Vertical blinds can turn any room into a modern one instantly. When metallic blinds are a popular choice for a professional environment, fabric ones are a popular choice for house decor.
And just like every other thing in your household, you need to clean these blinds once in a while. But if you don’t know how to do it properly, your interior will never look well-maintained.
Moreover, cleaning the fabric blinds is trickier than the aluminum and vinyl ones. So you can really use some tips on how to clean fabric vertical blinds. And this article will solve that issue in a breath!
Without wasting much time, let’s get into that part right away!
Table of Contents
How To Clean Fabric Vertical Blinds: Step-By-Step Guide
Cleaning fabric vertical blinds can help maintain their appearance and functionality. Here’s a step-by-step guide to cleaning them effectively:
Materials You’ll Need:
- A vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment
- Mild dish soap or fabric cleaner
- Clean sponge or soft cloth
- Bucket of lukewarm water
- Towels or old sheets
- Fabric protector spray (optional)
Step 1: Close the Blinds
Close the blinds completely to ensure you can clean each individual slat.
Step 2: Dusting and Vacuuming
Use a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment to gently remove dust and debris from the blinds. Start from the top and work your way down.
If there are any heavy dirt deposits, use the brush attachment to lightly agitate the area.
Step 3: Spot Cleaning
Mix mild dish soap or fabric cleaner with lukewarm water in a bucket. Dampen a clean sponge or cloth with the soapy water. Wring out excess moisture to avoid soaking the fabric.
Test the solution on an inconspicuous area of the blinds to ensure it doesn’t cause discoloration or damage.
Gently blot or rub any spots or stains on the blinds. Avoid excessive moisture, as it can cause sagging or stretching of the fabric.
Step 4: Rinse and Dry
Dampen a clean cloth with clean water and gently wipe away any soapy residue from the blinds.
Use a dry, clean towel or old sheets to blot any excess moisture from the blinds. Ensure they are not left damp, as this can lead to mold or mildew growth.
Step 5: Allow to Dry
Leave the blinds open to air dry fully before closing them again.
Step 6: Optional Fabric Protector
To help prevent future stains and dirt buildup, you can consider applying a fabric protector spray according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Note: Regular maintenance and occasional cleaning will help keep your fabric vertical blinds looking clean and attractive. Always follow the manufacturer’s care instructions and test any cleaning solutions on an inconspicuous area first to ensure they won’t damage the fabric.
Read Next:
How To Wash Fabric Blinds in the Bathtub: Step-By-Step
Washing fabric blinds in the bathtub can be an effective way to clean them thoroughly. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:
Materials You’ll Need:
- Mild dish soap or fabric cleaner
- Bathtub
- Clean, soft cloth or sponge
- Towels
Step 1: Prepare the Bathtub
- Clean the bathtub to ensure there’s no dirt or debris that could transfer onto the blinds.
- Fill the bathtub with enough lukewarm water to submerge the blinds.
Step 2: Remove the Blinds
- Gently remove the fabric blinds from the window.
- If your blinds have cords or chains, tie them up or secure them to prevent tangling.
Step 3: Pre-Cleaning
- Use a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment to remove any loose dust and dirt from the blinds.
- Shake the blinds gently to dislodge any additional debris.
Step 4: Soak the Blinds
- Submerge the fabric blinds in the bathtub filled with lukewarm water.
- Add a small amount of mild dish soap or fabric cleaner to the water. Avoid using too much soap to prevent excessive suds.
Step 5: Agitate and Clean
- Gently agitate the water to help dislodge dirt and stains from the blinds.
- Use a clean, soft cloth or sponge to gently scrub any areas with stains or spots. Avoid scrubbing vigorously, as it could damage the fabric.
Step 6: Drain and Rinse
- Drain the soapy water from the bathtub.
- Refill the bathtub with clean lukewarm water and rinse the blinds by gently agitating them.
- Repeat the rinsing process until all soap residue is gone.
Step 7: Dry the Blinds
- Carefully lift the blinds out of the bathtub, supporting them to prevent excessive stretching.
- Gently squeeze excess water from the blinds, but avoid wringing or twisting them.
- Lay the blinds flat on clean towels to absorb additional moisture.
- Hang the blinds outdoors or in a well-ventilated area to air dry completely before reinstallation.
Step 8: Reinstall the Blinds
- Once the blinds are fully dry, reinstall them in the window according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
By following these steps, you can effectively clean fabric blinds in the bathtub and refresh their appearance. Always check the manufacturer’s care instructions before attempting to wash your blinds, and be gentle to avoid damaging the fabric during the cleaning process.
Read Next: How to clean fabric kitchen chairs
Can You Wash Vertical Blinds In Washing Machine?
Yes, you can wash fabric vertical blinds in a washing machine if the care label indicates it’s safe.
Remove hooks and weights, place them in a pillowcase or mesh bag, use a gentle cold cycle with mild detergent, and avoid spin cycles.
Air dry them fully before rehanging. However, always follow manufacturer instructions and consider potential risks like warping or tearing. If uncertain, spot clean or vacuum instead.
How To Wash Fabric Vertical Blinds In The Washing Machine: Step-By-Step
If your vertical blinds are made from fabric and are machine washable according to their care instructions, you might be able to wash them in a gentle cycle with cold water.
However, even in this case, it’s recommended to err on the side of caution and follow these steps:
Remove the blinds:
Take the blinds down from the rail or track and detach any hooks, weights, or chains.
Inspect the care label:
Check the care label on the blinds for specific washing instructions. If it’s not machine washable, do not proceed with machine washing.
Protect the blinds:
If you decide to proceed, place the blinds inside a pillowcase or a mesh laundry bag to protect them from direct contact with the machine’s agitator.
Choose a gentle cycle:
Select a delicate or gentle cycle with cold water and minimal agitation.
Mild detergent:
Use a mild detergent suitable for delicate fabrics. Avoid using bleach or harsh chemicals.
Avoid spin cycles:
Skip the spin cycle, as excessive spinning can cause damage to the blinds.
Air drying:
After the washing cycle is complete, carefully remove the blinds from the pillowcase or laundry bag and gently blot excess water with a clean towel. Hang them vertically to air dry. Make sure they are fully dry before rehanging them.
Note: Keep in mind that washing vertical blinds can still pose risks, and the best approach may vary based on the material and specific manufacturer recommendations.
If you’re unsure about washing your vertical blinds in a washing machine, it’s a good idea to consult the manufacturer’s guidelines or consider alternative cleaning methods, such as spot cleaning or vacuuming.
Wrap Up
Vertical blinds are indeed easier to maintain than horizontal ones. However, the fabric ones are complicated; there is no doubt about that!
However, after reading this quick guide on cleaning fabric vertical blinds, you will never have any trouble while performing this task. Now you can keep your household pristine effortlessly!
