Taking care of you Blinds/Shutters/Awnings

Operation

Window Blinds with Handles - Mainly on Perfect-Fit and Conservatory Blinds
The Operation of 'Handle' style window blinds is a simple one. Just hold the handle, keeping the rail as straight as possible and then raise or lower the blind to the required position, where it will stay with no further action necessary.

Cord Lock Window Blinds
Cord operated window blinds can be released and locked by use of the cord lock located on the headrail. To release on right hand control, pull to the left and down. To lock on right hand control pull to the right and release. To release on left hand control, pull to the right and down. To lock on left hand control pull to the left and release.

Pleated Roof Blinds
Roof blinds are operated with the aid of the wand (supplied.) The wand can be located by gently sliding the wand head from the left or right side, over the tag handle. The blinds can then be opened or closed. Please make sure you are in line with the blind as this will stop the possibility of damage to the blind. The operation should always be a push and not a pull action.

Shaped Pleated Roof Blinds
Shaped roof blinds are operated in the same manner as roof blinds. The pushing rather than pulling of the blind is even more important on shaped blinds, in order to ensure a smooth and easy operation. On larger shaped blinds you may have to 'help' the fabric up or down if it starts to lag behind.

Roof Roller Blinds
Roller blinds can be pulled up or down by the pull cord, please be careful not to let the cord go when operating the blind, as this can cause damage. Please ensure the cord is securely tied around the cleat when the blind is closed.

Roof Woodweave Blinds
Woodweave blinds can be pulled up or down by the pull cord, please be careful not to let the cord go when operating the blind, as this can cause damage. Please ensure the cord is securely tied around the cleat when the blind is closed.

General
Care must be taken when operating all blinds and no excessive force must be used as this may damage the blind and/or the fitting. If the blind doesn't operate with normal control, don't force the blind, firstly check if there are any obstructions impinging it, or if there are any knots in the cord.

Child Safety
Any blinds with loose hanging cords or looped sidewinder controls are a strangulation risk to small children. All such cords should be safely tied up out of reach. For more information and to download a safety brochure click here.

Maintenance

Maintaining Pleats
To retain the crispness of the pleats on your blinds, regular bunching (i.e. compressing the blind in the open position) is advised, ideally at least once every 14 days, overnight.

Silicon for Pleated and Woodweave Blinds
To keep the roof blinds operating smoothly, we recommend periodic lubrication and cleaning of the support wires. This is best achieved by spraying a small quantity of silicon onto a duster and applying it to the wires and cords.

Ventilation
With regular care your blinds will provide you with years of pleasure, protection and comfort, but note that to achieve the best performance from your blinds suitable ventilation is essential.

Cleaning your Blinds

Wooden Venetians
Use a damp cloth or duster to wipe the slats from the centre outwards.

Aluminium Venetians
Can be placed into a bath or similar with some warm soapy water, taking care at all times to ensure that you don't bend or kink any of the slats. Slosh the water gently from side to side and allow to soak. Remove the blind and carefully wipe the slats clean with a soft cloth - note: it may be easier to wipe the slats dry after you have re-hung the blind, placing a towel on the window seal to catch the drips. Hang the blind to finish drying the cords. There are some companies that will professionally clean your blinds for you, though this can be quite an expensive and specialised task. If you were already thinking of having a change, then venetian blinds can be very good value, click here to see more of the ranges we offer.

Roman Blinds
Most roman blind fabrics can be removed for cleaning. Normally they are dry clean or hand-wash only however some are machine washable. Check the label first. Top tip: Take note how you dismantle the blind so that you remember how to rebuild after cleaning.

Other Facbric Blinds
Most blinds can be cleaned simply with warm water and a cloth, making the water a bit soapy with a small amount of washing up liquid can help.

Removing Insects - Mainly from conservatory roof blinds
Insects can be removed by firstly opening the blind next to the one you are cleaning, then tap the face side of the blind you are cleaning as this will move the insects to one side. You can then lightly brush the insect off of the blind with a duster or soft brush. If you decide to vacuum proceed with care and not too much suction as you can end up breaking and/or creasing the fabric. Never use chemicals to clean your blinds just warm soapy water.

Safety

Energy Saving Fabrics