How Do I Properly Wash Roman Shades?

Do your Roman shades accumulate layers of dirt, smoke, and stains over time and mere dusting or vacuuming isn’t enough to keep them clean? Don’t worry – washing your Roman shades is easy and inexpensive, and even free, if you are a DIYer! You can even wash them while hanging!

There are quick, effective methods to properly remove tough stains and dirty patches from your Roman window coverings, such as hand wash, machine wash, & dry cleaning.

If your home is located in a region frequented by dust storms, or you have installed them in a nursery where kids love to wipe their hands with Roman shades fabric after eating chocolate, you’ll need to have things ready to clean them.

Unlike faux wood and aluminum blinds that have smooth, dust-repellent slats, Roman shades have rough porous surfaces which tend to catch dirt particles, pollen, and water droplets, like a magnet. Moreover, modern Roman shades come in various fold styles (such as Soft Fold, Flat Fold, Plain Classic Fold, European Relaxed Fold and Front Slat Fold) which collect dust and stains and require regular cleaning and often washing to maintain their appearance.

Scroll on to learn more about how to wash Roman shades properly, using different methods with their pros and cons.

Caution

• Before you consider washing your Roman shades, do ask your blinds manufacturer if the fabric is washable. If they give a green signal, select one of the suitable and convenient methods listed in this post.
• When washing your fabric window coverings, avoid using harsh chemicals, as they discolor the fabric.

Prevention is Better Than Cure – How to Keep Roman Shades from Getting Dirty or Stained

• Don’t install them on windows facing dusty streets, or line their back with a dust cover like a polyethylene sheet.
• If your windows are exposed to lots of rain and sun, consider installing the Roman shades on the interior, so window panes will act as weathershield.
• Install them on windows that are hard to reach for your kids, so they won’t wipe their hands and faces with them.
• Dust them regularly with a microfiber cloth or keep vacuuming them weekly while hanging on the windows.
• Consider spot cleaning small stains to prevent them from spreading to a wider area.

5 Effective Methods to Properly Clean Your Dirty, Stained Roman Shades

1. Hand Wash – An Inexpensive DIY Method to Clean Roman Shades

• Step 1: Fill a tub with, add a mild detergent, and still it vigorously before soaking the fabric.
• Step 2: Submerge the blinds (only fabric) and keep them submerged for 5 to 7 minutes, so that the dirt and stains will get loosened.
• Step 3: Gently agitate the fabric with your hands and then rinse it thoroughly.
• Step 4: Rewash the fabric in clean water to remove detergent.
• Step 5: Hang the blinds on a clothesline to air dry them, avoid direct sun to prevent fading.
• Step 6: Iron the fabric to remove wrinkles, flatten the fabric, and kill germs.

Caution

• Avoid wetting metallic or other components prone to rusting.
• If your Roman blinds are motorized, remove electronic components such as motors, before dabbling the fabric in water.
• Only use a dryer if the care label specifies that it is safe.

Pros

• Safe and thorough method of deep cleaning, without costing you a penny!
• Safer for delicate fabrics like velvet and silk.
• Effective in removing deeper-set dust and dirt.

Cons

• Risk of fabric shrinkage and uneven colors.
• Fabric will become wrinkled and will need ironing to smoothen.

2. Machine Wash – A Quicker, More Effective (and a Little Expensive!) Method

• Step 1: If your Roman shades are labelled as machine-washable, remove all hardware like cords and motorization components.
• Step 2: Wash the fabric in the machine using a gentle, cold-water cycle with a mild detergent.
• Step 3: Wring out and air dry the blinds, or use a dryer (if recommended).

Pros

• Fast, time-efficient method to wash Roman shades
• Can revive and freshen the material’s look and feel
• Machine washing makes deep cleaning easier

Cons

• Rarely suitable or recommended method for cleaning Roman shades
• May cause the fabric to shrink, fade, or mishappen

3. Spot Cleaning – a Short-Cut, Low-Moisture Method to Remove Stains

• Step 1: Properly dust the blinds prior to starting spot cleaning.
• Step 2: Blot the stained part of the fabric with a microfiber cloth damped in a solution of lukewarm water and mild soap.
• Step 3: Blot dry excess moisture using a dry cloth or towel.
• Step 4: Smooth out wrinkles by using a steamer from a distance.

Caution

Avoid saturation of the fabric.

Pros

• Minimum water consumption – you’ll only need a bucket of water.
• This method allows you to clean the shades while they are hanging on the window.

Cons

• You can only spot clean the fabric with gentle detergent & warm water if the product tag allows.
• Ineffective on greasy or oil-based stains.

Expert Advice

• Avoid rubbing the fabric, as it can spread the stain, or embed the pigment deeper into the fabric, permanently impacting the fabric color and quality.
• To remove fresh spills, use club soda. For tougher, older stains, we highly recommend a mixture of water and white vinegar.

4. Dry Cleaning – A Wrinkle-free Fabric-Friendly Method to Wash Roman Shades

• Step 1: Remove surface dust using vacuum cleaner.
• Step 2: Rub alcohol or other dry-cleaning solvent (recommended by the seller) to remove stubborn dust and light grime.
• Step 3: Act promptly to absorb the solvent along with dissolved pigments (from the stain) before it evaporates.

Pros

• Unlike wet cleaning, dry cleaning won’t damage the fabric.
• Prevents fabric wrinkling, distortion, and deterioration.
• Consumes much less time compared to washing.

Cons

• High cleaning cost, as it involves expensive dry-cleaning solvents.
• Inconvenient – will require you to take the blinds to a professional dry cleaning service provider.

Caution

Use a fully wrung-out cloth and water to prevent water marks from forming on the fabric.

5. Too Busy to Wash Your Roman Shades Yourself? – Ask a Professional Launderer to Do the Job

Pros 

• Superior and safer deep cleaning than DIY methods.
• Save time, while also preserving the freshness, longevity, and functionality (privacy, light control, energy efficiency) of Roman shades.
• Remove the toughest stains and built-up grime.

Cons

• A high-cost method of cleaning roman shades
• Requires taking your blinds to a professional cleaning service provider

FAQs

How to clean Roman blinds while hanging?

• Step 1: Completely lower the fabric even if it extends down to the floor.
• Step 2: In the first phase of cleaning, dust the fabric using a soft cloth.
• Step 3: In the second phase, thoroughly vacuum the fabric to remove dust particles and debris locked deeper in the fabric weave.
• Step 4: Wipe the entire blinds with a clean, damp cloth, working from the very top to the very bottom.
• Step 5: Put the shade back to work.

Can Roman blinds be washed in a washing machine?

It depends on the type of fabric. For example, some durable cotton, linen, and polyblend Roman shades can be machine-washed in cold water with a delicate cycle. On the other hand, machine-washing is typically not recommended for silky and woolen Roman shades.

What is the downside to Roman shades?

• Due to porous fabric construction, Roman shades trap dust and dirt, resulting in difficulty in cleaning and higher maintenance costs.
• Limited light control precision, compared to slatted faux wood blinds and blackout roller shades.
• Unsuitable for high-humidity areas, such as kitchen windows above the sink, requiring frequent dry-cleaning.
• Susceptible to mold in bathroom or windows exposed to rain.
• High upfront cost compared to roller blinds, cellular shades, and mini blinds, due to intricate construction.

Need More Help?

Need more expert-backed DIY tips on how to properly wash Roman shades? We’re ready to assist and invite you to 24/7 live chat. Or contact us at (800) 863-6109, or customerservice@affordableblinds.com for further assistance.