Window coverings collect dust, kitchen grease and moisture over time. A simple care routine keeps them looking good, helps them work smoothly and gives you a regular chance to check cord safety devices.
This is general information. We don't publish prices or recommend particular brands or businesses.
Start with the care instructions
Manufacturers' care instructions are the best guide, because fabrics, coatings and materials differ. Keep them with your warranty documents. If you don't have them, ask the supplier.
Roller blinds
Dust or vacuum gently with a soft brush attachment. Spot clean marks with a damp cloth and mild detergent if the instructions allow, and test on a hidden area first. Let the blind dry fully before rolling it up.
Venetian blinds
Close the slats and dust from top to bottom, then reverse the tilt and repeat. A microfibre cloth or duster works well. Avoid soaking timber slats.
Shutters
Dust louvres regularly with a soft cloth. Wipe with a slightly damp cloth if the manufacturer allows. Check hinges and tension.
Curtains
Vacuum with a brush attachment, and check labels before washing. Heavy or lined curtains may need professional cleaning.
Moisture and mould
In bathrooms and kitchens, use exhaust fans and ventilate so coverings can dry. Choose materials suited to wet areas.
Sun
Strong sun can fade fabrics over time. Linings and rotating which coverings are open can help.
Check cord safety devices
Each time you clean, check that cleats and tension devices are still firmly fixed and that cords can't form loops within children's reach. The ACCC installation guide notes that plastic devices can become brittle over time.
Moisture and wet areas
Bathrooms, laundries and kitchens produce steam and splashes. Choose materials that suppliers recommend for wet areas, and ventilate with exhaust fans or open windows so coverings can dry. Damp fabrics and timber can develop mould or warp over time. Wipe up splashes promptly and follow the care instructions.
Sun, fading and orientation
Windows facing north and west in Melbourne typically get stronger sun, and fabrics exposed to strong sunlight can fade over time. Linings, lighter backings and sunscreen fabrics can help protect furniture and floors as well as the coverings themselves. Think about orientation when choosing fabrics and colours, and ask suppliers about fabric performance in sunny positions.
Keep good records
Keep a simple record for each room: product, fabric or material and colour, supplier, date installed, care instructions and warranty. Photograph the labels or swing tags before you remove them, and keep the cord safety warning labels and instructions. These records help if you need a repair, a matching replacement, or to make a warranty claim, and they're useful if you sell the home.
Homes with young children
If young children live in or visit your home, cord safety should shape your choices. The ACCC warns that some young children have been strangled playing near or using blind and curtain cords. Choose cordless, spring-operated or motorised systems where you can. Make sure any cords or chains are secured with devices fixed to the wall or frame, and move cots, beds, high chairs and climbable furniture away from windows. Check every window, including in rooms children rarely use.
Warranties and your rights
Many suppliers offer warranties on fabrics, mechanisms and installation. Read what's covered, for how long and what you need to do to claim. Keep your quote, invoice, care instructions and warranty documents together. Consumer Affairs Victoria explains that consumer guarantees apply automatically to products and services, in addition to any warranty a business offers. Products must be of acceptable quality and match their description, and services must be provided with due care and skill. If something goes wrong, contact the business promptly, in writing, with photos.
Motorised options
Motorised blinds and curtains are operated by a remote, wall switch, app or timer. They remove cords and chains altogether, which many households with young children value, and they make large or hard-to-reach windows easier to use. They can be scheduled to open and close with the sun to help with comfort. Ask suppliers about power options (battery, rechargeable or hard-wired), how they are charged, what happens in a power outage, and the warranty on the motor. Hard-wired motors involve electrical work, which must be done by a licensed electrician.
Common mistakes to avoid
A few mistakes come up again and again: choosing from a screen without seeing samples at home; measuring once with a fabric tape; forgetting handles and winders; assuming blockout means a dark room; comparing quotes for different products; not asking about lead times; and leaving cords unsecured. Avoiding these is often the easiest way to get a result you're happy with.
Where our information comes from
We base the safety and energy information in this guide on official sources, including ACCC Product Safety Australia, the Federal Register of Legislation, YourHome, Sustainability Victoria, energy.gov.au and Consumer Affairs Victoria, listed at the end of the page. Practical tips about products are general guidance only. Requirements and guidance change, so we show the date we last checked the page. Before relying on any detail, follow the source links.
If you rent
If you rent, check your rental agreement and talk to your rental provider or agent before drilling holes or replacing window coverings. Consumer Affairs Victoria has information about the changes renters can and can't make. Removable options, such as tension rods or freestanding screens, may suit some situations. Keep any original coverings you remove, and take photos so you can restore the property at the end of the tenancy.
Getting help from suppliers
Good suppliers will explain options clearly, bring samples, measure carefully and put everything in writing. Don't be afraid to ask questions, including why they recommend a particular product, what alternatives exist, and how the covering will be fixed and operated. Ask to see examples of similar installations. If a supplier can't answer clearly, or pressures you to sign on the spot, take your time and get another quote. A clear, unhurried conversation is usually a good sign that the rest of the process will go smoothly too.
Living with your choice
Once coverings are installed, give yourself a few weeks to see how they work through different weather and light. Notice whether rooms feel warmer, darker or more private, and whether coverings are easy to use. If something isn't operating properly, contact the supplier early rather than waiting. Small adjustments, such as tension on a chain or alignment of a shutter panel, are often simple to fix soon after installation. Make a note of anything you'd do differently for the next room.
Accessibility and ease of use
Think about who will be operating each covering. Heavy blinds, high windows and stiff controls can be hard for some people to use, including older people and people with limited reach or grip. Motorised controls, wands, lighter fabrics and splitting wide windows into smaller coverings can make daily use easier. Ask suppliers to demonstrate controls before you order, and consider where switches or remotes will be kept.
Sustainability
Choosing durable coverings, caring for them well and repairing rather than replacing can reduce waste. Ask suppliers whether replacement parts are available, whether fabrics can be cleaned, and what happens to old coverings when they are removed. Coverings that help reduce heating and cooling needs can also help lower energy use, as YourHome and Sustainability Victoria explain. Avoid vague environmental claims and ask suppliers to explain any they make.
When to call a professional
Some coverings are hard to clean well at home, such as large lined curtains, delicate fabrics and high or hard-to-reach blinds. Professional cleaners may offer on-site or off-site cleaning. Ask what methods they use, whether they're suitable for your fabric according to the care label, and how they handle removal and re-hanging, including refitting cord safety devices correctly.
Key points
- Follow the manufacturer’s care instructions.
- Dust regularly and spot clean carefully.
- Ventilate wet rooms so coverings stay dry.
- Linings can help protect fabrics from sun.
- Check cord safety devices when you clean.
Frequently asked questions
How often should I dust blinds?
Regular light dusting stops build-up. How often depends on your home; kitchens and street-facing rooms may need more.
Can I wash my blinds?
Check the manufacturer’s care instructions first. Some fabrics can be spot cleaned; others need professional cleaning.
Should I check cord safety devices when cleaning?
Yes. Make sure cleats and tension devices are still firmly fixed and cords are secured.
How do I stop mould on blinds?
Ventilate rooms, especially bathrooms and kitchens, and keep coverings dry.
Sources and further reading
Facts on this page were checked against these primary and official sources. Conditions change — confirm before you travel or buy.
- Blinds, curtains and window fittings guide — ACCC Product Safety Australia
- Corded internal window coverings installation guide — ACCC Product Safety Australia
