.jpg?v=1707727583498)
The task of cleaning your curtains or Roman blinds can seem quite challenging; taking them down, finding a suitable cleaning solution, drying them and re-hanging them sounds like a task that could take your whole day, but it doesn’t have to be as intimidating as it sounds. It’s estimated that a third (29%) of people living in the UK experience mould in their homes, and with our curtains or blinds being the closest to windows with condensation, they can be easily affected by mould and mildew. This means that it’s crucial to check your curtains and blinds regularly for any signs of damage.
Mould aside, regularly closing and opening your curtains and blinds means that they are likely to incur daily wear and tear, whether it’s stains that spoil stunning fabric or discolouration of any kind. In this guide, we will share best practices when it comes to cleaning your curtains and Roman blinds, to ensure your curtains have a prosperous lifespan.
To clean your curtains, you must first think about whether you’re looking to clean the whole curtain, or just spot-clean specific areas. If it’s just a simple spot clean you’re opting for, you needn’t take the curtain down, as long as the targeted area is easily reachable. However, if it’s the entire curtain you’re looking to clean, you should take the curtain down so that no unwanted accidents happen.
If your curtains are on a pole, simply take down the curtain pole and remove them from said pole, using a stepping ladder or assistance if needed. If your curtains are on a track, carefully unhook the curtains from the track, again using a stepping ladder or assistance if needed.
Always dust your curtains and remove any excess dirt before cleaning them with a solution - this could include gently hoovering your curtains.
Mix a Solution
If you’re dealing with mould on your curtains, it’s important to read your product’s care label before embarking on any cleaning journey, as some fabrics could be more sensitive to solutions than others. As a general rule of thumb, mixing warm water with a gentle detergent will be sufficient, however, if the stain seems to persevere, you may want to up your dose of detergent or find a more powerful cleaning agent. However, we always recommend testing a small, hidden patch on your curtains before applying the solution elsewhere. Please note that some cleaning agents may contain bleach or other chemicals which may lighten the fabric.
Dab the Area
Spot cleaning can be highly efficient, especially if it’s just a couple of stains you’re looking to tackle rather than the whole curtain, this will also save time throughout the drying process. Spot cleaning heavily relies on dabbing, not dragging, as doing the latter may cause your stain to spread and become even more of a nuisance than before. Dab the stained area in your solution and repeat the process until the stain has faded and you’re happy with the results.
Be Gentle
We must stress that some curtain fabrics are more fragile than others, with printed fabrics and materials being at risk of damage if cleaned in a rough manner. That’s why we always suggest checking your product’s care label for specific instructions, always patch-testing solutions, and sticking to spot cleaning where possible.
To dry your curtains, you can leave your clean fabric in front of your window or outdoors if it’s a sunny day. Spot cleaning comes in handy when drying, as most materials will easily dry indoors if they have just a few splotches.
Once you’re ready to hand your curtains back up, take a look at How to Hang Curtains for a full step-by-step guide.
Cleaning Roman blinds is a very similar process to curtains, as most of the time, they are made from the same materials. Roman blinds, however, may see more mould and mildew appear due to their closer proximity to windows in comparison to curtains which hang further away. Their closeness to windows means condensation can sometimes be directly transferred to the fabric, which creates a breeding ground for mould.
To release the blind from the brackets at any point after installing, push firmly against the blind’s headrail to detach it from the front of your brackets. At the same time, gently twist the back of the headrail downwards to unclip it at the back. This should easily allow you to take down your Roman blinds without issue.
Mix a Solution
Similarly to curtains, you can clean your fabric Roman blinds by mixing a soapy solution with warm water, ensuring that the water is neither too hot nor too cold to avoid any accidents. As always, please check your product’s care label for any specific instructions and always patch-test your solution on a hidden part of your Roman blind before cleaning the rest.
Your soapy solution could include a mild detergent, or, if your blinds are really suffering from excess mould patches, you may want to buy specific mould-cleaning liquids for blinds.
Spot Clean
Spot cleaning is best practice when it comes to blinds and it will also make them easier to dry once clean. Start off by targeting small, affected areas of the blinds with your solution, dabbing (not rubbing) the area as many times as necessary, until the stain has been removed and you are happy with the look of your blind.
If you’re handling a harsher solution or working with mould-affected areas, please wear protective gloves and take care of your surroundings, following the instructions on the said solution and your blind’s care label.
Proceed with Care
Always proceed with care when it comes to cleaning blinds, as some fabrics may be susceptible to damage depending on their durability to solutions and water. We always recommend patch-testing any solution and sticking to spot cleaning rather than dousing your whole blind in liquid.
Now that your Roman blinds are as clean as can be, it’s time to dry them. Do so by hanging them in front of a window that has access to direct sunlight, or a drying rack indoors. As previously mentioned, if you have only spot cleaned, your blinds should dry pretty quickly.
To hang your Roman blinds back up once they have fully dried, read our handy guide on How to Hang Roman Blinds which details the full process for your ease.
Shop Curtains & Blinds
