How to maintain and clean outdoor blinds?

Do you want your outdoor roller blinds to look beautiful all year round? Knowing how to clean and maintain them properly is essential to enjoying their maximum benefits. The effort, time, and money used in installing outdoor blinds are huge. Nonetheless, these costs are one-time expenses, and you want to avoid the stress and extra expenses of later repairing your blinds. That's why we’ve prepared a guide with helpful tips on how to clean outdoor blinds and maintain their quality effectively.

Why outdoor blind cleaning is important


Outdoor blinds protect your home against dust, rain, and even UV rays. However, they will collect dirt and debris over time, which can degrade materials and affect their performance. Cleaning outdoor sun shades periodically increases their life span and maintains their vibrancy, full potential, and optimal functioning. Neglecting outdoor blinds' cleaning will result in long-term impacts, like mould and mildew, which affect blinds and human health.

Dirty blinds can cause:

  • Material discolouration and weakening.
  • Operational problems with retractable mechanisms.
  • Unappealing appearance that affects the overall look of your outdoor space.


What to know about cleaning different types of outdoor blinds


Not all blinds are created equal, and neither are their cleaning requirements. Different materials demand tailored care to avoid damage while maintaining visual and functional appeal. Let’s break down how to clean the two most common types of outdoor roller blinds.

How to clean PVC outdoor blinds?


PVC outdoor roller blinds are a popular choice known for their exceptional durability, clear visibility, and weather resistance. To effectively maintain them, you’ll need to:

1. Clean off dust gently: Wipe off surface dust with a soft sponge or microfiber cloth. Avoid rubbing harshly, as this may scratch the fabric.

2. Washing blinds: Outside roller blinds should be cleaned with mild soap and lukewarm water. Gently scrub the blinds with a sponge, which will lift the stains and grime.

3. Rinse thoroughly: Rinse off all the soap residue using a low-pressure hose to clean more effectively without harming the material.

4. Leave for air drying: Allow the blind to dry out completely before rolling them up. This prevents the growth of mould or mildew!

How to clean outdoor mesh blinds?


Mesh blinds are valued for their durability and ability to filter sunlight effectively. These blinds require slightly different care:

1. Remove dirt and debris: Use a soft brush or vacuum cleaner to remove dirt, cobwebs, and other debris from the blinds.

2. Clean the surface: Use mild detergent and warm water over the blinds to clean them, then gently scrub with a sponge to remove dirt without messing up the mesh.

3. Rinse properly: Use the low water pressure of the hose, which is supposed to help remove soap residuals without deteriorating the material in your blind.

4. Air dry completely: To avoid moisture-related problems, such as mould or mildew, allow the blind to dry thoroughly in the open air before retracting it.


Outdoor blind cleaning supplies


First, gather all the supplies you'll need to have for the cleaning blinds outside:  

  • Soft-bristle brush or vacuum cleaner with brush attachment;
  • Mild detergent or soap suitable for delicate materials (Certain cleaning products may harm or discolour specific fabrics, so it's advisable to use a mild soap. Most dish detergents are also effective!);
  • Buckets for mixing cleaning solutions;
  • Sponges, soft cloths, or microfiber towels;
  • Low-pressure garden hose;
  • Gloves and a mask for handling mould or chemical cleaners.


Steps on how to clean outdoor blinds


Cleaning outdoor blinds can be a breeze! Just follow these easy and practical step-by-step instructions guide:

  • Preparation: You need to extend the blind completely. Make sure that the total area is revealed for effective cleaning.
  • Dust removal: Start by removing the top layer of dust and dirt. Use your soft brush or vacuum cleaner to reach every corner of the fabric.
  • Wet the blinds: Use a garden hose to wet the shades, ensuring the stream flows at a low, steady pressure. This will effectively remove dirt and debris. Always avoid using a pressure washer on fabric outdoor shades, which may cause serious damage!
  • Apply soap: Gently scrub the surface with a mild soap solution to lift the grime. Be sure to cover both sides of the blinds for a thorough cleaning.
  • Rinsing: Hose them down with clean water, washing all soap away. Over time, leftover soap may cause streaks or damage to the material.
  • Drying: Leave your shades as they are, allowing them to air dry completely.. Before starting this process, it's wise to check the weather forecast for any rain predictions!


