Caring for Your Outdoor Blinds
Outdoor blinds can instantly transform an exposed alfresco area into a year-round entertainer’s paradise. However, to get the most out of your custom-made outdoor blinds and ensure maximum longevity, routine care and cleaning is essential. For high quality motorised outdoor blinds, Rockingham homes and businesses can rely on Outdoor Blind Designs. We design, manufacture and install customised outdoor blind solutions to suit your needs and budget. We pride ourselves on our high level of customer communication and support, so here’s a simple guide to help you care for your outdoor blinds.
How Often Should I Clean My Outdoor Blinds?
Outdoor blinds are continually exposed to the elements, so it is recommended that you give them a thorough clean twice yearly. A good way to remember to clean your blinds is to do it when daylight savings starts and ends. A simple clean will remove any build-up of dirt and debris so that it cannot damage or stain your blinds.
What is the Best Way to Clean Them?
Cleaning outdoor blinds is a relatively simple process and it only takes a few steps to get them looking their best. You will need a soft cloth or micro-fibre towel, a very soft bristle brush and a bucket of cool, soapy water (a few caps of normal dish-washing liquid will be sufficient).
- Start by rolling your blinds completely down and rising with a garden hose. Avoid using high pressure cleaners. Rinsing will remove any debris and break up any dirt on the fabric and framework.
- Wipe over the fabric with soapy water and a soft fabric cloth. Do not use any bleach, abrasive cleaners, alcohol, or solvents, and don’t scrub too harshly.
- For stuck-on debris and tougher stains, gently scrub with a soft-bristled brush dipped in soapy water.
- Rinse off all soap with fresh water and wipe dry with a soft cloth or chamois.
- Remember to allow your manual or motorised outdoor blinds to completely dry before retracting, as failing to do so can cause permanent damage.
What Can Happen If I Don’t Clean My Outdoor Blinds?
Outdoor blinds can easily become covered in dirt and dust, this can cause the mechanisms to seize up and become jammed, especially if you have a motorised option. Excess dirt and debris on the surface of the fabric can also result in scratches, stains and premature wear and tear of your blinds. A simple clean every 6 months will help to keep your alfresco blinds looking great and working perfectly.
What Else Can I Do to Keep My Outdoor Blinds in Optimal Condition?
- There are a few extra things that you can do to help keep your blinds looking their best and operating properly:
Leave the blinds down as often as possible and locked at the bottom. This allows the material of the blind to rest, and appropriately adjust to weather conditions. - During high winds and storms, retract your blinds fully so no undue strain is placed on the fittings and mountings.
- Avoid rolling up blinds when they are wet or have condensation on the surface. Moisture within the rolled up blind material may cause mould to form which can damage or discolour your blinds.
- Remove any organic matter promptly from surface (leaves, grass, bird droppings or vehicle exhaust) to avoid staining.
- Do not use insecticides or garden sprays near the blind material and roll up your blinds when performing any garden maintenance such as mowing lawns.
Following the above advice will help to keep your blinds looking great and ensure they will continue to operate reliably well into the future.
Find Out More About Our Custom Outdoor Blinds and Awnings
If you want to add a practical yet stylish touch to your outdoor area that will add value to your home and enhance your lifestyle, outdoor blinds, awnings and retractable roof shades are a cost-effective option. For a wide range of premium shade solutions including motorised blinds and outdoor awnings, Rockingham locals should get in touch with our team today. Enquire online now or give our friendly team a call today on (08) 9583 4589. We proud to be a WA based company, servicing all suburbs in and around Perth, Rockingham, Mandurah and South West.







