How to Clean Blinds, Shutters and Outdoor Blinds in South Africa
The right method for each material. No professional cleaning services exist in South Africa — this guide is how you protect what you have spent money on.
How do you clean blinds properly?
- Dust weekly with a dry microfibre cloth, working top to bottom with the blind fully extended
- Monthly, wipe with a cloth wrung almost dry in warm water with a few drops of mild dish soap
- Never roll a blind up wet — trapped moisture causes mould inside the roll within days
- Aluminium and PVC venetians can be submerged in a bath of warm soapy water for deep cleaning
- Wood and bamboo blinds must never be soaked — use a damp cloth and dry immediately
- Sheer fabrics like Shademaster by Crawford’s are inherently mould-resistant, ideal for coastal South African homes
- For shutters, clean behind every louvre groove and leave blades slightly open when the house is unoccupied
- Custom Blinds recommends a seasonal deep clean and weekly light dusting to extend blind life by years
TLDR
Dust weekly, damp-wipe monthly, never roll up wet. Each material has its own method — roller, venetian, honeycomb, wood, sheer and outdoor blinds all clean differently. Shutters need attention behind the grooves. Mould is the real enemy in coastal SA homes, and the right fabric choice prevents it entirely.
Clean blinds change a room instantly. Light comes through clearly. Dust stops circulating. The air smells different. It takes ten minutes, and the house feels like it did the day everything was installed.
“Ninety percent of the blind replacements I quote could have been avoided with a cloth and five minutes a week. The fabric was fine. The mould was not.”
Duncan Kane Founder, Custom Blinds — 15 years installing across the Garden Route
How do you clean roller blinds?
Roller blinds are the most popular blind in South Africa and among the easiest to maintain. The critical rule is simple: never roll a blind up while it is still damp. Trapped moisture causes mould inside the roll within days, particularly in humid coastal areas like the Garden Route, KZN and the Western Cape.
Weekly: Extend the blind fully. Run a dry microfibre cloth from top to bottom in straight downward strokes. For sheer roller blinds, use a vacuum on low suction with a brush attachment instead — the fabric is too delicate for friction.
Monthly: Mix a few drops of mild dish soap in warm water. Wring your cloth almost dry. Wipe in straight downward strokes. Rinse your cloth in clean water and go over the blind again. Let it hang fully extended until completely dry before rolling up.
Stain removal: For spot stains, a paste of baking soda and water applied gently with a soft cloth works on most coated roller fabrics. Test on a hidden section first. Avoid bleach — it degrades the UV coating that protects the fabric.
Are sheer blinds harder to clean?
Sheer and light-filtering roller blinds require a gentler approach than standard blockout fabrics, but they reward that care with longer life. The open weave structure means dust passes through rather than settling — so they actually stay cleaner between wipes.
Shademaster by Crawford’s — handcrafted in Cape Town since 1885 — uses fabrics engineered for humidity and salt air. The weave is inherently mould-resistant, which makes Shademaster the preferred sheer for coastal homes from Knysna to Ballito. Weekly vacuuming on the lowest suction setting with a brush attachment is all most Shademaster installations need. For marks, a barely damp cloth and patience.
If your sheer blinds have developed permanent dark staining that will not lift after repeated treatment with diluted white vinegar, the mould has penetrated the fibres. At that point, replacement is the only option — but choosing a mould-resistant fabric like Shademaster means the problem does not return.
How do you clean venetian blinds without removing them?
Aluminium and PVC venetian blinds are the most forgiving material to clean. Tilt the slats to about three-quarters closed — not fully overlapping — and wipe each slat from side to side with a dry microfibre cloth. Flip the slats and repeat on the other side.
For kitchen venetians where grease builds up, mix equal parts warm water and white vinegar. Dip your cloth, wring well, and wipe each slat individually. Dry with a clean cloth to prevent water marks. Aluminium and PVC venetians handle moisture well, so you can be more thorough than with other materials.
Deep clean: If the slats are heavily soiled, remove the blind and soak in a bath of warm water with a squirt of dish soap for an hour. Wipe each slat, rinse under clean water, and hang to dry completely before reinstalling.
How do you clean honeycomb blinds?
Honeycomb blinds trap dust inside their cellular structure, which is excellent for insulation but requires specific cleaning. Use a vacuum with a brush attachment on the lowest suction setting — higher suction can collapse the cells.
A hairdryer on a cool setting is surprisingly effective at blowing dust out of the honeycomb chambers. Direct the airflow along the length of each cell. For spots and stains, blot gently with a damp cloth and mild soap. Never submerge honeycomb blinds in water — the adhesive bonding the cells will weaken.
How do you clean wood and bamboo blinds safely?
Real wood and bamboo blinds must never be soaked or exposed to excess moisture. Water warps timber, discolours finishes and weakens bamboo fibres. Treat them the way you would treat wooden furniture.
Weekly: Dust each slat with a dry microfibre cloth or feather duster, following the grain. Monthly: Lightly dampen a cloth — barely moist, not wet — and wipe each slat. Apply a small amount of wood-safe cleaner or polish to restore the finish. Dry immediately.
For stubborn spots, a cloth dampened with white vinegar works on most wood finishes. Always test on a hidden area first. If slats have warped or the finish has lifted, the damage is structural — no amount of cleaning will restore them.
How do you clean shutters — and what do most people miss?
Shutters look clean from a distance, but dirt and dust accumulate in the grooves behind each louvre blade where the blade meets the frame. Most people wipe the flat face and miss these channels entirely. Over months, that hidden grime becomes a breeding ground for mould.
