How to Clean Blinds, Shutters and Outdoor Blinds in South Africa
Dust settles. Salt air creeps in. Kitchen grease builds up so slowly you barely notice. Then one morning the light hits your window at a certain angle and you see it all. Here is how to bring every blind, shutter and outdoor screen back to clean — and keep it that way.
How do you clean blinds in South Africa?
- Dust weekly with a dry microfibre cloth or vacuum on low suction with a soft brush attachment — this single habit prevents most buildup
- For roller blinds, extend fully and wipe with a damp cloth using mild dish soap and warm water, then dry completely before rolling up
- Venetian and aluminium blinds can be wiped slat by slat or soaked in a bath of warm water with a squeeze of dish soap — never soak real wood
- PVC and faux-wood shutters handle a damp cloth well, but timber shutters need a dry cloth and furniture polish only
- Outdoor PVC blinds should be rinsed with cold water first to remove grit, then cleaned with pH-neutral soap — never ammonia or solvents
- In coastal areas like the Garden Route, rinse outdoor blinds and hardware with fresh water weekly to prevent salt corrosion
- Custom Blinds recommends silicone spray (not oil-based) on tracks, guides and zips after every deep clean to keep mechanisms running smoothly
- Honeycomb and cellular blinds must never be soaked — vacuum gently following the pleats, and spot-clean with a barely damp cloth
Need expert advice? Call Duncan on 079 523 5407
TLDR
Weekly dusting with a microfibre cloth prevents 80% of blind cleaning problems. For deeper cleans, match your method to your material: damp cloth for rollers and PVC, bathtub soak for aluminium venetians, dry cloth only for real wood. Coastal homes need a weekly fresh-water rinse on outdoor blinds to stop salt corroding hardware. South Africa has no professional blind cleaning services, so this guide covers everything you need to do it yourself — properly.
The Feeling
There is something about clean windows dressed in clean blinds that changes a room entirely. The light comes in cleaner. The colours look sharper. The whole house feels like you have just moved in again.
Brighter Rooms
Dust on slats filters light before it reaches you. Clean blinds let the full spectrum through — the room feels warmer and more alive.
Longer Life
Salt, grit and grease break down materials over time. Regular cleaning doubles the working life of your blinds — from around seven years neglected to fifteen well maintained.
Healthier Air
Blinds trap allergens, pet dander and mould spores. A weekly wipe removes what you cannot see but your lungs notice.
Less Effort
A five-minute weekly dust means you rarely need a deep clean. Neglect turns a small job into a weekend project.
“People ring me when their blinds look tired and ask about replacements. Half the time all they need is a proper clean and some silicone on the tracks. A well-maintained blind should last you ten to fifteen years at the coast — longer inland.”
Duncan, Custom Blinds — 15 years installing across the Garden Route
Why It Matters Here
Why Cleaning Blinds in South Africa Is Different
South Africa averages 8.5 hours of sunshine a day. That is more UV exposure than most of Europe sees in midsummer. Add coastal salt air along the Garden Route, humidity in KZN, Highveld dust storms, and mould-prone Cape winters — and your blinds work harder than blinds almost anywhere else in the world.
The result is that cleaning methods written for London or New York do not apply here. Salt corrodes metal hardware up to four times faster in coastal areas compared to inland. UV degrades fabrics and PVC unless regularly wiped and protected. Mould takes hold in humid rooms within weeks if not caught early.
There are no professional blind cleaning services in South Africa. No ultrasonic cleaning tanks. No one to call. Which means knowing how to do this yourself — properly — is not optional. It is the only way to protect what you have spent money on.
Faster Corrosion
Salt air corrodes metal hardware four times faster at the coast than inland. Weekly fresh-water rinsing is the simplest prevention.
Hours of Sunshine Daily
South Africa’s UV exposure fades fabrics and degrades PVC faster than in temperate climates. Cleaning removes grit that accelerates UV damage.
Years With Care
Maintained blinds last 10–15 years. Neglected blinds typically need replacing within 5–7 years — sometimes sooner at the coast.
How to Clean Every Type of Blind
Different materials need different approaches. The wrong method can cause more damage than the dirt. Here is what works — and what to avoid — for each type.
Roller Blinds
Roller blinds are the most popular blind in South Africa and among the easiest to maintain. The key is never rolling a blind up wet — trapped moisture causes mould inside the roll within days.
Weekly: Extend the blind fully. Run a dry microfibre cloth from top to bottom. For sheer roller blinds, use the vacuum on low suction with a brush attachment — the mesh fabric catches fine dust that a cloth misses.
