Blinds are one of the hardest-working elements in your home. They’re opened and closed daily, exposed to sunlight, dust, humidity, and in kitchens, cooking grease. With a little regular care, your blinds can look pristine and last for 10–15 years or more. Neglect them, and you’ll be replacing them far sooner than necessary.
Here at Delux Blinds, we want your investment to go the distance. This guide covers the best cleaning and maintenance practices for every major blind type.
General Maintenance Rules for All Blinds
Before diving into specific types, a few universal tips apply across the board:
- Dust regularly — at least once a fortnight to prevent build-up that becomes harder to remove over time
- Never yank cords or rails — operate blinds gently to avoid damaging mechanisms
- Keep moisture away from fabric blinds unless they are rated for wet areas
- Check hardware annually — tighten any loose brackets, replace worn cords, and lubricate tracks if needed
Roller Blinds
Roller blinds are among the easiest to maintain. Their smooth fabric surface resists dust better than louvred alternatives.
Routine care:
Use a soft brush attachment on your vacuum to remove dust run it lightly along the rolled fabric surface
For spot cleaning, use a mild detergent with a damp cloth and blot (don’t rub) stains gently
Allow the fabric to dry completely before rolling up to prevent mildew
What to avoid:
Do not immerse roller blinds in water this can warp the roller tube and damage the fabric
Avoid harsh chemical cleaners, which can fade or break down fabric fibres
Keep sunscreen roller fabrics dry wiping with a lightly damp cloth is sufficient
Venetian Blinds (Aluminium & Timber)
Venetian blinds have the most surface area to clean because every individual slat collects dust. A consistent routine makes this much more manageable.
Aluminium venetians:
Wipe each slat with a microfibre cloth or blind duster while the blind is closed
For a deeper clean, remove the blind and lay flat; wipe slats with a damp soapy cloth, rinse, and allow to air dry fully
For very grimy blinds, soaking in a bathtub with mild detergent works well just rinse thoroughly and dry before reinstalling
Timber venetians:
Never use water or wet cleaning methods moisture causes timber to warp and crack
Dust regularly with a dry microfibre cloth or soft duster
Use a timber-safe furniture polish once or twice a year to condition and protect the slats
Vertical Blinds
Vertical louvres collect dust along their edges and can develop staining at the bottom over time.
Fabric louvres:
Vacuum with a brush attachment while the louvres are closed
For stains, spot clean with a mild fabric cleaner and a soft cloth dab, never scrub
Most fabric louvres can be unclipped and hand-washed in lukewarm water; lay flat to dry to prevent distortion
PVC louvres:
Wipe down with a damp cloth and mild household cleaner
PVC can be washed in the bathtub or shower they’re water-safe and dry quickly
Plantation Shutters
Shutters are the most durable and easiest to maintain of all window coverings, which is one reason they’re worth the investment.
Routine care:
Dust louvres with a dry microfibre cloth or a dedicated shutter duster that cleans multiple louvres at once
Wipe down with a slightly damp cloth monthly. Shutters are far more resistant to moisture than fabric blinds
For painted timber shutters, use a clean cloth and avoid abrasive cleaners that could scuff the finish
Annual maintenance:
Check hinges and tighten any loose screws
Inspect the louvre tilt mechanism and lubricate with a small amount of silicone spray if it feels stiff
Roman Blinds
- Roman blinds have folded fabric that can trap dust in the pleats, so regular attention is important.
- Gently vacuum on a low setting using the brush attachment, working top to bottom
- Spot clean only do not attempt to machine wash unless the care label explicitly permits it
- For a full refresh, many Roman blinds can be professionally dry-cleaned — check your care label first
When to Call the Professionals
Some situations call for professional cleaning or servicing:
- Heavy mould or mildew on blinds in bathrooms or coastal properties
- Motor faults on motorised blinds do not attempt DIY repairs on motor units
- Broken cords or chain mechanisms these should be replaced by a professional for safety reasons
- Contact Delux Blinds for servicing, spare parts, or to discuss a replacement if your blinds are beyond cleaning.
Helpful Resources
- ACCC Blind & Curtain Cord Safety
- Choice Australia — Blind Buying Guide
- Clean Authority — How to Clean Every Type of Blind
Delux Blinds — Quality blinds, shutters, and curtains with professional installation across Australia. Explore our range →
