Content

• To step
• Method 1 of 2: Vacuum and wipe the roller blind
• Method 2 of 2: Washing a roller blind in the bathtub
• Tips
• Necessities
• Vacuum and wipe the roller blind
• Washing a roller blind in the bathtub

Roller blinds are very versatile and practical as a window decoration, but they can collect dirt and dust over time, just like other surfaces and items in your home. House dust, food splashes and even small insects can stain your roller blind, but luckily you can easily clean your roller blind. It only takes you a few minutes to keep your window coverings looking their best.

To step

Method 1 of 2: Vacuum and wipe the roller blind

1. Unroll the blind all the way to the end. Depending on how long the shade is, you may need to unroll it further than you normally do to make sure you can get to all the fabric.
   • You may be tempted to clean only the area of ​​your blind that can be seen in the room, but if you do, you run the risk of discoloring your blind over time.
2. Use the attachment with a brush from your vacuum cleaner to thoroughly remove dust and dirt. Plug your vacuum cleaner into the socket and brush the attachment onto the hose so that it is ready for use. Then switch on the vacuum cleaner and start vacuuming along the top edge, moving the brush from left to right and working downwards.
   • A roller blind can collect a lot of dirt and dust and sometimes even small insects can get caught. By vacuuming your roller blind first to remove as much dirt as possible, you will soon be able to remove the roller blind a lot faster.
   EXPERT TIP

   Mix mild dish soap with lukewarm water in a bowl. Use about a tablespoon (15 ml) of dish soap and a quart of water and mix with a spoon or whisk until the water starts to foam. Walk the bowl over to your blind and place it where you can easily reach it, but where it won't get in the way.

   • Do not use harsh chemical cleaners and soaps that contain bleach, as this can discolor your blind.
3. Wet a sponge or a clean dishcloth with the soapy water and wring it out. Completely submerge the sponge or cloth in the suds and make sure it absorbs as much of the suds as possible. Then wring it out so that no water drips out.
   • If the sponge or cloth is too wet, moisture will drip down from your roller blind during cleaning, which could cause your floor to get wet.
4. Take off the blind, starting at the top and working your way down. Use back and forth movements to completely clean the blind from left to right. Keep taking off the blind until you get to the bottom edge. If you come across large stains, scrub those areas a little longer.
   • This method is suitable for roller blinds made of all kinds of different materials; from vinyl to synthetic material.
5. Rinse the sponge several times while removing the blind. Dip your sponge or cloth back into the soapy water and stir it a few times to remove the accumulated dirt. Then wring it out before continuing to remove the blind.
   • If you notice that your cloth is getting particularly dirty and doesn't get clean when you rinse it, get a new cloth.
6. Use a fabric stain remover to remove stubborn stains. Read the directions on the package before applying the stain remover and then follow those directions carefully. If you are concerned that the stain remover will discolour your roller blind, first test the product on an inconspicuous spot on the roller blind, for example at the very top where the roller blind is normally rolled up.
   • If there is a stubborn stain on the blind that you cannot remove yourself, it may be time to take your blind to a dry cleaner to have it professionally cleaned.
7. Let the blind hang all the way out until it is dry. Since you have not soaked the blind with water, it should only take a few hours for it to dry completely. Leave your blinds on all night to be sure. When it is dry you can roll it up again.
   • If you roll up your blind while it is still damp, the fabric can become moldy and smelly.

Method 2 of 2: Washing a roller blind in the bathtub

1. Untie the blind and place it on the floor. Unroll the blind completely so that it is unrolled as far as possible. Then lay it flat on the floor in a large room or hallway. Try to place it in a place where animals and people cannot walk over it.
   • If you don't have a space big enough to put the shade down, fold it like an accordion and put it on the floor.
2. Use your vacuum cleaner and an attachment with a brush to vacuum up all the dust and dirt. Start at one end of the fabric and move the attachment back and forth. Work your way down until you have covered the entire surface of the blind.
   • If you don't have a brush attachment, simply wipe the blind with a dry, clean towel to remove as much dust as possible.
3. Fill the bathtub with lukewarm water and add a mild dish soap. Only use about two to three tablespoons (30-45 ml) of dish soap. Make sure your bathtub is clean before you put water and detergent in it, and fill it about half full with water.
   • Ask family members in advance if anyone would like to take a bath in the next few hours.
   • Avoid harsh chemical cleaners and products containing bleach, as these can discolor your blind.
4. Put the blind in the water and let it soak for two to three hours. If necessary, fold the blind like an accordion to put it in the water. Make sure the blind is completely covered with soapy water before soaking it.
   • Set an alarm on your phone or use a kitchen timer so you don't forget the roller blind.
5. Gently scrub the blind on both sides with a soft brush. Start at one end of the shade and scrub the fabric with your soft brush from side to side. Work your way down until you get to the other end. Then turn the blind over and do the same on the back.
   • While scrubbing, you can simply fold the cleaned area under the rest of the fabric in the water. That way, your bathroom floor won't get soaked.
6. Drain the water from the bathtub and rinse the blind with clean water. First, let the soapy water drain completely from the bathtub and leave the blind in the bathtub. Then use the shower head to rinse the roller blind or fill the bathtub with clean water and rinse the roller blind until you no longer see any soap residue.
   • If someone is home to help you, have them hold the shade while you use the showerhead to rinse the fabric. This makes it easier to rinse the roller blind.
   • Make sure to rinse the blind thoroughly, as soap scum can attract dust and dirt particles and cause the dirt to settle on your blind.
7. Hang the blind to dry on the clothesline or hang it over a curtain rod. Do not try to put the blind in the dryer. Even if the blind fits, the fabric will be damaged by the heat and the blind will be deformed due to the rotation of the drum. Instead, let the shade air dry overnight.
   • Your roller blind can dry very quickly, depending on the fabric it is made of. Sometimes this can be as early as two to three hours. Check that the fabric is dry and you can no longer see any moisture before putting the blind back up.
8. When the blind is completely dry, hang it up again. You would now have a clean roller blind without dirt and dust. Set a reminder on your phone for six months from now so you don't forget to clean your blinds as part of your home cleaning routine.
   • If you see stains that have not been removed in the bathtub, it may be time to take your blinds to a dry cleaner to get it professionally cleaned.

Tips

• Do not treat the fabric with aggressive cleaners, as this can damage the material.
• Regularly dusting and vacuuming your roller blind will keep it clean.

Necessities

Vacuum and wipe the roller blind

• Vacuum cleaner with attachment with a brush
• Big bowl
• Mild dish soap
• Clean sponge or dishcloth
• Stain remover for textile (optional)

Washing a roller blind in the bathtub

• Vacuum cleaner with attachment with a brush
• Mild dish soap
• Soft scrub brush
• Bathtub or large basin
• Drying rack or clothesline