Handwork, or how it is necessary to wash roller blinds so as not to spoil them

A stylish, modern, practical interior element is a roller blind. Durable, functional, easy to use, they help to create a special atmosphere of coziness and comfort in the room.

The positive properties of fabric roller shutters can be preserved only with proper care.

In this article we will tell you whether and how to wash roller blinds at home in a washing machine and by hand.

Is it possible in the washing machine?

One of the features of fabric roller shutters is the special processing of the fabric (made from linen, cotton or synthetic fabric). Impregnation with polymer compounds protects the canvas from rapid contamination (the fabric, without accumulating static electricity, repels dust and dirt particles), and also helps to maintain the brightness of color and shape.

Washing of fabric roller shutters is recommended when the fabric has already lost its original appearance, and stubborn stains have appeared on it.

Roller blinds can only be cleaned manually. Washing in a washing machine will permanently ruin the product..

Wet cleaning of roller blinds made of bamboo, rice paper is strictly prohibited. Only dry cleaning with a soft cloth is permitted for such products.

General rules for washing curtains can be found here.

How to clean properly at home?

In order for the fabric roller shutters to retain their original appearance after washing, you must clearly adhere to certain rules.

Dismantling

Depending on the design of fabric roller shutters, there are several ways to dismantle.

If the curtain is fixed on a spring bracket, first of all, remove the plugs on both sides of the mechanism, remove the screws, and move the cornice to the side.

After such manipulations, the canvas is easily removed from the pipe.

If the roller shutters are fixed on the adhesive tape, then the cornice is removed together with the tape. (gently pry on the underside with a knife blade). After dismantling, traces of the adhesive tape can be easily removed with alcohol.

Before starting washing, the dismantled fabric of roller blinds is carefully examined for complex, old stains. It is necessary to get rid of such dirt even before the start of the main wash. Otherwise, the stains will eat into the fabric, and only dry cleaning specialists can get rid of them.

Choosing a detergent

Roller blinds are washed with laundry soap, liquid detergent or washing powder. In order for the laundry soap to dissolve in water faster, it is pre-rubbed on a coarse grater.

It is also necessary to carefully study the composition of the washing powder.... For roller blinds, it is not recommended to use a powder with a bleaching effect. It is also worth giving up the hand wash powders (they are very difficult to rinse out).

The best option for washing fabric roller shutters is liquid gels. They have a gentle effect on the fabric, preserving its structure and color. It is forbidden to wash roller blinds with chlorine-containing compounds.

In addition to choosing the type of detergent, the concentration of soap solution (no more than 2-3%) is important for washing fabric roller shutters. A concentrated, saturated soap solution can cause streaks, discoloration and impregnation of the fabric.

Competent wash

Algorithm of actions:

1. In a bathtub with warm water and diluted detergent, gently lower the roller blind and wipe it with a soft sponge on both sides with gentle movements, without pressure.
2. The already washed part of the roller shutters is carefully rolled up.
3. A clean curtain is thoroughly rinsed with water (we use a shower). You can also use another method of rinsing: take a full bath with clean warm water, in which the roller blind is rinsed (intensively raising and lowering).

It is necessary to rinse the roller shutters until water without soap begins to drain from the canvas. Otherwise, after drying, whitish streaks may appear on the curtains.

Video instruction on what means to clean and wash the roller blind so as not to spoil:

How to wash without removing?

You can quickly clean roller blinds without removing the canvas. This reading can be done in several ways.

We use a washing vacuum cleaner:

• open the roller blind and remove dust from the canvas with a soft, dry cloth;
• we install on the pipe of the washing vacuum cleaner a special brush attachment for cleaning fabrics or smooth surfaces;
• with careful movements, from top to bottom, we process the roller shutter canvas with detergent supplied through the brush of the washing vacuum cleaner;
• three minutes after processing, carefully collect dirt particles.

We use wet wipes:

• the roller blind is deployed to the maximum;
• a microfiber napkin or a piece of soft natural fabric is moistened with water;
• with gentle movements, without pressure, wipe the fabric of the roller shutters;
• leave the curtain open until it dries completely.

Dry cleaning

Delicate dry cleaning will help preserve the original appearance of fabric roller shutters for as long as possible.

Dry cleaning can be done in several ways:

1. We use wet soft wipes... Everything is very simple: the roller shutters are unfolded to their full length and, with neat movements, from top to bottom, wiped with a damp soft cloth.

   This cleaning can be done once a week.

2. We use a vacuum cleaner... You can quickly clean the roller shutters from dust if you carefully walk on the unfolded canvas with a vacuum cleaner.

In order not to damage the curtain, a special attachment (cloth bag) is put on the vacuum cleaner brush. The suction power of the vacuum cleaner is set to a minimum. Dry cleaning with a vacuum cleaner is sufficient once or twice a month.

Do not clean roller blinds with coarse cloths. Otherwise, the integrity of the protective layer is violated.

How to dry?

In order for a roller blind to retain its original appearance after washing, it must be properly dried.

Basic drying rules:

1. Dry fabric roller shutters only in a horizontal position. It is forbidden to hang the canvas on a rope (creases are formed), fix it by a plastic tip, squeeze or twist.
2. Dry the roller blind only in a straightened form away from heat sources (batteries, gas heaters, air heaters). Ignoring this rule can cause deformation and discoloration of the canvas.

You can speed up the drying process by periodically blotting the canvas with soft cloths.

It is strictly forbidden to dry roller blinds rolled up. Ignoring this rule can cause an unpleasant musty smell.

What to do with tough spots?

The following tips will help you quickly remove stains:

1. Fresh stains can be easily removed with an ordinary school eraser. Gently enough, without pressure, wipe the stain, and there will be no trace of it.
2. Greasy stains can be removed with laundry soap. It is enough to rub the stain with soap, leave the curtain for ten minutes, and then rinse the stain with clean water until the soap stains disappear.
3. Salt or starch can help remove oil stains. It is enough to cover the stain and leave it for twenty minutes. After that, the canvas is wiped with a damp sponge.
4. If gum sticks to the roller blind, ice will help remove it. It is enough to put a few ice cubes on the gum or place the roller shutters in the freezer for a few minutes. The cured gum will easily separate from the web.
5. Liquid dish detergent will help remove stains from dirty hands. It is enough to moisten the sponge with soapy water and wipe the stain. Remove the rest of the detergent with a damp cloth.
6. Special stain removers for roller blinds (do not contain aggressive chemical elements and chlorine) will help remove stubborn stains.

It is strictly forbidden to remove stains with aggressive chemicals: gasoline, acetone, solvents, chlorine-containing compounds.

Tips and bans

Do not wash roller blinds often. Dry cleaning or delicate wet cleaning will help keep roller shutters clean, extending their service life.

What not to do with roller blinds:

• wash in an automatic machine (machine wash will spoil the canvas completely);
• dry, suspended on a rope (to avoid deformation, the canvases are laid out only on a horizontal surface);
• iron with a hot iron (ironing can only be done through a special mesh at a minimum temperature);
• use for cleaning powders with coarse abrasive particles;
• use aggressive chemicals (gasoline, acetone, solvents) to remove stains.

Conclusion

Compliance with the basic rules for washing roller blinds will preserve the original appearance of the product for many years.