Tips to make your outdoor blinds last longer

Quality outdoor blinds can be a great addition to your home, providing many benefits – from creating a nice ambient atmosphere all year round to keeping your electricity costs down. However, your outdoor blinds need to be properly maintained so they can operate efficiently throughout their life span.

Keep your blinds down as much as possible

Whatever is the material of your outdoor blinds – they’ll last longer if kept extended for as long as possible. When you do need to wind them up, make sure your blinds are not rolled up too tightly as that can create tension in the material and damage them over time. Also, avoid rolling up your blinds while they are wet – and not only because it may contribute to mildew growth. More importantly, direct sunlight can seriously and sometimes even irreparably damage your rolled-up blinds if they are moist – so do your best to avoid that.

Roll your blinds up when it gets windy

Whenever extreme – or just seriously windy – weather is expected, it’s best to roll your blinds up. Neglecting to do so can substantially damage not just your blinds, but also your house. Many blind suppliers will not cover damage to your blinds under their warranty in such cases – so make sure you are not neglecting your responsibility to protect your blinds from strong winds.

Clean your blinds regularly

Outdoor blinds get dirty a lot – and need to be cleaned regularly to extend their life. Whether you clean them yourself or engage someone to help you with the task, it’s always a good idea to make sure that you use the mildest detergent needed for the job. It’s not just better for the environment – natural-based detergents are also less likely to damage your blinds with harsh chemicals.

The simplest way to maintain your blinds reasonably clean is to hose off dirt and dust from them every now and again. If you notice bird droppings or tree sap stains on the surface of your blinds, it’s best to spot clean them straight away with a sponge soaked in a mild detergent diluted in warm water. You can also clean the whole blind this way, being careful not to apply too much pressure so you don’t scratch its surface. Make sure you always rinse your blind with clean water afterwards – and that you always let your blinds dry completely before rolling them up after cleaning.

Regularly caring for your blinds will maintain them in top condition for many years to come.