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How to Clean Curtain & Blind Fabrics

An image of a white curtains, a bench, and a pair of shoes.

Intro to Cleaning Curtain and Blind

Cleaning curtain and blind fabrics requires two steps. The first is to regularly maintain your fabrics to increase their lifespan. The second step is to follow the Trivantage general cleaning and care instructions for curtain and blind fabrics.

At Trivantage, we only sell high-performance, long-lasting upholstery fabrics designed to retain their brilliance and hue for the long haul. In most cases, our fabric cleaning tips can be accomplished at home (DIY) without a dry cleaner or professional cleaning service - which is excellent for upholsters, manufacturers, and end-users.

Continue reading to learn the best cleaning methods and care instructions for Trivantage's curtain and blind fabrics.

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General Maintenance

indoor stripped curtains blinds
An image of indoor stripped curtains blinds.

Maintaining clean curtains and blinds requires periodic maintenance. Generally, the longer you wait to dust, vacuum, and clean your fabric curtains, the more difficult it will be. Listed below are a few general do’s and don’ts for cleaning your high-performance curtains at home, the easy way:

  • Perform regular cleanings
    • Even if a home is otherwise spotless, neglecting to clean fabric blinds and curtains regularly can lead to mildew growth, grime, and significant damage. Some of the best cleaning methods include hosing them down with clean water on a hot and sunny day, using mild soap (i.e., dish soap) with a soft brush or cloth to wipe them down, and vacuum-cleaning both sides of the fabric, etc.
  • Follow manufacturer instructions
  • Keep your curtains and blinds safe
    • It’s recommended that you keep all shrubbery, vines, large house plants, and the like away from your curtains and blinds. Otherwise, you risk acidic properties seeping into your fabric and leaving stains. The same applies to rusted curtain rods, window coverings, frames, and dirty curtain holdbacks.
  • Refrain from using harsh products on your curtains
    • On most fabrics, avoid abrasive products like insect repellant and household cleaning products (i.e., bleach) that can impair the fabric’s water repellent properties and cause staining. Performance fabrics from brands like Sunbrella or Phifertex, on the other hand, are engineered to allow for cleaning with diluted bleach solutions. Be sure to review all manufacturer-provided recommendations for cleaning before getting started.
  • Handle your curtain and blind fabrics with care
    • Avoid dragging your curtains over harsh surfaces like concrete, asphalt, untreated wood surfaces, etc. Further, avoid yanking or firmly pulling your curtains. Lastly, don’t cook food or have an open flame near your curtains as this is a safety hazard and can result in stained fabric.
  • Make repairs quickly
    • Suppose you notice a small rip, tear, or puncture in your curtains. In that case, we recommend repairing the problem as soon as possible. Otherwise, your curtains and blinds may be vulnerable to more damage.
  • How to Clean Curtain & Blind Fabrics

    the bottom section of indoor stripped curtains blinds
    An image of the bottom section of indoor stripped curtains blinds.

    Now that you have an understanding of general cleaning and maintenance instructions for your high-performance blind and curtain fabrics, you’re ready for more in-depth directions.

    Listed below are specific cleaning instructions for different types of fabric curtains and blinds.

  • Pleated Fabric Shades
    • Place pleated fabric shades on a clean flat surface. Softly vacuum clean both sides along the pleat. Use a recommended fabric cleaning solution to spot clean (gently rub the dirty area with a damp cloth without wrinkling the fabric). Blot the pleated shades with a dry microfiber cloth until mostly dry. Hang them back up when completely dry.
  • Honeycomb Fabric Shades
    • Use a feather duster or gently vacuum with the upholstery brush attachment. Remove dust inside the cells with a hair dryer on its lowest (cool air) setting—clean cellular shades with a cloth or sponge, mild soap, and warm water. Gently blot until dried.
  • Roman Shades
    • Remove dirt particles with a feather duster or vacuum cleaner. Remove all dowels. You can leave the strings attached or remove them, depending on your preference. Follow the care instructions for the specific fabric. Be sure to hang roman shades so they can air dry. Use a steamer to get rid of wrinkles, if necessary.
  • Fabric Vertical Blinds
    • Use the upholstery attachment on the vacuum cleaner to clean both sides from top to bottom gently. You can spot clean fabric blinds by placing them on a flat, clean surface. Then, gently use a cloth and recommended fabric cleaner (or mild detergent) to clean the soiled area.
  • Fabric Horizonal Blinds
    • Regularly vacuum both sides of the fabric horizontal blinds with the upholstery brush attachment. Use a soft cloth, sponge, or brush with the appropriate cleaning solutions to spot clean when necessary.
    • Generally, we don’t recommend putting our curtain or blind fabrics in the washing machine or taking them to a dry cleaner. If you’re unsure of the best cleaning methods, check out Trivantage’s recommended cleaning and protection products for high-performance fabrics.
  • How Do You Clean Polypropylene Fabric?

    outdoor setting area with white vertical blinds in window areas
    An image of outdoor setting area with white vertical blinds in window areas.

    Polypropylene fabric is often used to cut the effects of wind on sporting courts (i.e., tennis and baseball) and for trampolines. In some cases, they are also used for indoor and sunroom curtains. Cleaning polypropylene fabric is pretty simple:

    • Hose the fabric down with clean water. Blot dry (which is more time-consuming) or use a wet vac. Allow it to hang dry in the sun.
    • For spot cleaning, gently handwash with a cloth and mild soapy water (or recommended Trivantage cleaning solution).

    Window Treatment Fabric from Trivantage

    At Trivantage, we provide world-class upholsterers with best-in-class fabrics and materials. Whether your customers prefer curtain and blind fabric for outdoor or indoor use, we have what you need when you need it. Browse our selection of high-quality fabrics today.

    Disclaimer:

    The purpose of this guide is to give fabricators some general guidelines and product information.

    This guide should not be considered as the sole source of information on cleaning upholstery fabric. This guide is strictly informational.