How to clean Roman blinds | The Sun

THANKS to the luxe-looking homes littered all over Instagram, most of us have turned to roman blinds to decorate our windows.

But, unfortunately, this popular interior design choice can be a nightmare to clean.

So, how do you keep roman blinds looking brand new? Or perhaps you fancy making your own?

Here's everything you need to know…

How to clean Roman blinds

Roman blinds are available in a variety of standard window sizes, colour tones, and pattern fabric prints to suit your personal taste.

It is also important to remember that these fabric blinds should be hand washed and it is recommended that they do not go in the washing machine.

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If you want to save the cost of a trip to the dry cleaners -Here's everything you need to know to easily and efficiently clean your blinds.

1. Vacuum

Before cleaning your blinds, lower them fully and take your vacuum cleaner and thoroughly vacuum both sides of the fabric.

This will ensure that any unseen dust and dirt are removed.

A top tip is to use a vacuum cleaner with an upholstery attachment. 

2. Remove any unwanted stains

If you spot a small mark on the fabric – don't panic.

You can first try to wipe it clean using a damp cloth using a mix of warm soapy water.

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If the stain appears to be more stubborn you may apply a fabric stain remover to your water mix – but always check that the product you are using will not cause any further damage to the fabric.

For heavily stained blinds the best course of action is to take them to the dry cleaners – where they can professionally and safely get the fabric back to its original condition.

3. Give them a steam

According to experts at Broadview Blinds, steaming them is a great, low-effort way to give your blinds a refresh.

They recommend limiting the time and temperature, so as not to scald or saturate your blinds.

"You can use a steam cleaner while the blinds are still up on the window, but be gentle with the fabric, as you don’t want to scald the material or saturate it with too much water."

How to make Roman blinds

It is important to know all the necessary safety advice before embarking on a blind project – you can find all relevant guidelines on the Make it Safe website.

Once you have chosen your desired fabric, you can follow our step-by-step guide on how to make your Roman blinds.

1. Fix the supporting structure

You first need to attach the batten above the window frame and press a self-adhesive hook along the front of the batten.

2. Work out the size

In order to work out the correct size of your blinds, you will need to measure from the top of the batten to your required finished drop.

Make sure to add 2.5cm each for the top and bottom hems.

When measuring the width of your blind – measure the length of the batten and add 2.5cm for each side seam.

You can then cut out your main and lining fabrics to these measurements.

3. Line your blind

Starting on the right side up, lay your fabric out on a flat surface.

You should then place the lining fabric on top – making sure you match the raw edges all around.

Once you've done that you can then pin and stitch the side and bottom edges – remember to take a 2.5cm seam.

Then remove all pins.

4. Create dowel pockets

To create the perfect dowel pocket along the bottom edge of your fabric you will need to stitch a second line of stitching 6mm from the raw edge.

You can then insert the dowel before trimming the seam and pressing.

5. Create the pleats

To create the pleats needed for your Roman blind – lay the blind lining side up and measure 5cm from the top of the blind.

Taking a pencil you should then mark a line across the width of the blind.

Then you can divide the remaining length of the blind into 20cm to 30cm pleats.

Make sure to finish with a half pleat at the bottom.

6. Make pockets to hold the dowels at each of the pleats

To make the pockets that will hold the dowels at each of the pleats you will need to cut 8cm strips of lining fabric to the width of the blind.

You can then take your strips and fold each one in half along the length and stitch the long raw edge.

You should then turn them through and press.

7. Fix the dowels in place

Take the dowels and slide them into the pockets – turning under the remaining raw edges on the pockets, slip stitching to hold each of the dowels in position.

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8. Add the plastic rings

Taking your pencil you should mark the centre point of each pocket and slip-stitch a plastic ring in place.

Repeat 5cm in from each side edge of the blind on each pocket.

9. Make the top hem

To make the top hem you will need to turn the raw edges of the main fabric and lining fabric to the back of the blind by 2.5cm, press and tack. 

You should then stitch the sew-on loop fastener in place, close to the fold.

10. Trim your blind

To add the finishing decorative trim or braid to your blind you should cut a piece of fabric to the width of the blind and slip stitch in place along the bottom edge.

You can then hang the blind from the batten.

11. Attach the eyelets

Before you attach and tighten your blind you should screw three eyelets to the underside of the batten – making sure each aligns with each row of plastic rings on the blind.

Then take one more eyelet and screw it to the edge of the batten where the cords will fall and where the blind will be operated from.

12. Attach and tighten the cords

To attach and tighten the cords make sure to tie each length of cord to each of the three rings on the lowest pleat.

Then thread each length of cord through each of the rings above it, and then through the eyelets – finishing on the working side of the batten.

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You can then trim the cords to a suitable length and attach the blind.

To ensure the blind is secure and in place – fix a cleat on the wall and use it to secure the cords.

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