Let’s face it — blinds aren’t the most exciting thing to clean, but they are one of the first things people notice when they’re dusty, stained, or broken. And while cleaning them seems straightforward, it’s surprisingly easy to do more harm than good.
From warping wood to ruining fabric, here are the top 3 mistakes people make when cleaning blinds — including roller blinds — and how to avoid them like a pro.
Mistake #1: Using Too Much Water (Especially on Wood & Roller Blinds)
Why it’s a problem:
Too much water is the #1 enemy of wood and fabric. Real wood blinds can warp or crack, while roller blinds made of fabric or vinyl-backed materials can lose shape, bubble, or mildew if they stay damp too long.
How to avoid it:
- For wood blinds: Use a dry or lightly damp microfiber cloth. Avoid soaking.
- For roller blinds: Gently roll them down and wipe with a damp cloth using mild soap. Then dry completely before rolling back up.
- Never submerge blinds in water unless they’re aluminum or PVC and labeled washable.
Pro Tip: When in doubt, treat blinds like delicate clothing — spot clean, pat dry, and never wring out or oversaturate.
Mistake #2: Skipping the Dust Before Wet Cleaning
Why it’s a problem:
If you apply water or cleaner to dusty blinds, you’re basically making mud. It smears, streaks, and makes the job harder — especially on textured roller blinds or layered materials.
How to avoid it:
- Always dust first!
- Use a microfiber cloth, duster, or vacuum with a brush attachment.
- Work top to bottom and both sides of the slats (or front/back on rollers).
- Don’t forget the top rail and the chain or cord system — they collect just as much dirt.
Pro Tip: Dust once a week and deep clean once a month to stay ahead of buildup.
Mistake #3: Using Harsh Chemicals or Abrasive Scrubbers
Why it’s a problem:
Bleach, ammonia, and heavy-duty cleaners can cause discoloration, fading, or deterioration — especially on fabric roller blinds, aluminum slats, and older materials. Scrubbers can scratch delicate surfaces.
How to avoid it:
- Use mild dish soap diluted in warm water. That’s it.
- Always test any cleaning solution on a small, hidden spot first.
- Avoid rough sponges or brushes — stick with soft cloths or non-scratch pads.
Pro Tip for Roller Blinds: Use a lint roller to gently remove surface dirt and dust before spot cleaning — it’s quick, easy, and surprisingly effective.
Bonus Tips for Cleaning Roller Blinds
Since roller blinds work differently from slatted types, here are a few specific care tips:
- Remove stains immediately to prevent them from setting.
- Always let them dry completely before rolling them back up to avoid mildew.
- For deep cleaning, you can remove the blind from its brackets and lay it flat — just be sure to support it properly to prevent creasing.
Final Thoughts
Blinds might not be glamorous, but clean blinds make a huge difference in how fresh and put-together your space looks. Avoiding these three common mistakes — using too much water, skipping the dusting, and going too hard with harsh products — will keep your blinds in top shape longer.
And yes, that includes your roller blinds too!
For professional cleaning, you can trust Jim’s Blind Cleaning & Repairs to thoroughly clean your blinds.
Because when your blinds look good, your whole room feels cleaner. ✨