Monthly or as needed: Mix a few drops of mild dish soap in warm water. Wring your cloth almost dry — you want damp, not wet. Wipe in straight downward strokes. Rinse your cloth in clean water and go over the blind again to remove soap residue. Leave fully extended until completely dry. Only then roll up.
Kitchen rollers: Grease builds up on kitchen blinds faster than you think. A 50/50 mix of white vinegar and warm water cuts through cooking residue without damaging the fabric. Wipe down once a fortnight if your blind hangs near the stove.
Venetian Blinds — Aluminium, Aluwood and Plaswood
Aluminium venetian blinds are one of the most satisfying blinds to clean because the results are immediate and visible. Close the slats flat in one direction, wipe top to bottom, then close them the other way and repeat.
Weekly: Close slats flat. Wipe each slat with a microfibre cloth or run a vacuum brush attachment across them. Flip direction and repeat. Takes less than five minutes per window.
Deep clean (every 3–6 months): For aluminium and plaswood venetians, the bathtub soak works well. Fill your bath with warm water, add a squeeze of dish soap and half a cup of white vinegar. Lower the blind in, let it soak for about an hour, then gently sponge any stubborn spots. Drain the bath and rinse with the shower head. Hang over the bath rail or outside (not in direct sun) until fully dry.
Important: The bathtub method is only for aluminium, plaswood and faux-wood slats. Never soak the headrail mechanism — prop it over the edge of the bath. And check your manufacturer’s warranty first. Some headrail components may rust if submerged.
Anti-static tip: After cleaning, wipe slats with a dryer sheet. This leaves a light anti-static coating that repels dust and keeps them cleaner for longer.
Wooden and Bamboo Blinds
Real wood and bamboo are beautiful but react badly to water. Moisture causes warping, swelling and permanent discolouration. If you live at the coast and are considering bamboo blinds, keep in mind that they need drier rooms away from bathrooms and kitchens.
Weekly: Dry microfibre cloth only. Close slats, wipe top to bottom. For bamboo, a feather duster works well between the woven strands.
Quarterly: Apply a wood-safe furniture polish or lemon oil to a cloth (never directly onto the slat) and wipe each slat. This adds a protective layer against humidity and gives the wood a natural lustre. A wax-based polish applied every three to four months gives additional protection, particularly in humid coastal homes.
Spot cleaning: Dampen a cloth with a wood-safe cleaner. Wipe the spot. Immediately dry with a clean cloth. Never leave moisture sitting on wood or bamboo — not even for a minute.
Honeycomb and Cellular Blinds
The pleated pockets that make honeycomb blinds so good at insulation also trap dust, insects and debris inside cells where you cannot see them. They need gentle handling — the glue holding cells together is heat-sensitive and the fabric loses shape if soaked.
Weekly to fortnightly: Vacuum with a soft brush attachment on the lowest suction setting. Work in horizontal strokes following the direction of the pleats — never push the nozzle into the cells. For bugs and crumbs trapped inside, hold a hairdryer on the cool setting near the cell openings to blow debris out gently.
Spot cleaning: Dip a clean white cloth in lukewarm water with a single drop of mild dish soap. Blot the mark — never rub, as rubbing causes pilling on the fabric surface. Then blot with a cloth dampened in plain water to remove soap. Let it air dry completely.
Never: Submerge honeycomb blinds in water. The fabric loses its shape, the metal components rust, and the adhesive binding the cells together can melt or weaken. Also avoid hot water, Woolite, commercial spot removers and dry cleaning solvents — manufacturers warn all of these may damage cellular shades.
Vertical Blinds
Vertical blinds are among the easiest to maintain because the smooth, flat vanes shed dust naturally. A weekly pass with a feather duster or dry cloth is usually all they need.
Weekly: Close the vanes flat. Dust from top to bottom with a dry microfibre cloth or feather duster. Work one vane at a time to avoid tangling.
Deep clean: Vinyl vanes can be unclipped, laid flat in a bath of warm soapy water, wiped down, rinsed and rehung once dry. Apply a thin coat of mild detergent and rinse off — this creates a light film that reduces static cling and dust attraction. Fabric vanes should never be soaked or dry cleaned. Vacuum with a brush attachment and spot clean with a barely damp cloth.
PVC Shutters
PVC and composite shutters are the lowest-maintenance window covering you can install — and one of the reasons Custom Blinds recommends PVC shutters for coastal homes. They handle moisture, resist salt and wipe clean in minutes.
Weekly: Close the louvres flat. Wipe from top to bottom with a soft dry cloth or microfibre. Open them the other way and repeat.
