Having outdoor blinds is a fantastic way to control light and heat while adding style to your home’s exterior. But you know what’s not so fantastic? Letting those blinds get grimy and gross from dirt, dust, and weather exposure. A neglected set of outdoor blinds can really drag down your home’s curb appeal.
The good news? Keeping outdoor blinds clean isn’t some big, complicated chore. With some simple tools and a little elbow grease, you can keep those babies sparkling and pristine for years to come. This article will walk you through all the tips and tricks for cleaning outdoor blinds like a pro.
Preparing Your Blinds
Before you dive into outdoor blinds maintenance, take a few minutes to prepare your blinds. This small step makes the process so much easier.
First things first – close the blinds completely and secure them however you normally would. Most outdoor blinds have clips, hooks, or tie-downs to keep them from flapping around. Get them nice and tidy for regular cleaning.
Next, give those blinds a good once-over with a clean, dry towel or microfiber cloth. Gently wipe away any loose dirt, debris, cobwebs – you know, all that unsightly surface gunk that collects too easily on blinds. Getting rid of the big, obvious stuff first prevents you from just smearing it around during the real cleaning.
While you’re at it, check for any areas with built-up grime or staining that could use some extra attention. Circle back to those stubborn spots once you’ve tackled the overall cleaning process.
Deep Cleaning Outdoor Blinds, Step-by-Step
So, the preparation work is done. Time to get those hands dirty and really make your outdoor blinds shine! Here’s the step-by-step process:
What You’ll Need:
- Bucket or large bowl
- Warm soapy water
- Mild dish soap or cleaner designed for outdoor blinds (check product labels)
- Soft-bristle brush
- Garden hose with spray nozzle
- Microfiber cloths or towels
Make Your Cleaning Solution
Start by mixing up a simple cleaning solution. Just add a few squirts of that mild dish soap or specialty blind cleaner to your bucket of warm water. A couple of tablespoons should do the trick. The key is to use just enough soap to cut through the grime without leaving behind a lot of residue.
Gently Scrub Each Blind
One by one, lightly scrub each blind with the soft-bristle brush dipped in your cleaning solution. Pay close attention to any grimy areas, applying a bit more elbow grease as needed. The soft bristles will loosen up dirt and dust without damaging the blind material.
Rinse and Repeat
After scrubbing down one section, rinse it thoroughly with the garden hose spray. Repeat this scrub-and-rinse routine across all blinds, working methodically from top to bottom. Rinsing is crucial for preventing streaks or soap residue.
Dry Them
Once fully rinsed, take a dry microfiber cloth and gently wipe down each wet blind to absorb excess moisture. Or you can let them air dry fully in the sun if you prefer. Just make sure they’re nice and dry before re-opening.
Long Live Your Outdoor Blinds: Proper Maintenance Tips
That’s it! You’ve now got your outdoor blinds clean! You did it. But don’t stop there – establishing a proper maintenance routine is key for keeping outdoor blinds looking their best long-term.
Try This Schedule:
- Monthly light cleaning: Give the blinds a quick wipe down with a dry and soft cloth to remove basic dust and dirt buildup.
- Seasonal deep cleaning: Once every few months, go through the full scrub-and-rinse process detailed above.
During seasonal deep cleans, don’t forget to check those pulleys, cords, and mechanisms, too. Clear out any debris stuck in the works to keep everything operating smoothly.
Another smart tip? Make friends with your garden hose’s jet stream setting. Giving the wooden blinds a light spray during your normal yard upkeep is an easy way to knock off pollen, clean stains, and other fresh gunk between deep cleans. The more you stay on top of it, the less heavy-duty cleaning you’ll need over time.
Protect Those Outdoor Blinds Year-Round
While regular cleaning is a must, you can also take some preventative steps to minimize how quickly grime accumulates on your outdoor blinds.
First up: invest in a quality blind cleaner made for outdoor use. Those specialty cleaners are formulated to tackle the specific types of dirt, mold, and mildew that plague exterior blinds. Using the right cleaner is worth it versus harsher chemicals that could damage materials over time.
You may also consider designing some kind of shelter or overhang above the blind area, if possible. Added protection from rain, sun exposure, and other extreme weather conditions go a long way in keeping buildup at bay.
Finally, check out any warranties or specific manufacturer guidance for your blinds’ materials. Small steps like using the right cleaning instructions and tools or avoiding certain products could be key for some materials versus others.
Clean Outdoor Blinds = Happy Home
Keeping outdoor blinds in pristine condition does take a bit of commitment. But it’s worth the effort! Well-maintained exterior blinds elevate your whole home’s vibe while protecting you from harsh rays in the sultry summer months.
With simple tools, a bit of elbow grease, and these easy cleaning instructions and tricks, you’ve got everything you need to enjoy those beautiful blinds for many years and countless sunny days to come. Forget droopy, sorry-looking outdoor blinds – your home’s future is fresh, clean, and radiant!
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