How To Clean Roman Blinds

2. Soft or Hobbled Roman Blinds

Soft fold Roman blinds, also known as waterfall blinds or hobbled blinds have cascading folds that overlap when the blinds are raised, creating a more textured and layered look. This type of blind fabric exude a casual charm, capable of setting a romantic and breezy ambiance or adopting a more classic approach.

With their permanently retained folds, this type of blind is often the first style that comes to mind when thinking of Roman shades. They exude a formal, traditional elegance and remain a beloved decorative choice that embodies the classic Roman look.

How to clean fabric Roman blinds without washing them?

Regular cleaning is key to keeping your fabric Roman blinds in good condition. Here are some effective methods on how to clean roman blinds without washing:

Dusting

Dusting is the most common and easiest method to clean roman blinds without using a washing machine. Regular dusting helps prevent the build-up of loose dust and keeps your blinds looking cleaner and well-maintained.

Dust your Roman blinds regularly using a feather duster or a microfiber cloth. Start from the top and work your way down, covering both sides of the blinds. This simple step helps prevent debris and dust accumulation.

Vacuuming

Using a vacuum cleaner with a soft brush attachment, you can thoroughly clean fabric blinds. Unlike dusting that only removes surface dust, vacuuming goes deeper to extract embedded dirt and allergens from the fabric of your Roman blinds.

Gently run the vacuum cleaner along the length of the blinds, starting from the top and working your way down. Ensure that you cover both sides of the blinds to remove all dirt and dust accumulation. This step is essential to prepare the blinds for a deeper cleaning process and to prevent dust particles from spreading further during cleaning.

Spot Cleaning

Spot cleaning is another cleaning method that involves targeting and treating specific stains or spots on the blinds without cleaning the entire surface. After vacuum cleaning, you can work on treating stubborn stains that may still be visible. Here's how to clean roman blinds usingthis method:

Identify the Stain

Examine your blinds to pinpoint any remaining stains or marks. Common stains on blinds can include food splatters, ink, or pet stains.

Prepare a Cleaning Solution

Prepare a gentle cleaning solution by mixing a small amount of mild dish soap with lukewarm water. If you prefer a natural homemade cleaner, mix equal parts of white vinegar and warm water. However, if you have no time to make you own cleaner, you can use a specialist fabric stain remover to work on the stains. Avoid using strong chemicals or bleach, as they can damage the fabric.

Dab, Don't Rub

Dip a clean, microfibre cloth or a sponge into the cleaning solution then wring it out to remove excess moisture. Gently blot the stained area to avoid spreading the stain and damaging the fabric. Continue doing this until the stain starts to lift. Be patient, as this may take some time, especially for stubborn stains.

Rinse and Dry

Once the stain is removed, rinse the area with a clean, damp cloth to remove any soap residue. Pat the area with a dry microfibre cloth or paper towel afterwards to absorb excess moisture.

Allow to Dry Naturally

After treating the stain, leave the blinds to air dry completely. This is essential to avoid water spots or further damage. It's also a good idea to hang them back in their usual position while they are still slightly damp so they can regain their shape.

Steam Cleaning

Steam cleaning is another effective method to refresh and deep clean Roman blinds. Using a fabric or upholstery steamer, hot steam is applied to the blinds, which helps to loosen and remove dirt, dust, and even some stains.

Steam cleaning roman blinds not only cleans the fabric but also sanitises it, making it a suitable choice for maintaining a clean and healthy living space. However, it's essential to consider the fabric type of your blinds and follow the fabric care instructions before using a steamer to avoid potential damage or discoloration. For safe steam cleaning, use the lowest temperature steam setting to prevent any damages to your fabric blinds.

Professional Cleaning

Professional cleaning of Roman blinds is a specialised service that ensures a thorough and safe cleaning process. While DIY cleaning can be risky, especially for delicate fabrics, professional cleaning is safe and effective. Professional cleaners have the expertise and equipment to handle various stains and materials so you won't have to worry about anything.

