How to wash vertical fabric blinds at home in a washing machine

Classic curtains and curtains have long given way to modern options for decorating window openings. Vertical fabric blinds are an excellent option for protection from bright sunlight or the annoying curiosity of neighbors. They look aesthetically pleasing in both residential and office spaces. When purchasing this type of design, you need to know the rules for caring for them. Over time, dust and dirt from the surrounding air settle on the blinds. Professional washing turns out to be expensive in terms of money and effort. However, there is no need to go to the dry cleaner to restore a decent look to modern curtains. You can make them look attractive yourself, following some recommendations.

Recommendations for washing vertical fabric blinds

In order for vertical blinds to last a long time and have their original appearance, they need to be looked after. It is recommended to vacuum them once or twice a month. You can use ordinary household appliances using a special attachment, which are equipped with most modern models. Wet processing is also acceptable, but it is carried out much less frequently - once a year or as needed. Observing the temperature regime, you can wash the strips by hand, or you can use a washing machine.

Note! Since fabric slats are made from different types of fabrics, there are special restrictions for each of them. For example, synthetic and cotton materials can be washed by hand or in a machine. Jacquard blinds are processed dry or wet and can also be subjected to independent wet processing.

In any case, you should rely on the proposed operating instructions, otherwise the piece of furniture may be irreparably damaged. If you do not follow the manufacturer's advice, the blinds will become deformed, decrease or increase in length, fade and will not be able to perform their main functions.

What products are best to use?

Use cleaning agents and chemicals to wash heavily soiled slats. You should not use them too often, so as not to wash off the protective layer of impregnation. The most common means include:

baking soda is an affordable and safe remedy. It is suitable for all types of blinds. Used in powder or solution form;
washing powder - it is effective when washing blinds in a bathroom or a wide basin. The lamellas, rolled into rolls, are soaked in the solution;
alcohol-based window cleaner - spray on plastic or metal roller blinds, then wipe dry;
soap - soap napkins and wipe the slats in areas of more contamination. The product is effective and safe in any case;
stain removers based on fabric type - use preparations with caution. Read the product manufacturer's instructions. Determine if it can be used to clean your blinds.
bleach - the product is used only for bleaching and cleaning heavy dirt from undyed fabrics;
aerosols for cleaning car showrooms - special preparations perfectly clean slats and roller blinds made of metal and plastic from traces of nicotine.
Dishwashing liquid is an excellent and harmless product. It is added to drug solutions to obtain a thicker foam.

How to remove slats

To wash the strips of blinds, they must be removed from the supporting structure. To do this, follow these steps:

Using the control chain, turn the slats to the open position.
Remove the guide chain from the bottom weight of each strip on both sides.
Remove the weights.
Remove each slats from the curtain rod.

Cleaning roller blinds

Remove the roller blinds from the window following the instructions. Roll up the curtains. Prepare water with added washing powder in the bath until the roll is completely covered. The water should be warm, but not hot.

Depending on the color of the curtains, use a product for colored or white items. Soak the rolled roller blinds for 30 minutes. Then gently brush them with a soft brush or sponge on both sides and rinse under the shower. It is advisable to dry roller blinds unfolded.

When roller blinds simply have a stain, they do not need washing. Get rid of stains with a natural stain remover. Attention! Do not rub the stain, but carefully apply the product with the soft side of the sponge, wait and rinse. Follow the instructions for use of the substance.

Caring for vertical blinds

Proper regular care of vertical blinds will increase the time before their general cleaning. You can wash the strips that make up the product by leaving them hanging on the ledge.

To do this, use a vacuum cleaner with a separate attachment for furniture. You should choose the delicate mode so as not to leave creases or damage the fabric.
Dissolve a mild furniture cleaner in warm water. Any liquid substance, such as washing gel, will do.
Using a sponge or cloth soaked in soapy water, wipe the entire surface of the material or pay special attention to dirty areas.
Remove the cleaning agent with clean water using a rinsed soft towel.
Allow the strips to dry on their own. Why do they provide good air conditioning for the room?

Cleaning blinds without removing them from the window

Areas of contamination on individual plates are removed without removing the slats from the window:

Excess dust is removed with a vacuum cleaner using an attachment with a soft brush and a soft operating mode.
To clean stains, dilute warm water with a cleaning solution.

Cleaning without removing from the window

Wipe the lamellas on both sides with a sponge soaked in the solution.
Repeat the manipulations with clean water, removing any remaining solution.
Finally, wipe the strips with diluted fabric softener.

Fabric softener will add a pleasant aroma, protect against further contamination, and eliminate static discharges.

How to wash blinds in a washing machine

A responsible approach to how to wash vertical fabric blinds will extend their service life and maintain their good appearance. Any material that absorbs and becomes covered with dust and dirt can serve as a source of allergens and simply cause a feeling of discomfort in your own home. Therefore, caring for household accessories becomes a habit and arouses a lot of interest.

