Can Roman blinds be dry cleaned?

"My Roman blinds are incredibly dirty. Can they be dry-cleaned?" — This was the message one of our customers sent last week.

Her linen Roman blinds were two years old, and kitchen fumes had caused yellowing stains in the folds.

This seemingly simple question hides a host of technical details.

Can Roman blinds be dry-cleaned? The basic answer is: Yes, but with certain conditions.

Whether Roman blinds are suitable for dry cleaning depends primarily on two factors: material and construction.

Not all Roman blinds require dry cleaning, but not all can be dry-cleaned safely.

Professional cleaning standards state that curtain cleaning must "consider material characteristics, color fastness, and structural complexity, resulting in a differentiated approach."

This is why your neighbor's Roman blinds may be washable, while yours may require professional dry cleaning.

Material Matters: Dry Cleaning Suitability of Different Fabrics

Cotton Roman blinds present a dilemma.

They absorb dirt well, but they also shrink easily.

I've seen countless customers experience shrinkage of 3-5cm after washing their cotton Roman blinds, making them no longer fit the window perfectly.

Dry cleaning does reduce the risk of shrinkage, but be aware: cotton curtains hung on south-facing windows for extended periods may have become brittle from sun exposure, and dry cleaning could actually cause the fabric to break.

Silk Roman blinds almost always require dry cleaning.

This luxurious fabric is extremely sensitive to moisture, and any washing can cause water stains and warping.

Experts advise that silk curtains are best cleaned by a professional dry cleaner using appropriate detergents and cleaning methods.

Linen Roman blinds require a compromise when cleaning.

Pure linen is a very rigid fabric, and dry cleaning can maintain its shape but may make it stiffer.

My recommendation is to dry clean spot stains. For general cleaning, try hand washing in cold water and tumbling gently, but lay flat to dry to prevent warping.

Synthetic Roman blinds offer more options.

Synthetic materials like polyester are wrinkle- and abrasion-resistant, and in most cases, a gentle wash is sufficient.

However, dry cleaning is still recommended for synthetic Roman blinds with intricate pleats to prevent wrinkles from becoming difficult to correct after washing.

The hidden risks of dry cleaning: more than just the cost.

The solvents used in the dry cleaning process can cause unexpected problems.

Perchloroethylene (PERC), a traditional dry cleaning solvent, is 62% denser than water, meaning the fabric is subjected to greater pressure during the cleaning process.

For aged blinds, this pressure can cause fiber breakage.

Even with dry cleaning, some fabrics may still shrink.

Dry cleaning solvents cause tension in the fabric during manufacturing, and the fibers relax back to their natural state, resulting in approximately 5% shrinkage.

This amount may not be noticeable on clothing, but for Roman blinds, a 1-meter-wide blind could shrink by 5 cm, significantly impacting the overall appearance.

How can you tell if your Roman blinds need dry cleaning?

Test fabric reaction: Gently pat dry cleaning solution onto an inconspicuous area of the curtain. Wait a few minutes and inspect for discoloration or stiffening. This is especially important for curtains that have been exposed to sunlight.

Assess structural complexity: Roman blinds with beads, lace, or other embellishments almost always require dry cleaning. These embellishments are easily damaged or removed during washing.

Post-Dry Cleaning Care Tips

Do not install the blind immediately after professional cleaning.

After dry cleaning, it is best to hang the blind in a well-ventilated area for 24 hours to allow any residual solvent to evaporate.

For pleated designs, gently iron the pleats with low-temperature steam, maintaining a minimum distance of 10 cm.

Inspect the accessories before reinstalling.

The dry cleaning process may loosen hooks, so be sure to inspect each hook before installation.

A weekly vacuum with a soft brush can reduce the need for deep cleaning.

Roman blinds in areas with high oil content, such as kitchens, can be spot-cleaned monthly with a dry cloth and a mild detergent.

Conclusion: Dry cleaning is a good option, but not the only one.

Roman blinds can be dry-cleaned, but it's not essential.

Silk and intricately embellished Roman blinds are best treated with professional dry cleaning.
Cotton and linen products require careful consideration of shrinkage risk.
Synthetic Roman blinds can be treated based on the severity of the stain.

Whichever method you choose, remember our advice: "Take Roman blinds to a dry cleaner whenever possible, as they have strict requirements for window size."

As a significant investment in your home decor, proper cleaning will help your Roman blinds maintain their beauty for longer.

Not sure how to proceed? Send a photo to our customer service email address, and the BERISSABLINDS team will provide personalized advice.