Have your pleated roof blinds been looking a bit dusty lately? Perhaps you’re noticing some minor stains. Regardless, cleaning pleated conservatory roof blinds is an easy process. The build-up of dust could affect your health over time and become problematic if you have allergies to dust or mites in the particles. So, it’s better to tackle these cleaning concerns as soon as possible. How? We’ll explain some of the best ways to clean pleated blinds.


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Cleaning pleated roof blinds

Despite some beliefs, roof window pleated blinds can be cleaned. There are multiple ways to do so, depending on the type of mess you’re cleaning. Some of the more likely culprits include dust and small insects.

Here are some ways to clean your pleated blinds for a fresh, good-as-new look.

Before choosing a method, always refer to manufacturer instructions beforehand, as the chosen method might affect the quality of the blinds. If you can’t find any and have recently bought some from our Superstore, check out our range of pleated blinds to find assisting documents.

You can go to the manufacturer’s website or contact them to find out cleaning requirements if you have further concerns.

Deep cleaning pleated roof blinds

This is one of the best ways to clean off your blinds. For this cleaning method, you’re going to need the following:

  • Vacuum cleaner (with low suction setting)
  • Vacuum upholstery tool
  • Step ladder

Clean the blinds, starting at the top and working towards the bottom. When using the vacuum, do not push hard against the pleats as this could risk scratching or damaging them more severely. Watch out especially for the threads when doing so.

Using a duster or cloth (h3)

This method is for quickly dealing with pesky dust particles and debris that might be sitting on your blind sections. For this method you will need:

  • Feather duster or damp cloth
  • Step ladder
  • Rubber gloves (optional)

Starting from the top and moving towards the bottom, clean the blinds accordingly. A damp cloth is particularly useful if your blinds are fabric.

Blowing away the dust, debris and insects

The last and probably simplest way to clean them for the short term is to blow the mess away. For this method you will need:

  • A blowing tool (such as a hair dryer) with a low setting
  • Step ladder

If you quickly want to get rid of signs of mess, this is the choice for you. It won’t last long term, but it works if you need a quick tidy-up. You will have to be aware of the heat and power used as too high a heat and power can risk damaging the blinds.


Removing mould from pleated blinds

If your situation is way past the dust and small insects and you’re finding mould, you need to deal with this as soon as possible, as mould can pose a severe health risk. It’s also worth noting that the more severe the mould, the less likely it is to save the blinds. So, you will need to replace them and clear the surrounding areas, keeping them clean to ensure the mould does not return.

Natural cleaning solutions are advised for use when cleaning your pleated skylight blinds as these can be environmentally friendly. So, consider this as your first option when doing so, ensuring you can use it on the blind material before moving forward.

A more homebrew option is using undiluted white vinegar. Place it in a spray bottle, spray the blinds, leave them for at least one hour, then gently wipe away the residue and rinse with water. For mildew removal, lemon is considered an effective option. Confirm with the manufacturer if this is usable on the blind material.

You can also opt for essential oils but again, confirm with the manufacturer that these can be used.

If your blinds are in the conservatory and you notice a leak causing the issue, view our guide to find out what to do when your conservatory is leaking and how to fix it.

Looking for new pleated conservatory blinds or blinds for elsewhere in the home? Not sure where to start? View our FAKRO blind buyer’s guide and VELUX blind buyer’s guide to discover what you can choose from and make sure you find the right blind for your needs.

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