Roller blinds: what to wash and how to wash at home

Know the characteristics

Special technologies are used in the production of roller blinds. The starting material is dense fabric with varying levels of light absorption. More often it is polyester with the inclusion of cotton, silk, linen thread. The fabric undergoes several treatments using special impregnations.

Impregnation components include Teflon, antistatic agents, and acrylic. A reflective layer and aluminum coating are applied. As a result, the curtains are stable in operation, do not deform, do not wrinkle, and acquire super qualities:

• increased density;
• moisture resistance;
• color stability;
• non-flammability;
• light reflection,
• dust- and dirt-repellent properties.

It is easy to care for roller blinds: use a dry/wet sponge.

For heavy soiling, use a full wash in warm water.

Carrying out cleaning with a vacuum cleaner

Almost all vacuum cleaners are equipped with attachments in the form of soft brushes. It is with their help that roller blinds are cared for. If they are not very dirty, then it is enough to clean the canvas weekly while putting things in order in the apartment. When processing, care must be taken so that the fabric does not break. It is almost impossible to correct such a defect.

It is more difficult to clean sun protection devices that are installed in rooms with high humidity and grease fumes. In bathrooms, dining rooms and kitchens, roller blinds get dirty much more intensely. In addition, a layer of organic deposits forms on them, which cannot be removed with a stream of air. This problem can be solved using a washing vacuum cleaner.

The sequence of actions in such cases is as follows:

1. Purchase fabric washing liquid with antistatic impregnation from a specialized store. Fuel the washing vacuum cleaner as recommended in the instructions for household appliances and detergent.
2. Place the roller blinds in the rolled out position. Fix the canvas firmly so that it is taut during processing.
3. Remove dust and other contaminants using a dry method. This must be done delicately so as not to damage the fabric. Adhered fragments are moistened with the purchased detergent.
4. Turn on the pump on the washing vacuum cleaner and apply the solution to the entire surface of the canvas. Wait a while for the detergent to react with grease and other deposits. This may take 3-5 minutes.
5. Carefully collect liquid from the surface of the curtains. Check the quality of the achieved result. If necessary, repeat the procedure.
6. Dry the curtain material well. If they are collected in a wet state, there is a high probability of mold formation.

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If there is a lot of unused liquid left in the vacuum cleaner container, then there is no need to rush to pour it down the drain. The cleaning solution can be used to clean glass kitchen windows. These surfaces also suffer from steam and grease deposits.

It is advisable to remember that when cleaning curtains with a vacuum cleaner, you do not need to set the maximum suction power. A vacuum can deform the fabric, which can lead to bulges and distortions.

Clean roller blinds: 2 ways

Roller blinds will retain their original appearance for many years if they are properly cared for. I know two ways to wash roller blinds.

Method 1. Processing without removing the canvas

Conducted as necessary, at least twice a year. How to clean roller blinds:

It is not recommended to use a steam cleaner for roller blinds. Steam has a negative effect on the coating. The fabric loses its unique qualities.

Method 2. Wet processing with dismantling

Sometimes dirt appears that cannot be removed with a damp sponge - dry cleaning or washing is necessary. Don't rush to buy new curtains and spend money on dry cleaning. I'll tell you how to wash roller blinds at home.

First dismantling. Having an understanding of the design, you can remove the roller blind without any problems. The mechanism consists of mounting brackets that hold a bobbin of fabric, gears and a drive chain.

There are two types of roller blinds: closed and open.

How to dismantle a closed system:

• roll the fabric onto a bobbin;
• remove the decorative cover on the bracket (see points 1 and 2);
• unscrew the fastening bolts (see point 5);
• remove the roll with the roller shutter (see point 11).

The image shows how to remove roller blinds with a packet reel.
Photo: www.stroy-podskazka.ru There are no difficulties with an open canvas:

• you don't need a screwdriver - here the roll is held in place by a spring mechanism;
• take the rolled roller shutter in your hand, pressing slightly, move it to the side;
• Having felt the spring move and the release of the holding device, pull down - the curtain is removed.

