Vertical blinds hang a long way down and face the room, so they catch dust, kitchen air and the occasional wet dog. The good news is that care is mostly light and regular. One tip runs through everything below: check the care label or ask us first, because fabrics differ and what suits a wipeable PVC vane may not suit a woven one.
The five minute routine
Do this every few weeks and you'll rarely need anything stronger.
- Close the vanes so they overlap, which gives you a flat surface to work on.
- Dust from the top down with a soft duster, a microfibre cloth or the brush attachment on a vacuum set to low suction.
- Work along each vane in one direction rather than scrubbing across, which tends to push dust into the weave.
- Turn the vanes the other way and repeat on the reverse.
- Wipe the bottom edges, where marks collect from hands, pets and vacuum cleaners.
Spot cleaning stains
It helps to act while a mark is fresh. Dab gently rather than rubbing, using a clean damp cloth and a drop of mild washing-up liquid in lukewarm water. Then dab with a second cloth dampened with plain water and let the vane dry fully before you move it. Testing on the back of one vane or a bottom corner first is a good idea, because some fabrics mark or leave a ring.
It is best to avoid bleach, solvents, abrasive pads and anything strongly scented, as they can fade or damage the surface.
Fabric versus wipeable vanes
- Woven or textured fabric: vacuum or dust gently and spot clean only. Soaking can distort the weave.
- Smooth wipeable vanes: usually tolerate a damp cloth along their length, which suits kitchens and conservatories. Confirm for your range.
- Blackout or coated fabrics: go carefully with water, as coatings can mark if over-wetted.
Some fabrics can be taken off the carrier and washed, others cannot. We're happy to tell you which applies to yours, so do ask before unclipping anything.
Taking vanes down
If you do remove vanes for cleaning, it helps to note the order first. Slide each one off its hook, lay it flat and clean it as above, and refit in the same sequence. Keeping them flat rather than folded or creased is kind to the fabric, and a tumble dryer is best avoided. Many people find it easier to clean them in place.
Keeping the track and chain happy
If the blind has become stiff or noisy, the track is the likely culprit.
- Vacuum the headrail with a narrow nozzle to clear fluff and grit.
- Check that nothing is blocking the carriers, such as a curtain hem, a plant or a stray toy.
- Work the blind open and closed slowly a few times to see where it catches.
- A dry silicone-type spray used sparingly on the track can help if the manufacturer's guidance allows it. Oily lubricants are best avoided, as they attract dust.
Go gently with a jammed blind, as forcing a carrier can crack it.
Why vanes hang crooked or swing
Vanes that no longer hang straight are usually down to one of three things: a vane has slipped off its hook, the bottom weight or chain has twisted, or the blind has been pulled by the vane rather than the control. Rehook any loose vane, untwist the chain, and use the wand or chain to open, close and rotate. Pulling on the fabric can stretch the hanger holes over time.
Draughts matter too. A window left open will swing vanes into each other, and the bottom chain or weights can scuff the glass or sill. Closing the vanes before opening a window helps.
Safety around the chain and cord
Verticals use a control chain or cord, and a bottom link chain on some designs. Please keep these out of children's reach and use a fixing or tidy to hold them taut against the wall. Read more in our guide to child-safe blind choices. If you're starting from scratch with a young family, ask us about wand-controlled or motorised options.
When to stop cleaning and call us
A snapped carrier, a rotating mechanism that will not turn or fabric with a split is a job for a repair rather than a clean, and we're happy to help. If you're unsure, get in touch with a description or photo of the problem. If a blind has reached the end of its life, our vertical blinds page and the comparison with roller blinds can help you decide what comes next.