Since caring for curtains with an automatic machine requires less time and effort, most people are inclined to this option. It is worth remembering whether blinds can be washed depends on the type of material. For example, it is strictly not recommended to machine wash synthetic materials. In other cases, you should focus on the materials of manufacture and follow the recommendations in the care instructions on how to wash blinds.

If washing household appliances are used very often or, conversely, rarely, you should prepare them before processing the strips:

Wash and rinse the detergent compartment with clean water.
Run the rinse cycle without laundry in order to remove any remaining powder, rinse aid or dyes.

Which mode should you choose?

After the washing machine drum is clean, you can wash the blinds:

Roll each strip into a roll. It is allowed to roll up to 5 slats together.
The resulting bundles should be secured with an elastic band or regular thread so that they do not unravel during washing.
You need to load the rollers into the machine using a special bag or use a pillowcase.
To wash the slats of vertical blinds, use a gel, since the powder can leave streaks on the fabric. It is poured into a special compartment for detergent.
Select one of the modes: “hand wash”, “delicate wash” or “wash delicate items”. Or any mode that requires a temperature of up to 35 degrees and a spin of up to 400 rpm.
The rinse mode and spin cycles above 400 rpm must be turned off.
Dry the strips.

By hand or by automatic machine?

This question can be easily answered by studying the instructions for caring for slats. It is imperative to follow the manufacturer's advice.

Machine washable

You can wash cotton or synthetic blinds in automatic washing machines. Before washing, rinse the machine at idle speed, removing any remaining powder from previous use. Rinse the powder container and wait until dry.

Procedure:

Remove the slats from the hinges and conduct a visual inspection. Areas with heavy soiling are washed by hand. If the slats are too dirty, soak them in soapy water for 30 minutes.
Narrow lamellas are rolled up in several pieces and placed in a drum. Wide ones are washed gradually, based on the volume of the machine drum. For maximum safety, the slats are wrapped in a special case.
For washing, a liquid gel without aggressive or harmful substances is used. Concentrated products are diluted in water. The use of bleaches and stain removers is prohibited.
Choose delicate or manual washing mode. Squeezing and rinsing is not advisable. Spin at minimum speed (up to 400) is allowed.
After washing, the lamellas are hung or laid out on a horizontal surface. It is not advisable to hang it in the sun.
After complete drying, the blinds are ironed at minimum speed, placing gauze between the product and the hot surface.

Blinds with colored patterns may lose color after the first cleaning. The stability of the dye must first be checked in one of the areas. Wet the cloth and wipe an inconspicuous part of the blinds. Carry out a similar action with patterns.

Recommended washing programs:

Water temperature is from 30 to 35 degrees.
The number of revolutions is no more than 400.

Choosing the right washing powder is an important process. Conventional formulations cannot be used. Aggressive components in the composition can damage the plates, leaving light spots. The optimal choice is gel or liquid. An alternative solution is shavings of baby soap.

Removing the slats

Before washing, you need to remove the blinds correctly without damaging the mechanism. Open the blinds using the chain. Release the weights from the chain guide on each side and remove them.

Removal diagram

Grasp the upper part of the lamella, bend it upward, lift it a few millimeters until it clicks. Bend the plates away from the long part of the runner to widen the gap between the inner hook and the surface. Pull the plate down sharply and it will come out of the groove.

Handwash

Hand washing is a gentle way to clean blinds without removing them from the curtain rod or in the bathroom. The second method is optimal. Prepare a slate cleaner. Suitable gel for washing children's clothes. The composition must be free of chlorine and bleaches. Find a soft brush or cloth.

Procedure:

Remove the slats from the cornice one by one.
Place them in the bathroom. Rinse with warm water from the shower.
Mix the cleaning solution with warm water and dip the plate into the solution.
On vertical slats, cleaning is carried out along the texture. Walk the cloth over the canvas and leave for up to half an hour.
Repeat the procedure from time to time.
Rinse.

Once the water has drained, place the blinds on a horizontal surface. The drying technique is similar.

Washing in the bathroom

Handwash

In some cases, machine washing is contraindicated. This may be a consequence of the material used in manufacturing, or the lack of an appropriate washing mode, or the inability to turn off certain functions of household appliances. In such a situation, it is necessary to use a manual cleaning method. How to wash vertical blinds by hand:

We recommend:

Products for washing down jackets in a washing machine

Remove the slats following the instructions above.
Roll the strips and secure them.
Pour warm water no higher than 35 degrees into a basin and dissolve liquid laundry detergent in it.
Place the packages in the soapy solution so that they are completely under water and leave to soak for 20 minutes.
After the time has passed, unwind each roll and examine it for any remaining contamination.
If stains are found, treat them with a soft sponge soaked in the same solution with detergent.
Rinse off excess washing gel with warm water.
Dry the slats.

