Outdoor blinds are invaluable if you live in an area that's prone to extremes of weather. They can help to protect your windows during winter storms, provide you with shade during the hot summer months, and keep your home insulated through cold snaps. In order to keep your outdoor blinds looking smart and in good condition, it's important to keep them clean. You can also help to keep your blinds lasting longer by deterring the growth of unsightly mould and mildew.
Here's how to do it.
You will need
- mild washing-up liquid
- warm water
- bucket
- soft cloths
- garden hosepipe
- squeegee
It's important that you don't use harsh chemicals or bleach on your outdoor blinds. These substances can damage the blinds' UV protective coating and cause patchiness to the colour.
How to do it
- Start off by making up a mild solution of washing-up liquid and warm water in a clean bucket. Apply the solution to the top of the outside of the blinds with a soft cloth, allowing the dirty water to run down to the ground. You might have to make up several batches of cleaning solution so that you're not using dirty water on the blinds that you come to later.
- Stubborn marks such as bird droppings, dried leaves, and fly spots should be allowed to soak for a few minutes before being gently rubbed away with a cloth. Don't scrub the blind or pick at the offending stain, as this could scuff the blinds' surface.
- Now use your garden hose to rinse the blinds clean of soap and loose surface debris. It's not recommended that you use a pressure washer for this job, as the force of the jet will be too harsh and could damage the blinds.
- Now you'll need to clean the underside of the blinds. Use the same method as outlined above for this job, but ask a helper to hold the blinds away from the windows for you to make the rinsing process easier.
- Finish off by using a clean squeegee to strip away any excess water from the blinds, inside and out. Leave the blinds fully unrolled to dry in the fresh air before rolling them up. If you roll the blinds while they are still damp, mould and mildew may form, causing staining.
In conclusion
It's very important to clean your outdoor blinds regularly to keep them looking smart and to prolong their life. For further advice on maintenance and cleaning tips, have a chat with your local outdoor blinds supplier.