Monthly: Damp cloth with a mild soap solution. Wipe each louvre, the frame and the tilt rod. Dry immediately with a clean cloth — even PVC benefits from not sitting wet. Check hinges and tilt mechanisms while you are there. If a louvre feels loose, the tension screw (usually a small Phillips head on the side of the frame) may need a quarter-turn clockwise.
Lubrication: Apply silicone-based spray to hinges and tilt rods every six months. Never use oil-based lubricant — it attracts dust and creates a sticky residue that makes things worse.
Timber Shutters
Timber shutters need more care than PVC, especially at the coast. Salt air penetrates joinery. Humidity swells wood. UV bleaches finishes. The payoff for maintenance is a shutter that looks better with age.
Weekly: Dry microfibre cloth only. Never damp.
Monthly: Apply furniture polish or lemon oil to a cloth and wipe each louvre and the frame. This feeds the wood and adds a layer of protection against humidity. For shutters in high-humidity rooms, consider a protective wood sealer — reapply as needed based on how quickly the finish dulls.
Touch-ups: Small scratches and chips can be fixed with matching paint or wood filler. When UV fading becomes noticeable, timber shutters can be re-stained or repainted — a job worth doing every few years at the coast.
Cleaning Schedule by Blind Type
This table gives you a quick reference for what to do and when. Coastal homes should lean toward the more frequent end of each range.
| Blind Type | Weekly | Monthly | Quarterly / Seasonal | Never Do |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Roller Blinds | Dry microfibre wipe (extended) | Damp cloth with mild soap | Vinegar solution for kitchen grease | Roll up while damp |
| Aluminium Venetian | Close flat, wipe both directions | Damp cloth per slat | Bathtub soak (not headrail) | Abrasive cleaners |
| Wood / Bamboo | Dry cloth or feather duster | — | Furniture polish or lemon oil | Water in any form |
| Honeycomb / Cellular | Vacuum, soft brush, low suction | Spot blot only | Cool-air blow for trapped debris | Soak, hot water, solvents |
| Vertical | Dry cloth, one vane at a time | Damp cloth (vinyl only) | Remove vinyl vanes for bath soak | Soak or dry-clean fabric vanes |
| PVC Shutters | Dry cloth, both louvre directions | Damp cloth with mild soap | Silicone spray on hinges | Oil-based lubricant |
| Timber Shutters | Dry microfibre only | Furniture polish on cloth | Protective sealer check | Any moisture on bare wood |
| Outdoor PVC Blinds | Fresh water rinse (coastal) | pH-neutral soap wash | Full hardware inspection | Ammonia, bleach, solvents |
Outdoor Blind and Awning Care
Outdoor blinds take more punishment than any other window covering in your home. Wind, rain, UV, insects, braai smoke, pool chlorine and — on the Garden Route — relentless salt air. The materials are engineered to handle it. But only if you help them.
PVC Café Blinds and Drop-Down Blinds
Clear and tinted PVC blinds scratch easily when dirty. The trick is to always rinse first, then wash. Wiping a dusty PVC blind with a cloth grinds grit across the surface and leaves fine scratches that cloud the material over time.
Step 1 — Rinse: Hose down with cold water to remove loose dust, sand and salt. Use a standard garden hose, not a pressure washer. If you must use a pressure washer, stay at least a metre away and keep the pressure low — avoid directing the jet at seams, zips and edge stitching.
Step 2 — Wash: Mix a pH-neutral soap (not dish soap — too alkaline) in lukewarm water. Apply with a soft sponge or microfibre cloth. Work in the shade. If the sun hits wet soap, it dries too fast and leaves streaks and white marks that are harder to remove than the dirt.
Step 3 — Rinse again: Hose off all soap residue with clean water.
Step 4 — Dry: Hand-dry with a chamois or microfibre cloth. Then leave fully extended until completely dry before rolling or stacking. Rolling damp PVC traps moisture and creates mould spots within days — especially in humid coastal conditions.
Never use: Ammonia, bleach, methylated spirits or any solvent on clear PVC. These cloud the material permanently.
Mesh and Screen Blinds
Mesh outdoor blinds catch less wind but trap more fine dust in the weave. The same rinse-first approach applies. A soft-bristle brush (like a shoe brush) helps dislodge dust caught in the mesh. Follow with soapy water and a thorough rinse.
Awning Fabric
Retractable awnings should be fully extended and brushed with a soft broom to remove loose debris before any wet cleaning. Wash with warm water and mild soap. Rinse thoroughly and leave fully extended until bone dry. Retracting a damp awning is the single fastest way to grow mould on the fabric.