The installation diagram shows how to insert/remove the open reel. Photo: vostok-dekor.ru

Cleaning methods

In addition to washing, there are other ways to clean roller shutters, namely:

1. Dry cleaning.
2. Wet processing.
3. Dry cleaning.

See the manufacturers' recommendations on which method is suitable for your roller blinds.

Dry cleaning

Some types of rolls cannot be washed; they can only be dry cleaned. This can be done in two ways:

• vacuum. Pre-attach a fabric cover to the vacuum cleaner nozzle so that the exciting air flow does not damage the material;
• Wipe the fabric of the roll with a slightly damp, loose cloth or sponge without strong pressure. This cleaning is easy and effective, since the dust lies on the surface of the material due to its impregnation.

It is recommended to carry out dry cleaning once every two weeks, and using a vacuum cleaner once every two to three months is enough.

Wet processing

Wet cleaning of roller shutters is possible if there are no restrictions on washing in the instructions for use.

With this procedure, the rolls remain hanging on the window. Immediately you need to stock up on loose napkins:

1. We soak one in a solution with a liquid gentle agent, and gently wipe the surface of the roll.
2. Use a second clean, damp cloth to remove soap traces.
3. Third, we absorb all the moisture.

Wet treatment is recommended once every six months.

On the Internet you can find harmful advice - to clean roller blinds with steam. This is absolutely not allowed! Hot, humid air changes the properties of the fabric and disrupts the polymer protective impregnation.

Dry cleaning

There are types of roller blinds that require dry cleaning only. Also, if you don’t want to wash or clean the rolls yourself or are simply afraid of ruining the curtains, then take them to the dry cleaner. Our specialists will thoroughly clean the curtains, remove stains and return the roller blinds to their original appearance.

This is a qualified cleaning method, but quite expensive.

Trust dry cleaning of roller shutters only to well-established organizations.

Washing roller blinds: instructions

I offer a table that describes step by step how to wash curtains:

Washed roller blinds cannot be hung to dry on a rope or thin slats - the fabric will crease. It is better to clean roller blinds using a soap solution in the bathroom. Rinse in the shower - there will be no streaks.

How should you dry curtains?

Properly washing a roller blind is only half the battle. It still needs to be dried so that the canvas retains its original smoothness and geometry.

When drying washed fabrics, you must adhere to the following rules:

1. It is better to lay the curtain, from which most of the moisture has been removed, on a flat surface until completely dry. You can draw water out of fabric if you place dense natural material under it.
2. Hang the canvas on a flat and stable base. A slight draft or light wind is allowed. However, you should be careful: strong air currents lead to twisting and stretching of the fabric.
3. If creases have formed during use, you can get rid of them using an iron. The material should be ironed at low temperature through damp gauze. This should be done from the wrong side so as not to damage the pattern on the curtain.

Do not dry the product at high temperatures! This may cause the canvas to warp and lose its shape. Drying roller blinds on heating radiators is strictly prohibited. Their protrusions leave marks on the fabric that are impossible to get rid of.

Know and follow the operating rules: 7 points

Proper care and careful handling extends the service life of roller blinds to 10–15 years. An impeccable appearance is guaranteed if 7 basic rules are observed:

10-15 years

service life of roller blinds with proper care

1. Place the curtain away from open fire , heat generators and electric convectors with directional action.
2. Use the mechanism carefully . Hasty jerks when twisting lead to creases in the fabric, which are difficult to eliminate.
3. Roller fabric does not react well to excessive humidity . Do not install in bathrooms.
4. Soot and grease deposits that form in the kitchen quickly dirty the curtains. Rolling the linen into a roll while cooking helps avoid frequent washing.
5. Carry out wet cleaning/washing only when absolutely necessary . Frequent washing destroys the impregnation layer. After 3–5 washes, the fabric loses its protective properties by 50%.
6. Lubricate the mechanism with silicone grease at least twice a year . This will ensure smooth operation of the mechanism and eliminate the formation of distortions/jams during winding of the roller blinds.
7. Ventilate with the curtain down several times a month . This technique allows you to get rid of odors and dust accumulation.

