How to care for your Roman blind

By Ana Zuravliova

Trend Specialist at Blinds Direct

Mon 7 Oct 2019

Last updated Tue 14 Apr 2026

Roman blinds are a timeless window furnishing that add a wealth of sophistication and style to any room in the home. Their combination of classic design and utility make them a popular choice for homeowners looking to boost both the aesthetic appeal and functionality of their home. But are Roman blinds easy to clean? With the right care, they can stay looking as beautiful as the day you fitted them. Here’s how!

Which fabric is best for Roman blinds?

Roman blinds are available in various fabrics, with different weights and textures that will create a different look. Light materials, such as silk, faux silk and taffeta, will create smooth folds, showcasing the delicate sheen of the fabric. Medium-weight fabrics, such as cotton, linen and similar synthetic blends, are perhaps the best choice for a Roman blind. This is because they are available in a wide choice of colours and prints, so you can select the perfect blind for your space. These medium fabrics also lend very well to the Roman blind mechanism, creating crisp folds that always look neat and tidy.

Heavier fabrics, such as wool, velvet, suede and chenille, may also be used for Roman blinds. Their texture and weight will create a full, luxurious look in your window, as well as performing brilliantly in particularly cold or draughty spaces.

Roman blinds are a timeless window furnishing that bring sophistication and warmth to any room. Their combination of classic design and utility means that, with proper care, they can continue to look elegant and function beautifully for years.

How do I hang and dress my Roman blind properly?

It’s important to hang and dress your Roman blind properly to achieve the best finish. Take your blind out of its packaging and turn over to check all strings are straight on the back. This will ensure your Roman blind raises and lowers properly.

You can now install your Roman blind. Once you have followed our installation instructions, raise your blind gradually with the chain, pausing as each pleat occurs naturally. Now fold along the pleat with your hands, defining the crease and making it more neat. Once your Roman blind is fully raised, place your hand gently inside the top pleat and ensure the fabric is flat inside. If your Roman blind has interlining, give the fabric a little shake to help it drop.

When operating your Roman blind, do so gently. Avoid tugging or pulling too hard on the cords or chains. Smooth, careful use will help preserve the mechanism and fabric for longer.

How to remove Roman blinds for washing 

If your blinds need a deeper clean or professional washing, it helps to know how to remove them for washing safely. Start by fully raising the blind so the folds sit neatly, then detach it from the headrail or mounting brackets following the manufacturer’s instructions. Lay the blind flat on a clean surface to prevent creasing, and remove any wooden dowels or rods if applicable. Once detached, you can either spot clean, hand wash suitable fabrics, or take the blind to a professional dry cleaner for a thorough clean.

How do I clean my Roman blind?

1. Check the fabric type.

Your approach to cleaning Roman blinds will depend on the type of fabric. All fabric comes with different advice for cleaning, and if you are ever unsure, you should seek advice from a professional dry cleaner. Most of the time, to keep your Roman blind looking and functioning well, it will require regular light cleaning.

2. Dust and dirt removal:

To remove dust and dirt, use the soft brush attachment and lowest setting on your vacuum cleaner. Open your Roman blind fully and brush the front gently from top to bottom, concentrating on the edges of the fabric, which tend to collect more dust. 

Do not vacuum the back of your Roman blind as cords may become tangled.

3. Stain removal:

Roman blinds are constructed from soft fabrics, which means stains can be difficult to remove. Do not use stain removers on the fabric as you may notice discolouration. Instead, try baby wipes, which are very effective at removing stains. If your Roman blind is made from silk or faux silk, you should not attempt to clean it at all – instead, speak to a professional.

4. General upkeep:

For general upkeep, regular dusting is key. Use a soft brush or a clean, dry cloth to lift dust and debris from the folds. For accidental marks, act quickly. Blot stains gently instead of rubbing, as this prevents the fibres from fraying or discolouring. Avoid harsh chemical cleaners, bleach, or strong solvents, as these can damage both the texture and colour of your fabric. When in doubt, stick to gentle spot cleaning methods or consult a professional.

Can you wash Roman blinds?

In most cases, Roman blinds should not be machine washed. Instead, follow the steps above or seek help from a professional cleaner. If your blinds are made from silk or faux silk, never wash them, dry clean only.

A light mist of fabric-safe freshener can also help keep your blinds smelling pleasant between deeper cleans. Just be sure not to soak the material. A fine mist is all that’s needed.

How do I maintain the Roman blind cord/chain and mechanism?

Grubby or stained blind cords/chains can be cleaned with baby wipes. For the mechanism, try a simple silicone spray and soft cloth, which will remove dirt and prevent squeaking or stiffness.

To ensure long-term performance, raise and lower your blind fully every so often. This keeps the cords evenly tensioned and helps the fabric fold correctly over time.

Can I install a Roman blind in my bathroom or kitchen?

Generally, Roman blinds are not suitable for rooms that experience high levels of moisture and humidity, such as bathrooms, utility rooms and kitchens. This is because they aren’t made from wipe clean or moisture resistant fabrics.

However, in some cases, Roman blinds can be a good option. From a practical perspective, choose fabrics that are not susceptible to mould. Be sure to install far forward in the recess, so the blind fabric does not touch any glass or tiles. When it comes to the look of your blind, consider a patterned fabric that is less likely to show up splash marks and stains. Cotton and polyester blends may be the best choice, as there are plenty of colours and prints available, as well as being more durable.

Why choose Roman blinds from Blinds Direct?

Like all the items in our impressive range, a hand made Roman blind from Blinds Direct is made to your exact specifications by our talented team of crafts people. From our state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, you new Roman blind will fit your window perfectly and is guaranteed for five years!

Moreover, our Roman Blinds are very easy to measure for, and fit. You can learn all you need to know in our handy measurement guides and installation guides.

You may not know this, but West Yorkshire has a rich history of manufacturing and using fabrics to create some truly beautiful window furnishings. We have built upon this heritage and only create Roman blinds to the highest standards and from the highest quality materials from around the world. You can learn more about Roman blinds in our Roman blinds buyers guide

Caring for and cleaning Roman blinds is a simple yet essential aspect of maintaining their elegance and functionality. By adding these tips on how to clean Roman blinds into your regular cleaning routine and handling your blinds with care, you can enjoy their timeless beauty for years to come. Whether you’re a seasoned homeowner or a first-time blinds enthusiast, a little attention to maintenance can go a long way in preserving the charm of your window dressings.

---

Other posts you may be interested in:

---