Professional cleaning not only extends the life of Roman blinds but it also preserves their quality and appearance, making it a wise choice for maintaining their beauty and longevity.

Inspection

Initially, Roman blinds are thoroughly inspected to identify any specific stains, spots, or areas that require special attention. This careful assessment ensures that the blinds receive the appropriate treatment tailored to their specific cleaning needs.

Pre-Treatment

During this step, stains and spots are pre-treated using a specialised cleaning solution to help break down and remove the stains effectively. This pre-treatment process is crucial in addressing specific stains, such as food spills, ink marks, or pet stains.

The specialist fabric stain remover to ensure the best possible stain removal outcome. It sets the stage for the dry cleaning process to follow, where the blinds will be cleaned and refreshed to restore their appearance and cleanliness.

Cleaning

For this part, the Roman blinds are then placed in a dry cleaning machine. Unlike traditional washing machines that use water, dry cleaning machines use a solvent-based cleaning solution to effectively remove dirt and stains on delicate fabrics.

Drying

After the cleaning cycle, the blinds are dried in the same machine. The solvent is evaporated, leaving the blinds clean and dry. Once the drying is complete, the Roman blinds are ready for inspection and quality control.

Quality Control

The blinds are carefully inspected to ensure that all stains and spots have been removed and that they are in good condition. If needed, the blinds are pressed to restore their original shape and smooth appearance.

Can you wash Roman blinds in the washing machine?

Some Roman blinds, especially those made from washable fabrics like cotton or polyester, can be machine-washed. However, many Roman blinds are made from delicate or non-washable fabrics like silk, linen, or wool. In such cases, machine-washing is not recommended, as it can damage the fabric, cause shrinkage, or lead to color fading. For these blinds, it's best to consider alternative cleaning methods or professional cleaning services.

It is also important that you always check the care instructions to ensure it's safe to do so. If machine-washing is recommended, follow the provided guidelines for water temperature, detergent, and any other specific instructions.

How often should you clean Roman blinds?

The frequency of cleaning Roman blinds can vary based on factors such as your living environment and the fabric type of the blinds. While some materials are prone to staining, others are more stain-resistant, requiring less frequent cleaning. However, here are some general guidelines:

Regular Dusting

Dusting should be done at least once a month. This helps prevent the accumulation of loose dust and maintains a cleaner appearance. You can use a feather duster or a microfibre cloth for this purpose.

Vacuuming

Vacuum your Roman blinds with a soft brush attachment every two to three months for a more thorough cleaning that removes embedded dirt and allergens. For households with pets, smokers, or in areas with high dust levels, more frequent cleaning may be necessary to keep your blinds in top condition.

Spot Cleaning

Stains are harder to clean that's why you must clean roman blinds promptly to prevent the stains from setting in. Depending on how much stain your blinds accumulate, you might need to spot clean specific areas more frequently.

Seasonal Cleaning

Consider giving your blinds a more comprehensive cleaning at the change of seasons or every six months. This can include a thorough dusting, vacuuming, and spot cleaning.

Professional Cleaning

Professional cleaning often involves deep cleaning, and since most professional cleaners have the necessary expertise and equipment, your Roman blinds are more likely to come out looking refreshed and in excellent condition. If your blinds have been professionally cleaned, you can wait for a year or as needed before you deep clean them again.

Takeaway

Knowing how to clean roman blinds is essential in keeping a fresh and inviting living space. Whether you opt for regular dusting and vacuuming or you prefer to seek professional cleaning services for a deep and thorough clean, taking care of your Roman blinds is crucial to ensure they remain in top condition.

At Elleisha's Property Services, we are professional Wollongong and Newcastle cleaners offering custom house cleaning services for residential clients. Whether you require routine maintenance or a deep clean of your space, our professional cleaners are fully equipped to meet your specific needs. This may include cleaning your Roman blinds and doing any other specific cleaning tasks you'd like us to do. Don't hesitate to contact us for a tailored cleaning assistance and to discuss your unique cleaning requirements.