Method 5 – dry cleaning

If none of the methods for cleaning such curtains helped you deal with dirt on them, you should stop. Under no circumstances should you try to wash such products in an automatic machine, even if your samples are made of ordinary fabric - most likely you will only ruin them. Also, you should not experiment with various detergents, especially those that contain bleaches - they can seriously damage the material.

All that can be done in this case is to remove the items, roll them up and send them to the dry cleaner. Local experts will be able to cope with even the most severe stains using a variety of special dry or wet cleaning products. In just a few days they will be able to return your curtains to you in perfect condition.

Questions about caring for roller blinds

When using roller blinds, problems sometimes arise and questions arise. For example:

Preparing for washing

First you need to find out whether roller blinds can be washed, since most manufacturers recommend dry cleaning only for care. The fact is that to protect the material from dust and dirt, it is impregnated with various compounds. Most of these coatings are extremely vulnerable to water, so they are easily washed off.

Once you are sure that washing will not harm the panels, you can begin to work. But first they must be dismantled. There is no difficulty in how to remove roller blinds for washing. The operation will take just a few minutes:

1. Completely roll up the cloth by wrapping it around a roller.
2. Unfasten the chain, weights, and plastic plugs.
3. Remove the bracket and box (if installed).
4. Carefully remove the roller with the cloth wound on it.

For more details on the process of dismantling roller blinds, watch the video

Remember

1. Avoid frequent washing. The less frequently you wash your roller blinds, the longer they will last. Try to use dry and wet processing.
2. Follow the operating instructions . Carefully roll the fabric to avoid creases/kinks, clean it from dust, and take care of the mechanism.

We looked at the main points of caring for roller blinds. Now you know how to wash roller blinds at home. This process requires caution and correct actions. In the comments, share your experience in washing roller blinds.

Dry cleaning

Although dust hardly penetrates between the fibers of the fabric, it regularly settles on its surface. You can keep your curtains in order by mechanically cleaning them without using detergents. It can be done in different ways, namely:

• Regular ventilation will significantly reduce the amount of settled dust. At the same time, fresh air will not only blow away dust particles, but will also not allow unpleasant odors to penetrate into the fabric.
• Wipe the unfolded roller shutter with a soft cloth. For these purposes, both a special microfiber cloth and an old terry sock are suitable.
• Once every 2 weeks, it is advisable to clean the surface of the curtain with a foam sponge soaked in warm water and then well wrung out. After washing, the curtain is immediately wiped with a dry cotton cloth, waited until completely dry, and only then rolled up.
• Cleaning with a vacuum cleaner protects roller blinds from significant contamination for a long time. Since you will have to deal with delicate material, you need to take precautions during cleaning.

Only use the attachment for cleaning upholstered furniture with surfaces covered with fluffy fabric. A hard carpet brush will scratch the fabric. If a special nozzle is not included in the kit, put an old terry sock directly on the pipe and secure it with an elastic band.

Some modern vacuum cleaners, for example: LG, are equipped with special attachments for cleaning curtains. Instead of bristles, they have a built-in plastic plate with semicircular protrusions that remove dust thanks to vibration.

During processing, you must turn on the device at minimum power. If it is impossible to adjust it, it is better to refuse automatic cleaning. Too much airflow will pull the fabric into the pipe and cause it to wrinkle.

It is necessary to clean not only the woven surface, but also the mechanism from dust. If this is not done, over time it will begin to jam or make an unpleasant squeak while the blade moves. In addition, once a year it is recommended to apply silicone grease for plastic and rubber products.

Removing stains

Removing stubborn stains not only takes more time, many traces remain visible even after using more than one remedy against them. Therefore, stains should be removed immediately.

To prevent the appearance of various types of dirt in the nursery or kitchen, simply lift the bottom edge of the canvas to the required distance from the floor.

