How do I clean delicate pleated blinds without damaging them?
Keep it gentle and dry first. Regular dusting with a soft brush or a vacuum on a low setting does most of the work. Spot-clean marks with a barely damp cloth if the care guidance allows it. Soaking, scrubbing and harsh chemicals are best left out. Do check the instructions for your particular blind, because fabrics and finishes vary.
Which type do you have?
Pleated blinds are a single layer of fabric folded into crisp pleats. Cellular blinds, sometimes called honeycomb blinds, have fabric formed into small hollow cells. Both are made from delicate, finely folded material, and the folds and cells can trap dust. The cells in a cellular blind can also trap dust and, in some cases, moisture, so they like a little extra care. If you're unsure which type you have, check any labels or paperwork, or ask us.
What you'll need
- A soft, dry brush or a feather duster
- A vacuum with a brush attachment, used on a low setting
- Two clean, soft cloths
- A small bowl of lukewarm water and a drop of mild washing-up liquid
- A little patience
Regular dusting
- Close the blind so the surface is flat and accessible.
- Work from top to bottom with a soft brush or duster, moving gently along the pleats rather than across them.
- Use the vacuum brush on low suction if dust has built up. Hold it a small distance from the fabric rather than pressing, to avoid pulling the pleats out of shape.
- Open the blind and repeat to reach the top rail and the inside edges.
- Dust the headrail and bottom rail as well, because dust collects there.
How often depends on the room. A bedroom may need it only now and then, while a room with a cooker or a dusty road outside needs it more often.
Spot cleaning
- Dampen a soft cloth with lukewarm water and a tiny amount of mild soap, then wring it out until it is barely damp.
- Test on a hidden spot, such as the edge or the part that sits behind the headrail, to check for colour change.
- Dab the mark gently rather than rubbing, as rubbing can spread a stain and mark the fabric.
- Dab again with a cloth wet with plain water to remove soap.
- Leave the blind open or let it air-dry fully before raising or closing it, so damp fabric is not folded away.
What to avoid
- Soaking. Water can mark the fabric and may damage the cord or mechanism inside. This is especially true for cellular blinds, where moisture can stay in the cells.
- Harsh or bleach-based cleaners. They can change colour or weaken fabric.
- Scrubbing or brushes with stiff bristles. They can fuzz or crease delicate material.
- Machine washing and tumble drying. These are best left out for a made-up blind unless the maker says they are fine.
- Heat from hairdryers. It can warp or mark the fabric.
Cleaning method by blind type
- Standard pleated: dust regularly, spot-clean carefully.
- Cellular: dust with soft tools; take extra care with moisture because of the cells.
- Blackout or coated fabrics: the coating may be sensitive, so use as little water as possible and check the care notes.
- Skylight and conservatory versions: these sit in awkward positions and can gather more dust. Take care when reaching, and stay on safe footing rather than stretching or climbing.
When a stain will not shift
Some marks, such as grease, water rings or sun fading, may not come out. Repeated rubbing usually makes things worse. If a mark bothers you, you may prefer to replace the blind rather than risk spoiling more of it. A professional cleaning service might be an option for some blinds, though it is worth checking that they are used to the type you have.
Prevention helps
- Open a window or use an extractor fan in damp or cooking areas.
- Dust before the build-up gets sticky.
- Keep hands off the fabric by using the control or the rail to operate the blind.
A little help from us
If you're choosing a new blind and want one that is easy to look after, mention that at the measure. Not every fabric suits every room, so we're happy to talk it through before anything is fitted. Book a free measure to talk it through.
