Wondering how to clean your patio blinds so you don't damage the mechanism and keep them looking their best for longer? In this guide you will find simple and effective ways to care for both wooden and aluminium outdoor blinds.

A side terrace enclosure made of movable blinds is a solution increasingly chosen by home and garden owners. It provides shelter from wind and sun, while adding a modern touch to the space. However, to keep the whole thing looking good and working for years to come, regular maintenance is needed. In this guide, we tell you how to clean your patio blinds - both aluminium and wooden.

You can find a video with instructions on YouTube: How to clean and maintain patio blinds - see video

You'll find the products we're talking about in the Opened.co.uk shop:
View the range of wood and aluminium terrace blinds

Cleaning of aluminium blinds 

Aluminium terrace laths are the simplest solution in terms of care. They are weatherproof and do not require impregnation. Cleaning is all that is required:

• mild detergent, e.g. dishwashing liquid,
  
• soft cloth or sponge,
  
• Drying with a paper towel or microfibre cloth.
  

It is a good idea to wipe the slats in both the open and closed positions. Aluminium does not absorb water, does not crack and does not change in volume, so one such operation per season is sufficient.

Cleaning and maintenance of wooden terrace blinds

Wooden terrace blinds are usually made from knotless pine. This type of wood is lightweight and aesthetically pleasing, but requires more attention than aluminium. At first - for the first few seasons - the boards can be cleaned like aluminium louvres: with a mild detergent, a soft cloth, without strong detergents.

After a few years, the wood may start to grey, warp or develop fungi and small insects. It is then worth carrying out a thorough maintenance.

How to clean and protect wooden blinds step by step:

1. Remove the boards from the handles - The OpenUp handle system allows this to be done without tools.
   
2. Allow them to dry completely - do not apply the impregnator to damp wood.
   
3. Wipe with sandpaper - preferably with a 180-240 gradation, always following the direction of the fibres.
   
4. Use an exterior wood preservative - spread evenly, paying particular attention to the ends of the boards (so-called faces) where the wood absorbs the most moisture.
   
5. When dry, place the boards back into the holders.
   

It is recommended to carry out this maintenance every 2-3 years. When choosing a product, it is advisable to choose an oil-based impregnation or a varnish with a UV filter - this will protect the wood against pests, radiation and moisture.

Caution: the use of pressure washers is not recommended. They can damage the structure of the wood and wash out existing protection.

Care of louvre cover brackets

The lamella holders are made of polypropylene modified with UV-resistant additives. They are durable and shatterproof, but it is worth cleaning them once a season from dust and possible dirt. Enough:

• soft cloth,
  
• warm water with mild detergent,
  
• avoiding strong chemicals and rough sponges.
  

They do not require additional maintenance, but regular wiping enhances the aesthetics of the entire system.

How do you clean your patio blinds? With your head!

If you are wondering how to clean your patio blinds - the most important thing is to match the care method to the material. Aluminium requires a minimum of attention. Wood, especially knotless pine, repays a beautiful appearance, but needs regular protection from the weather. Well-preserved boards will last for many seasons.

Take a look at our patio blind kits and choose a solution to suit your terrace:
Check out the range at Otwrane.co.uk

Do you have questions? Contact us - we can help you choose the right kit and advise on care.