How to Clean Outdoor Roller Blinds

With a variety of outdoor blinds available on the market, we can easily find the perfect outdoor shades to suit our tastes. 

The most common and widely used in Australia are roller blinds, and outdoor blinds are essential investments for so many Australian home and business owners. Windproof and waterproof outdoor blinds are durable and sturdy. Still, no matter how substantial they can be, it is undeniably a considerable challenge to maintain them to last as long as they can without spending a lot of money fixing or repairing them later down the track.

The Importance of Cleaning Outdoor Roller Blinds

Like most exterior surfaces, Outdoor Roller Blinds are constantly exposed to the elements. Wind, rain and dust can significantly impact the look of your blinds and their operation as well. Keeping them clean and well-maintained is essential to maintaining their functionality and ensuring they work properly – not to mention ensuring they stay looking great for years to come. Luckily, the cleaning process is quick and easy. Not necessarily a chore – you don’t have to spend hours cleaning dirt build-up and debris that might prevent their smooth operation if you routinely keep a gentle eye on your blinds and their upkeep. Here are our most recommended maintenance and cleaning tips:

• Be diligent about maintaining your blinds
• Brush off all debris
• Avoid using chemical cleaning products and high-pressure hoses
• Never roll up your blinds while they are damp or wet

How To Clean Outdoor Roller Blinds

Brush, Brush, Brush

To keep your blinds clean, brush both sides of the material with a soft-bristled brush on a weekly or monthly basis, depending on the condition of your blinds. You will be able to determine how often you’ll need to do this based on the debris your blinds will collect. While cleaning, remember to avoid vigorous brushing as it may cause irreparable damage or wear out the material quickly. In addition to this, you can occasionally gently hose your shade blinds with fresh cold water to keep them looking clean and crisp. You may also choose to use a soft cloth or sponge to wash the fabric.

Avoid Harsh Chemicals & High-Pressure Cleaning

When cleaning your blinds, be careful with the detergent you choose. Natural detergents work best. Avoid non-diluted detergents, solvents, or cleaning fluids that could be harmful. If you have tougher stains to clean, mix a weak concentration of household dishwashing detergent with lukewarm water at the ratio of one part detergent to 20 parts water (1:20). Remember, gentle and chemical-free cleansers are the key to the longevity of your blinds.

Prevent Stains and Discolouration

Dirt, bird droppings, tree sap or debris, can cause stains and discolouration to your blinds. If you see any foreign matter in contact with your blinds, clean it up immediately with water and a mild detergent solution. Leaving anything on your blinds for an extended period of time can cause damage to your investment. 

Leave Your Outdoor Blinds to Dry

Wet blinds encourage mould growth. One of the most important habits to get into is making sure your blinds are completely dry before rolling them up to prevent mould build-up.

Making sure that you regularly maintain your roller blinds can ensure you get more life out of the product and a better-looking product for longer.

Australia’s Most Popular Outdoor Blinds Supplier

Helioscreen is one of Australia’s most reputable suppliers of architectural sun screening systems. With a fibreglass core and even weave, our outdoor blinds ensure high visibility towards the outside made with material to increase thermal and visual comfort. Helioscreen’s range of fabrics come in over 30 colours, have a high tear resistance, are anti-fungal and fire retardant. For more information, contact us today.