Hardware Maintenance — The Part Most People Skip
Your outdoor blind is only as good as its hardware. Tracks, guides, zips, pulleys, ropes and fastenings all need attention — especially within a few kilometres of the sea.
- Inspect all fastenings every season. Tighten loose screws. Replace anything showing corrosion — white chalky deposits on metal are the early warning sign.
- Check ropes and cords for fraying. Replace before they snap, not after. A snapped cord on a windy day can damage the blind and the wall bracket.
- Lubricate zips, guide channels and tracks with silicone-based spray after every deep clean. Never petroleum-based products — they attract grit and gum up the mechanism.
- Test motorised systems by running the blind fully up and fully down. Listen for grinding or hesitation. Sealed motor housings should be inspected annually by a qualified installer if you are near the coast.
“I see the same thing every summer. Someone rings because their outdoor blind will not roll up properly. Nine times out of ten the track is full of salt and grit. A five-minute rinse with the garden hose once a week would have prevented the callout entirely.”
Duncan, Custom Blinds — 15 years installing across the Garden Route
Coastal Cleaning — The Garden Route Protocol
If you live anywhere between Mossel Bay and Storms River — or along any stretch of South Africa’s coastline — your blinds face conditions that inland homes simply do not. Salt air is corrosive, persistent and invisible. You cannot see it building up on your blinds, but it is there. Left unchecked, it eats into aluminium, rusts steel fixings, dulls PVC and weakens fabric fibres.
This is the protocol Custom Blinds recommends to every Knysna, Plettenberg Bay and George homeowner we install for:
Weekly (non-negotiable at the coast)
Rinse all outdoor blinds, awning hardware and shutter exteriors with fresh water from a garden hose. This takes three minutes and removes the salt before it bonds. If your home is directly on the water or next to a pool, do this twice a week.
Monthly
Full soap wash of outdoor blinds using the rinse-wash-rinse-dry method above. Wipe down indoor blinds near open windows — salt air travels further indoors than people realise, especially through sheer and light-filtering blinds.
Every Season
Full hardware inspection. Every fastening, every zip, every track. Look for white chalky deposits (early corrosion), stiff mechanisms (salt in tracks) and discolouration (UV degradation). Tighten, lubricate and replace as needed. This seasonal check is the difference between blinds that last a decade and blinds that need replacing in five years.
After Storms
The Garden Route gets its share of storms, particularly in autumn and winter. After any heavy rain combined with strong coastal wind, rinse outdoor blinds again even if you have already done your weekly rinse. Storm spray carries more concentrated salt than normal sea air.
Proactive coastal maintenance gives your blinds a lifespan of 10–15 years. Neglect in salt-air conditions often means replacement within 5–7 years. The maths favours the garden hose.
Mould and Mildew — Catch It Early
Mould is a fact of life in humid South African homes, particularly during Cape winters, in KZN, and in any coastal bathroom or laundry. It takes hold where dirt and moisture meet — which is exactly what a neglected blind provides.
Early signs: Small dark spots, usually starting at the bottom of a blind or in corners where air circulation is poor. A musty smell near the window is another early indicator.
Removal: Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Spray the affected area. 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 — leave the blind extended with the window open if possible.
Prevention: The best prevention is the weekly dusting habit. Mould needs dirt and moisture together. Remove the dirt and you remove half the equation. In high-humidity rooms, consider running a dehumidifier or choosing materials that resist mould naturally — PVC shutters and aluminium blinds are both mould-resistant choices.
When mould has stained permanently: If dark staining will not shift after repeated treatment, particularly on fabric blinds and Roman shades, the mould has penetrated the fibres. Cleaning will not restore the appearance. At that point the blind needs replacing — and it is worth choosing a material better suited to the room’s moisture levels. Browse replacement options online or call Duncan for advice on what works best in damp spaces.
When to Clean vs When to Replace
Not every tired-looking blind needs replacing. But not every one can be saved, either. Here is a honest guide:
Clean and Keep
- Dust and grime buildup — even heavy — on structurally sound blinds
- Light mould on vinyl, aluminium or PVC that responds to vinegar treatment
- Yellowing on white PVC shutters (usually surface grime, not material degradation)
- Stiff mechanisms caused by salt or dust in tracks
- Minor scratches on PVC outdoor blinds
- Faded fabric that still operates well (consider it a patina)
Time to Replace
- Warped or swollen slats on wooden or bamboo blinds (moisture damage)
- Mould staining that has penetrated fabric fibres permanently
- Corroded headrail or bracket hardware that compromises the mounting
- Brittle PVC that cracks when handled (UV degradation beyond recovery)
- Frayed cords or broken tilt mechanisms where parts are no longer available
- Outdoor blinds with torn seams or zips that no longer seal
Smart Investment
The Five-Minute Weekly Habit
Every section of this guide points back to the same truth: five minutes a week with a dry microfibre cloth prevents almost every cleaning problem before it starts. Dust does not bond to surfaces overnight. Salt does not corrode in a day. Mould does not appear from nowhere.
