Investing in outdoor blinds is a great decision for homeowners who have the luxury of a patio in the backyard. By using them well, they can make the outdoor space useable even when the weather is not ideally suited for fun activities and barbecue parties with family and friends. Outdoor blinds are better than indoor blinds for preventing the space from getting warm, says a report in Forbes magazine. However, since good quality outdoor blinds can be expensive, it is natural for you to try to take care of them so that they continue to look and perform well for many years without needing to be replaced. Even though maintaining and cleaning outdoor blinds is not rocket science, by knowing the right techniques, you can achieve better results and avoid damaging them. Some practical tips:
Handle With Care
Even though the materials used in the manufacture of outdoor blinds are tough and weather-resistant, the blinds themselves are made from many small components that need to function well for the blinds to do their job properly. Since you will be adjusting the blinds to regulate the amount of sunlight entering using either the cord and pulley or a motorized mechanism, they are likely to get damaged if you handle them roughly. Also, the movement must be kept clean of dirt and debris to enable smooth operation. If there are small children or pets in the house, you need to be extra careful so that they do not end up damaging the patio blinds. After cleanings them, allow them to dry fully before rolling them up or drawing them sideways.
Routine Maintenance
Even though outdoor blinds require minimal maintenance, it is still a good idea to follow a regular care routine so that any problem can be identified in the beginning and attended to before it becomes a major issue. Use a soft cloth or a brush to remove dust and debris, but you may need to use a toothbrush to spot clean anything that’s stuck. The sooner you remove dirt, tree sap, or bird droppings, the better it is because, otherwise, they tend to become hard and more difficult to remove. Dip a soft cloth, preferably microfiber, to avoid lint deposits in warm soapy water and gently wipe all the surfaces. Avoid harsh chemical cleaners, solvents, or bleach, as they can damage or discolor your blinds. Try to conduct a patch test to find out if it is okay to proceed. Adding one part detergent to ten parts of water is a good rule to follow. Do not try to apply pressure or scrub hard as you are liable to damage the blinds. If the dirt is stubborn, leave the detergent solution on for some time and try again. Use fresh water to remove all traces of the detergent and dry with a soft lint-free cloth. Allow the blinds to air-dry before rolling them up.
Conclusion
Good-quality blinds will last you a lifetime and make your outdoor space a pleasure to use. However, by taking good care of them and making the cleaning and maintenance a matter of routine, you can extend their lives considerably.
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