learn how you can use bleach to remove water stains from water blinds.
Take bleach and water in a 1:4 ratio (meaning 1 part of bleach with four parts water). If your blinds are dark, you can increase the water parts to 10.
Soak a sponge in the mixture. Or you can use a damp cloth.
Apply it to the stains. Try to moisten the stains, not dripping the solution over them.
Use a clean cloth to remove excess moisture. Or you can use a wet/dry vacuum cleaner.
Leave it to dry. Or you can use a fan or a hair dryer to speed up the drying process
(Note: If the minerals in the water have caused the watermarks, you can use the vinegar cleaning method you can do by mixing some vinegar with water. Then, scrub the stain line with this solution. Rinse it with clean water and let it dry.)
The Bottom Line:
So you must have understood how to remove stains from roller blinds.
While all the tips listed here are tried and tested, make sure to identify the fabric or material of your blinds first as choosing the wrong method can backfire. Secondly, as we have stressed throughout the blog, make sure to do the spot test first.
Regular cleaning not only eliminates dust and dirt but also serves as a preventive measure against mold spores. If these suggestions prove ineffective, seeking assistance from a professional blind cleaning service becomes the last and most reliable option.
Or maybe you need to buy new blinds. What do you think?
All the best and we hope that these methods help you make your roller blinds look bright again.
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