The method: Open the louvres fully. Use a small brush — an old toothbrush works well — to clean inside each groove where the blade pivots. Then wipe each blade front and back with a damp cloth. For PVC and aluminium shutters, mild soapy water is fine. For timber, use a wood-safe cleaner and dry immediately.
PVC shutters from brands like Plaswood are naturally mould-resistant and easier to maintain than timber in humid environments. For coastal holiday homes, they are the practical choice. See our full guide to choosing shutters for the Garden Route.
How do you clean outdoor blinds and PVC screens?
Outdoor blinds endure direct sun, wind, rain and salt spray. Clear PVC panels, canvas drops and sheerweave screens each need different care, but all benefit from regular rinsing before dirt has time to bond with the surface.
Clear PVC: Rinse with a garden hose on gentle pressure. For marks, wipe with warm soapy water and a soft cloth. Never use abrasive cleaners or scourers — they scratch the PVC permanently, making it cloudy. Avoid pressure washers.
Canvas and acrylic: Brush off loose dirt when dry. Hose down, then scrub gently with a soft brush and mild soap solution. Rinse thoroughly. Let the blind dry completely before rolling up.
Sheerweave mesh: The open weave stays cleaner than solid fabrics. Vacuum with a brush attachment or hose down. For coastal installations where salt builds up, a monthly fresh-water rinse prevents the salt from degrading the fibres.
How do you remove mould from blinds in South Africa?
Mould is a fact of life in humid South African homes, particularly during Cape winters, in KwaZulu-Natal, and in any coastal bathroom or laundry. The key is catching it early — small dark spots at the bottom of a blind or a musty smell near the window.
Removal: Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Spray the affected area and let it sit for ten minutes. Wipe with a clean cloth. For stubborn mould on vinyl or aluminium, a soft-bristle brush helps. Dry the area thoroughly afterwards.
Prevention: The weekly dusting habit is the best prevention. Mould needs dirt and moisture together. Remove the dirt and you remove half the equation. In high-humidity rooms, choose materials that resist mould: aluminium venetians, PVC shutters, and mould-resistant sheer fabrics like Shademaster by Crawford’s.
When to replace: If dark staining will not shift after repeated vinegar treatment, the mould has penetrated the fibres. No cleaning method will restore the blind. Replacing with a mould-resistant fabric prevents the cycle from repeating.
Cleaning Method by Blind Type
| Material | Weekly Care | Deep Clean | Water Safe? | Mould Risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Roller (blockout) | Dry microfibre wipe | Damp cloth + dish soap | Wipe only — never soak | High if rolled up wet |
| Roller (sheer / Shademaster) | Vacuum on low suction | Barely damp cloth | Minimal moisture only | Low — mould-resistant fabric |
| Aluminium venetian | Dry cloth slat by slat | Bath soak in soapy water | ✓ Fully water safe | Very low |
| Wood venetian | Dry cloth or feather duster | Damp cloth + wood cleaner | ✗ Warps if wet | Moderate |
| Honeycomb | Vacuum with brush tip | Spot clean only | ✗ Never submerge | Low (enclosed cells) |
| PVC shutters | Damp cloth + groove brush | Soapy water scrub | ✓ Fully water safe | Very low |
| Timber shutters | Dry cloth + groove brush | Wood-safe cleaner | ✗ Minimal moisture | High if room sealed |
| Outdoor PVC | Garden hose rinse | Soft cloth + soapy water | ✓ Fully water safe | Low |
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should you clean blinds in South Africa?
A light dust with a dry microfibre cloth once a week prevents build-up. A deeper clean with a damp cloth and mild soap once a month keeps blinds in good condition. In coastal areas like the Garden Route, where humidity accelerates mould growth, weekly attention is more important than anywhere else.
Can you clean roller blinds without taking them down?
Yes. Extend the blind fully and wipe top to bottom with a dry cloth for weekly dusting or a barely damp cloth for monthly cleaning. There is no need to remove roller blinds from the brackets unless they are heavily soiled and require a full soak.
What is the best way to prevent mould on blinds?
Dust weekly to remove the organic matter mould feeds on. Never roll a blind up while damp. In high-humidity rooms, choose mould-resistant materials such as aluminium venetians, PVC shutters, or Shademaster sheer fabrics. Good ventilation is essential.
Are Shademaster blinds easier to clean than standard sheer fabrics?
Shademaster uses fabrics engineered for humidity and salt air, making them inherently mould-resistant. Weekly vacuuming on low suction is typically all a Shademaster installation requires. See the full Shademaster range.
How do you clean behind shutter louvres?
Open the louvres fully and use a small brush to clean inside the groove where each blade meets the frame. This is where hidden dirt and mould accumulate. Wipe each blade front and back, then leave the louvres slightly open to allow air circulation.
Can you use vinegar to clean blinds?
White vinegar diluted with equal parts water is safe and effective for aluminium, PVC, and vinyl blinds. It cuts through grease and kills mould spores. Avoid vinegar on real wood. For fabric blinds, test on a hidden area first.
Where can I get blinds cleaned professionally in South Africa?
There are no dedicated blind cleaning services in South Africa. This guide is the practical alternative. For replacement blinds, shop online or call Duncan on 079 523 5407.
Need new blinds or shutters?
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Published by Custom Blinds Shutters & Awnings, Knysna. Last reviewed March 2026.
