Outdoor blinds are a great way to add privacy, shade, and style to your veranda, pergola or garden room. Protecting you from the elements, external blinds are a sleek, stylish way to reduce UV and glare, whilst giving your outdoor living structure that extra element of privacy,
However, with frequent exposure to wind, rain and sunlight, outdoor blinds can become dirty, stained, and unappealing over time. If you want to maintain your external blinds and keep them looking their best for years to come, we’ve got you covered.
Identify the Material
Before you start cleaning your outdoor blinds, it is important to determine what type of material they are made of. If you miss this step, you’ll risk damaging your blinds. This information can usually be found on the manufacturer's label. The OI’s range of fabric blinds are made from a variety of materials, including canvas, PVC and Polyester.
Find the right cleaning supplies
Once you know what material your external blinds are made from, it’s time to source the cleaning equipment and solutions. Whatever materials your blinds are made from, it is critical that you do not use a hard, abrasive brush - these types of brushes will damage the surface of your blinds.
If you have canvas or polyester blinds, you should use a lukewarm, mild soap solution along with a soft-bristled brush and then host the blinds down.
If you have PVC blinds, you will need a mild soap solution, a soft-bristled brush, and a clean cloth.
Get rid of dirt and debris
Now you’ve got the right cleaning equipment, you should move any obvious dirt and debris before you start the big clean.
Start by removing any loose dust and dirt from the blinds. You can use a soft-bristled brush to gently scrub away any debris. If the blinds are particularly dirty, you can use a hose to rinse them down.
Apply Cleaning Solution
Once you’ve got rid of the dirt and debris, it’s time to get cleaning.
For PVC blinds, mix a mild soap solution with water and apply it to the blinds using a soft cloth.
For polyester and canvas blinds, apply the soap solution directly to the blinds and use a soft-bristled brush to scrub them gently.
Rinse Off and Dry
The next step is to remove the cleaning solution and any residue.
If you have PVC blinds, you should dry them with a clean, non-abrasive cloth.
Polyester and canvas blinds should be hung out / left down so that they can air dry completely.
If you have remote control external blinds, it’s important to make sure your blinds are completely dry before they’re rolled up, as this may impact the electrics.
Maintaining External Blinds
To keep your outdoor blinds looking their best, it is important to clean them regularly and to store them properly when not in use. Store them in a cool, dry place and make sure they are completely dry before storing.
By following these simple steps, you can keep your outdoor blinds looking like new for years to come. Whether you are entertaining guests or simply enjoying the outdoors, you can rest assured that your blinds will provide the perfect level of privacy and shade. With a little bit of effort, you can have outdoor blinds that look and function beautifully.
Luxury Outdoor Blinds with The OI
The designs at The OI are pioneering examples demonstrating the potential of external blinds and shading.
Meticulously constructed to embrace natural light when asked and block glaring rays and UV when asked. They bring privacy, protection, and beautiful aesthetic appeal, blending art and practicality.