If you do nothing else, do this: once a week, walk through your home with a microfibre cloth and wipe your blinds down. Close the slats, wipe, flip, repeat. Extend rollers, wipe top to bottom. Run a hose over outdoor blinds if you are at the coast. Five minutes. That is all it takes to keep your blinds looking new for years.
Indoor Blinds
Weekly dry wipe. Monthly damp wipe. Quarterly deep clean only if needed.
Coastal Homes
Weekly fresh-water rinse on all outdoor hardware. Monthly soap wash. Seasonal inspection.
Shutters
PVC: damp cloth monthly. Timber: dry cloth only, polish quarterly. Silicone on hinges twice a year.
Hardware
Silicone spray on tracks and guides after every deep clean. Never oil-based. Check fastenings seasonally.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I clean my blinds in South Africa?
A dry microfibre wipe once a week is enough to prevent most buildup. Deep cleaning with a damp cloth or bathtub soak is only needed every three to six months for indoor blinds, or monthly for outdoor blinds exposed to weather. Coastal homes should rinse outdoor hardware weekly with fresh water.
Can I use vinegar to clean blinds?
Yes. A 50/50 mix of white vinegar and warm water works well on aluminium venetians, vinyl verticals and for cutting through kitchen grease on roller blinds. It is also effective at treating early mould. Avoid vinegar on real wood, bamboo or clear PVC — it can dull finishes or cloud transparent material over time.
What is the best way to clean outdoor blinds on the Garden Route?
Rinse with cold water first to remove salt and grit (never wipe dry PVC — it scratches). Then wash with pH-neutral soap and lukewarm water in the shade. Rinse again and hand-dry with a chamois. Leave fully extended until bone dry before rolling. Custom Blinds recommends this as a monthly routine, with weekly fresh-water rinses for salt removal.
How do I remove mould from blinds?
Spray equal parts white vinegar and water onto the mould. Wait ten minutes, then wipe clean and dry thoroughly. For stubborn spots on vinyl or aluminium, use a soft brush. If mould staining has penetrated fabric fibres and will not shift after repeated treatment, the blind needs replacing — choose a mould-resistant material like PVC or aluminium for that room.
Can you soak honeycomb blinds in water?
No. Honeycomb and cellular blinds must never be submerged. The fabric loses its shape, metal components rust, and the adhesive binding cells together can weaken or dissolve. Vacuum gently with a soft brush attachment on low suction, and spot-clean marks with a barely damp cloth. For trapped debris inside cells, use a hairdryer on the cool setting to blow it out.
How do I clean PVC shutters in Knysna or Plettenberg Bay?
PVC shutters are the easiest window covering to maintain at the coast. Weekly dry wipe, monthly damp cloth with mild soap, and silicone spray on hinges every six months. Rinse exterior-facing shutters with fresh water weekly to remove salt buildup. PVC shutters resist moisture and mould naturally, which is why Custom Blinds recommends them for coastal Garden Route homes.
Where can I buy replacement blinds online in South Africa?
Custom Blinds is the only South African company that sells blinds online with on-site consultation, in-house manufacturing and professional installation under one roof. Order custom-made blinds online with delivery nationwide, or call Duncan on 079 523 5407 for advice on which blind suits your room, climate and lifestyle.
How long do blinds last with proper maintenance?
Well-maintained blinds typically last 10–15 years, even in coastal conditions. Neglected blinds in salt-air environments often need replacing within 5–7 years. The difference comes down to regular cleaning, hardware lubrication and catching small problems early. PVC and aluminium products tend to last longest in harsh South African conditions.
Need Help Choosing the Right Blind?
Not sure which material suits your home, your climate or your lifestyle? Duncan has been fitting blinds across the Garden Route for over 15 years. He will tell you what works and what does not.
Custom Blinds Shutters & Awnings is an independent Garden Route specialist. This guide is based on 15+ years of installation experience across coastal South Africa. Cleaning methods may vary by product and manufacturer — always check your specific product’s care instructions. Published February 2026.
