If you live close to the coastline, your home is likely constantly exposed to salty air, humidity, and wind. Regular exposure to the elements can quickly cause stains, mildew, rust, and corrosion to appear on your outdoor blinds.
Over time this may have a significant effect on the product’s appearance, functionality, and life span. Fortunately, with regular care, you can prevent these issues.
Keep them clean
Frequently cleaning your outdoor blinds is one of the best ways to keep them free from rust and mildew. Sea salt can build up on surfaces over time, and the longer you leave it, the harder it will be to remove. Mildew is also likely to grow in areas where there is dirt or soil. It can eventually stain the material so, clean your blinds frequently with warm soapy water and a gentle sponge. If you live very close to the sea, you should try to clean it weekly or fortnightly. Otherwise, you can do this once a month and spot clean whenever you see new dirt or stains.
Remove rust and mildew spots
While cleaning your outdoor blinds, look out for any rust on the metal and make sure to remove and repair it immediately. First, carefully remove the rust with some steel wool, light grade wet sandpaper, or a sharp utility knife/razor blade. Once you’ve removed it, wash away the additional grime and dirt with soapy water. Mildew spots can be removed by brushing off the surface growth and washing it with soap and water.
You can use a mixture of lemon juice and salt or a water and bleach solution to remove any stains. However, be aware that these products can damage the material by bleaching or discolouring it, so we advise testing the material for colourfastness in a small and concealed area or checking with your supplier to learn what they recommend. We always recommend starting with a warm mildly soapy wash and seeing how you go from there.
Get rid of any moisture
After you’ve cleaned your outdoor blinds, it is very important to get rid of any dampness. Use a dry towel or cloth to wipe away excess water. Do not put them away while they’re damp. Instead, keep them open until they have air-dried before you close them. It is best to clean your blinds on a sunny day to dry them quickly. It is also good to open up and let your blinds dry out after periods of rain or very humid days.
Take extra care of the blind’s mechanisms
Rust and salt build-up will affect the usability of your outdoor blinds’ rotating chain mechanism and metal-cord, or crank and clip. It may even cause it to break over time. To prevent this, you should take extra care to keep it clean and dry. You should also regularly apply silicone spray to the inside of the mechanism track to keep it lubricated and free from corrosion.
The best way to guarantee the longevity of your outdoor blinds is by investing in a premium product. All About Shade is the leading retailer for Outdoor Blinds in Perth. With a wide range of blinds for all purposes, we can help you create a beautiful and comfortable outdoor space that feels like an extension of your home.
To arrange a free quote, fill out the “Free Measure & Quote” form, and one of our friendly team members will get in touch.
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