How to keep lamella fabric in good condition for as long as possible?

Even if blinds are not expensive, they are usually selected to match the style of interior design, so you want to preserve the appearance of the material for as long as possible. Over time, the slats absorb not only dust and dirt, but also various odors and tobacco smoke. To prevent the fabric from losing its presentable appearance, you should follow a few simple rules:

After installing the structure in place, the slats should be treated with an antistatic spray, which creates protection against dust getting on the surface;
It is worth regularly using a vacuum cleaner, a fluffy rag or a special brush to remove dust;
If the slats need to be washed, do not soak them in water for a long time;
Do not use strong cleaning agents or use hot water;
To prevent the question of how to wash fabric blinds from arising too often, you should not hang them in the kitchen or in rooms with high traffic.

A steam cleaner will help get rid of dirt on the slats of fabric blinds. This device will make cleaning simple and quick: the blinds do not need to be disassembled, and even quite serious stains can be removed. It is important not to set the steam temperature too high

If you are thinking about how to wash fabric blinds (vertical or horizontal), use the tips given in this article. By following our recommendations, you can keep the material in good condition for a long time and your blinds will decorate the windows in your room for many years.

Detergents for washing vertical blinds

Before washing vertical fabric blinds at home, regardless of the type of cleaning, you need to choose a product for wet processing.

Liquid substances for delicate laundry or woolen items, as well as gel, are excellent for washing lamellas. Particular attention should be paid to which fabrics the product should be used for: light or dark and choose them in accordance with the color of the fabric.

An alternative to liquid substances is shavings of baby soap. It may be less effective at removing stains, but it certainly won't cause irreparable damage.

How to dry clean curtains?

This option is well suited for synthetic material, in which dirt collects on the surface without penetrating inside.

For dry cleaning you can use the following products:

A broom for sweeping floors. First, the instrument must be thoroughly washed from dirt. The broom can only be used dry. Movements are made from top to bottom. The dust will collect on the broom and partially fall onto the windowsill, where it can be easily removed with a rag.
A brush with soft bristles. The strips are pressed against the glass, after which a brush passes over their surface.
Hand attachments. These devices can be purchased at hardware stores. The nozzles grab several strips at once and clean them of dust from both sides.
Vacuum cleaner. If you are using a hard nozzle, it is advisable to wrap it with cloth or put an old sock on it; they will collect all the debris without leaving scratches on the surface of the material.

Proper drying

The last, but no less important step in washing vertical fabric blinds is drying them. Properly dried strips will remain smooth and continue to serve properly, protecting the room from bright light and heat.

After washing, the rolls should be unrolled and hung upright in a well-ventilated place. This could be a bathroom, the main thing is not to close it so that excess moisture can evaporate. Or you can dry the blinds outside away from the sun's rays.
The use of household appliances for drying lamellas is prohibited.
You need to hang it using a special strip fastening.
When placing the elements of the blinds, they should be straightened, avoiding creases and distortions.
Manufacturers recommend drying the product by hanging it back on the curtain rod. In this case, a special weight is hung from below, removed before washing.

How to steam clean?

Steam treatment of fabric blinds allows you to remove the most durable and persistent stains. The steam generator softens and dissolves grease droplets, nicotine tar, glue stains, stationery marks and stubborn street dust that has accumulated over the years. Processing of products should begin with the cornice and fittings. While performing this process, you can get used to the peculiarities of working with a steam generator.

After cleaning the hard parts, you can move on to the panels. Processing should begin from the upper parts so that dirt does not flow onto a clean cloth. During the steam supply process, deposits on the material mix with condensate and form a liquid substance. It must be collected immediately with fiber or a sponge.

It is not recommended to use a steam generator frequently, as exposure to high temperature and moisture negatively affects the quality of the fabric. This cleaning method is used in cases where the dirt is so strong that it is not possible to remove it by washing.

Installation of fabric blinds

After the cleaning and drying processes are completed, it is necessary to secure the strips from the blinds in place. To do this, you need to repeat the procedure for removing them in reverse order:

Place each strip in its place on the cornice.
Insert special weights back into the lower part.
Pass the chain into the guides on both sides.
Check the action of the guide thread and use the clean accessory to your satisfaction.

Caring for vertical blinds does not require much effort and time. The main thing is to notice in time that they need cleaning and carry out the procedure in compliance with the necessary conditions.

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Useful tips

An ordinary sock placed on your hand will help you quickly wash plastic blinds. Just spray a 1/3 vinegar-water solution on it and wipe the slats.

