How to Clean Roller Blinds Without Damaging the Fabric | Safe Blind Cleaning Guide
Before you start: check fabric and hardware
Identify the fabric type
Most fabric roller blinds fall into three categories: sunscreen (open weave), light-filtering/translucent, and blockout with a coated backing.
If possible, check any care instructions from your blind supplier before using water or detergent, especially on coated blockout fabrics.
Prepare the blind and area
Fully roll the blind down so the entire surface is accessible and you can see all marks and dust.
Protect nearby timber sills or flooring with a towel in case of drips from your cloth or sponge.
Step 1: dry dusting (always first)
Dry cleaning comes before any moisture so you don’t drag grit into the weave or create muddy streaks.
Gently dust the surface
Use a feather duster or clean microfibre cloth to wipe from top to bottom on both sides of the blind (where accessible).
For regular upkeep, this is often all that is needed, especially on lightly soiled blinds.
Vacuum on low suction (optional but effective)
Fit the soft brush attachment, set the vacuum to low, and move from top to bottom in straight passes.
Avoid pushing the nozzle hard into the fabric; the aim is to lift dust, not flatten or stretch the cloth.
Step 2: gentle spot cleaning
Once loose dust is gone, treat individual marks with a mild solution. The goal is to dampen, not soak.
Mix a mild cleaning solution
Add a small amount of gentle dishwashing liquid or neutral soap to a bowl of lukewarm water (around 5% detergent in water).
Avoid bleach, solvent-based cleaners, abrasive creams, and strong stain removers, as these can discolour or damage coatings.
Apply to the cloth, not the blind
Dip a soft white cloth or sponge into the solution and wring out thoroughly so it is just damp.
Test on an inconspicuous corner first to ensure no colour change or lifting of the backing.
Dab, don’t scrub
Gently dab or lightly wipe the stained area, working from the outside of the mark inward so you don’t spread it.
Do not use stiff brushes or aggressive circular scrubbing, as this can fluff the yarn, polish the surface, or crack a blockout coating.
Step 3: light overall wipe-down (if needed)
For blinds that are more generally dirty (kitchen film, light grime), a careful overall wipe can freshen the fabric.
Use a barely damp cloth
With the same mild solution, wipe from top to bottom in smooth passes, frequently rinsing and wringing the cloth so you aren’t spreading dirty water.
Keep moisture away from the top tube, side edges, and bottom rail where water can wick into the backing or mechanism.
Treat sunscreen vs blockout carefully
Sunscreen fabrics (mesh) handle light wiping well, but still avoid soaking or pressing water through the weave.
Translucent and blockout fabrics are more sensitive; only wipe the face side lightly and never immerse, as this can damage or separate the coating on the back.
Allow to dry fully
Leave the blind fully extended until the fabric is completely dry to avoid mildew, edge curling, or marks forming as it rolls up.
What to avoid to prevent damage
These “don’ts” are the key to keeping roller blind fabric and coatings intact.
Don’t soak, hose, or immerse
Avoid baths, high-pressure hoses, or soaking—most roller blind fabrics and blockout backings are not designed for full immersion.
Don’t use harsh products
Skip bleach, strong solvents, abrasive powders, or scrubbing pads, which can strip finishes and leave permanent shiny or faded patches.
Don’t scrub aggressively
Heavy scrubbing can fluff the weave, distort the fabric, and weaken bonded or coated layers, especially on blockout blinds.
Don’t roll up while damp
Rolling a partially wet blind can trap moisture, leading to mould, odour, and possible delamination over time.
For stubborn stains, mould, or heavily soiled blinds in kitchens and bathrooms, a professional blind-cleaning service is often the safest option to avoid voiding warranties or damaging specialised fabrics