How to clean roller blinds at home:

1. Cleaning roller blinds with an eraser: take a regular office eraser and gently rub the dirty area. Fast and efficient.
2. Stain removers can be used. In a household chemicals store, ask which one is better, not forgetting to mention what stain formed on the canvas. Use stain removers on an inconspicuous area first.
3. Laundry soap works well in removing stains from greasy foods. Remove the roller blinds, wet the stained area and rub well with 72% soap. Wait 5 minutes and remove the foam with a damp cloth.
4. Use dish detergent. It is effective on coffee, berry and grease stains. Apply a little product to the stain, lather and leave to work. After 10 minutes, remove everything with a damp cloth. Dishwashing detergent can be used an unlimited number of times; it does not contain aggressive components.
5. Fresh greasy marks can be removed with toothpaste, but not whitening. Also used for such purposes are soda, salt, potato starch or flour. The bulk substances will absorb the grease, and the roller blinds will become as clean as before.
6. Berries and wine are excellent for removing roller stain removers. These DR tools are considered the best in this area. BECKMANN or RAUN-HEITMANN Gallseife flecken-roller. Their formulation is unique, thanks to which they are able to remove stains of any kind, and not just stains from wine and berries. Roller stain removers do an excellent job of removing stains from coffee, blood, vegetable oil and grease.
7. Ammonia is effective for removing grease stains. It can be diluted with water or used in its pure form, it all depends on the freshness of the stain and the volume. Cleaning must be done with rubber gloves.
8. Red wine and blood are great for removing hydrogen peroxide. How to wash roller blinds: apply peroxide to the contaminated area using a cotton swab or cotton pad. After a few minutes, remove the residue with a damp cloth. Remember that hydrogen peroxide bleaches, which means it cannot be used on colored or black roller blinds.

You can clean the canvas from dirt in different ways. Choose the right product and follow the recommendations.

Any folk remedy must be tested on an inconspicuous area.

If you are unable to clean the roller blinds yourself, use the services of a cleaning company. Now you can not only take the linen to the dry cleaner yourself, but also call a specialist to your home.

Video: Dismantling roller blinds [Watching time ~ 3 minutes]

Ready! Once the roller blinds have been removed, you can begin wet cleaning. You will need to choose a detergent.

From store-bought products, a simple universal cleaning product that does not contain chlorine is suitable for this task.

Universal cleaning products are suitable for washing roller blinds: “Stork”, GraSS Floor wash strong, PROSEPT Universal spray

If you don’t have time to look in stores, other means will help wash the product:

• Mild soap solution. It is better to take a detergent without fragrances or cream additives, as they leave streaks and stains.
• A weak solution of dish soap. It is recommended to dilute in a ratio of 2:100. The composition will cope well with washing and at the same time remove oily stains.
• Gel concentrate for linen. It must be selected in accordance with the color of the material (for white or colored).
• Washing powder. Not the best option, but sometimes acceptable. Moreover, it is better to take one with a gentle effect: for children's things or without containing sulfates. It must be diluted in a separate container, and when all the grains have dissolved, pour the solution into water.

The main secret of how to safely wash roller blinds: the detergent should not contain abrasives, acetone, chlorine, alcohol, strong concentrations of surfactants, etc.

How to return the curtain to its original place?

After washing, the fabric must be returned to its place. This is quite easy to do. To hang a curtain on a window, you need to perform the steps in the reverse order that were performed in the process of removing the fabric:

1. the material must be secured to the roller;
2. install the shaft on the cornice;
3. insert plugs and protective strip;
4. Insert a weighting agent into the lower part of the material and check the functionality of the mechanism.

Sources

• https://oshtorah.ru/uhod/pochistit-pomyt-postirat-rulonnye-shtory.html
• https://vsemkarniz.ru/useful/kak-stirat-rolshtory.html
• https://poleznii-site.ru/dom/byt/kak-postirat-rulonnye-shtory-v-domashnih-usloviyah.html
• https://ProTkan.com/uhod/kak-stirat-rulonnye-shtory.html
• https://domovodstvo.pro/uyutnyj-dom/kak-stirat-rulonnye-shtory/
• https://LadyPlace.ru/home/poleznye-sovety/uxod-za-rulonnymi-shtorami.html