If there is no need for washing, and using a vacuum cleaner is inconvenient, an ordinary paint brush or a piece of sheepskin will come to the rescue.
Try cleaning blinds with a relief pattern with a soft toothbrush.
Wipe clean slats only with a lint-free cloth.

Metal, wooden and plastic blinds are equipped with a rotating mechanism. It needs to be lubricated from time to time. To do this, take spray lubricant, which is sold in car stores or oil for sewing machines.

Blinds take a powerful dust blow. After mosquito nets, they are second in line of defense from the street. Use useful and simple tips, and your roller shutters will serve you for many years.

How to get rid of nicotine stains on plastic slats

Heavy smokers know that the yellow coating is not so easy to remove from snow-white plastic. However, in this case there is a way out.

The most proven and reliable method is to use a car interior cleaning product, or rather, aerosols to care for the plastic instrument panel. Since people often smoke in the cabin, auto chemical developers have invented many strong formulas that can easily cope with traces of nicotine and tar.

If the plaque has not yet acquired a bright brown tint, you can try to get by with small amounts and use regular soda. Dilute it with water to a paste and apply to the stains. A strong alkaline solution acts like a bleach. Then remove the soda and rinse the slats with clean water.

Regular bleach will help restore the whiteness of plastic.

If all else fails, as a last resort, order photo printing in warm coffee tones. It will cover all the imperfections and help disguise future layers of tobacco plaque.

As you can see, clean blinds are easy. Moreover, they only need to be washed a couple of times a year.

How to wash horizontal aluminum blinds in 4 minutes

There are two ways to clean up.

1. Remove and wash directly in the bathtub

To wash this way, do the following:

Aluminum blinds are first removed from the window opening and the cords are carefully wound up so that you don’t have to waste time unraveling them later. Washing powder or any non-aggressive dishwashing detergent is dissolved in water, and the blinds are placed in this solution. Leave them for 5–10 minutes. Then clean the slats with a sponge or cloth. Upon completion of the procedure, rinse the blinds under running water, thoroughly rinsing them from the cleaning solution, otherwise the smell of the detergent will linger in the room for a long time. Next, dry the blinds well while hanging, otherwise the slats may stick together or lose color. Carefully wipe areas where moisture accumulates to reduce the risk of corrosion.

Wash blinds without removing them from the window. The procedure for this is almost the same as in the previous version. The difference is that the soap solution must be applied to the slats hanging in the opening, turned to a vertical position. Then they are transferred to the horizontal plane and wiped.
Instead of a washcloth, use textile gloves. Wear regular household knitted gloves over rubber gloves. This will allow you to grip each lamella from both sides at once. Cleaning time will be halved.
Use special brushes for cleaning blinds. They grab from 2 to 5 lamellas at the same time, and wipe both sides at once.
Use highly effective products that quickly and effectively dissolve contaminants.
After work, apply car wax or a regular antistatic agent to a clean surface. This will reduce the number of cleanings.
Dust or vacuum your blinds regularly.

Plastic

Plastic models cannot be rolled up and machine washed. They are washed, like horizontal aluminum models, on the window using cleaning solutions.

Close the curtain.
Move the slats to the open position so that their ribs are facing you. There should be enough space between the slats so that you can work comfortably.
Apply liquid detergent from a spray bottle to the front and back of the blinds.
Use a soft sponge or a special brush to wipe each strip of plastic.
Using a microfiber cloth or any material that absorbs water well, wipe the blinds dry so that there are no streaks left.

In order to thoroughly wash heavily soiled textile strips, it is necessary to remove them from their fastenings and free them from weights and control cords. Stack the slats and roll them into a roll.

Pour water into a large container (large basin or bucket) and add cleaning agent to it according to the instructions.
Soak the curtain in the cleaning solution for half an hour so that all the dirt is well soaked and comes off the material.
Use a soft brush or kitchen sponge to wipe each lamella and remove any dirt.
Hang the strips over the bathtub to allow water to drain off them.
After drying, hang the fabric in place by inserting weights.
Secure the controls and enjoy a clean window.

Removing heavy soiling

It’s easy to remove sawdust and light dirt from the slats, but it’s not possible to remove stubborn stains this way. In this case, you will need to purchase special stain removers or use folk remedies.

Important! But before using any substance, its effect on the fabric must be tested on an inconspicuous area. Do not use products that contain chlorine.

To remove stubborn stains from fabric blinds, use:

Industrial stain removers choose those designed for thin and delicate materials. They are used in strict accordance with the instructions.
Ammonia is diluted half and half with water, a sponge is moistened in the solution and stubborn stains are scrubbed with it. If it is an ink mark, add a little baking soda to the solution for better results.
Lemon juice is used if you need to remove traces of tea. They are used to wipe difficult areas on light-colored fabric strips. If the slats are dark or colored, this cleaning method will not work.
Marks from felt-tip pens can be removed with nail polish remover without acetone.