How often to replace blinds and curtains

[user1471554720]

We got new blinds and curtains in our house 10 years ago. I can't take the blinds off the rollers so I sponge then with a wet cloth every so often. One blind is full of marks and flies. In summer we have bedroom windows open but dh still likes the blinds pulled down at night. This blind still works but is gone unsightly so I have to get a new one.

The curtains are full of mildew marks, despite having adequate heating and ventilation. We use mainly the blinds and only pull across the curtains an odd time in winter. Mayve if I pulled the curtains across every evening it may prevent the mildew.

washing machine? For the curtains at least

You can paint the blind with fabric paint (or something like french chic paint) to freshen them up.

The firm who put them up said dry clean only. I would be concerned about getting the pleats back correctly. I got then cleaned and the mildew yellow brown marks stayed in them. I am wondering because it seems extravagant to replace curtains in the whole house after only 10 years.

I think it’s pretty reasonable to replace them after 10 years! I thought you were going to say 2 or something! If the are stained and full of flies it’s time to replace

I’m in central London and love open windows. This means curtains washed or dry cleaned maybe once a year. Black out blinds replaced maybe every 5 years (by when they are filthy tbh).

If worn or not girly for purpose, it’s entirely reasonable to replace after 10 years. I thought the post was going to be about colour schemes.

Not girly! Not fit for purpose!

I wanted to check whether I should get longer out of them. Previously I had my own house, had a lodger and just bought curtains from a chain store. i had no blinds. This time we got a curtain fitter to come to our house and do the curtains and blinds. It cost a few thousand for the whole house. It was a very good job and curtains hang very well.

If the cost thousands I’d get them dry cleaned and the possibly dyed if there are visible marks after cleaning

I think dry cleaning for the curtains - will cost a lot leas than new curtains of good quality - and replace the roller blind

I would replace both blinds and curtains.

If dry cleaning hasn't cleaned the curtains and you are thinking of replacing, why not wash them and see? If they don't survive, well then you can replace them. (Get some ideas first so you can be quick off the mark if you need to replace)

My blinds are 14 years old and ready for replacing!

Dry cleaning curtains (London) is about £40 a pair and worth doing every couple of years if not washable

The blinds: I’d take down and try to wash v gently (in the bath probably, with delicates product… I’d expect them to survive the treatment

What kind of blinds? Coated roller blinds?