Regularly following these steps ensures that your blinds remain in top condition while extending their lifespan.

How to clean mould off outdoor blinds?


Mould can pose a massive problem for outdoor shades, particularly those made from fabric or any absorbent material. If mould marks appear, immediate action is essential, as cleaning outdoor blinds will be more complicated if the mould is ignored.

To clean mould off outdoor blinds, remove the mould from your outdoor shades first, wearing gloves and face mask to avoid their spores. Mix equal parts of white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Apply a generous amount to the mould areas and let it sit for about 15-20 minutes.

Using a soft-bristled brush, try scrubbing mould off your shade carefully without damaging it. A good wash with the hose will rinse it thoroughly. Let the shade dry wholly before drawing it downwards once again!

Maintenance after cleaning outdoor blinds


Remember the maintenance once the cleaning is complete, which will keep your outside roller blinds in great condition. Since this kind of blind is subject to dirt, dust, pollen, and other air particles, it must be cleaned more often than other shades. Opt for a weekly cleaning schedule for optimal shade quality.

Outdoor blinds need a minimum of once-a-week sweeping with your soft-bristle brush or vacuum cleaner. Using a sponge with a mild soap solution and rinsing with water monthly will keep them in their best condition and minimise permanent stains or discolouration.

Besides cleaning outdoor sun shades, one of the most important things you can do is to roll them up when they're not in use. For instance, retract or cover blinds during extreme weather conditions to avoid unnecessary wear and tear.

Finally, consider scheduling deep cleanings twice yearly, particularly during pollen-heavy or rainy seasons. A maintenance routine ensures that your blinds remain functional and visually appealing for years!

Final notes


Your outdoor blinds represent an investment in comfort, style, and protection. With proper care, they will continue to provide shade, privacy, and aesthetic value, elevating your outdoor spaces season after season. Follow these cleaning and maintenance tips, and enjoy the benefits of well-kept blinds for years to come.

If you’re looking for more handy maintenance tips and tricks, contact our team to schedule a consultation!

Do you want your outdoor roller blinds to look beautiful all year round? Knowing how to clean and maintain them properly is essential to enjoying their maximum benefits. The effort, time, and money used in installing outdoor blinds are huge. Nonetheless, these costs are one-time expenses, and you want to avoid the stress and extra expenses of later repairing your blinds. That's why we’ve prepared a guide with helpful tips on how to clean outdoor blinds and maintain their quality effectively.

Why outdoor blind cleaning is important


Outdoor blinds protect your home against dust, rain, and even UV rays. However, they will collect dirt and debris over time, which can degrade materials and affect their performance. Cleaning outdoor sun shades periodically increases their life span and maintains their vibrancy, full potential, and optimal functioning. Neglecting outdoor blinds' cleaning will result in long-term impacts, like mould and mildew, which affect blinds and human health.

Dirty blinds can cause:

  • Material discolouration and weakening.
  • Operational problems with retractable mechanisms.
  • Unappealing appearance that affects the overall look of your outdoor space.


What to know about cleaning different types of outdoor blinds


Not all blinds are created equal, and neither are their cleaning requirements. Different materials demand tailored care to avoid damage while maintaining visual and functional appeal. Let’s break down how to clean the two most common types of outdoor roller blinds.

How to clean PVC outdoor blinds?


PVC outdoor roller blinds are a popular choice known for their exceptional durability, clear visibility, and weather resistance. To effectively maintain them, you’ll need to:

1. Clean off dust gently: Wipe off surface dust with a soft sponge or microfiber cloth. Avoid rubbing harshly, as this may scratch the fabric.

2. Washing blinds: Outside roller blinds should be cleaned with mild soap and lukewarm water. Gently scrub the blinds with a sponge, which will lift the stains and grime.

3. Rinse thoroughly: Rinse off all the soap residue using a low-pressure hose to clean more effectively without harming the material.

4. Leave for air drying: Allow the blind to dry out completely before rolling them up. This prevents the growth of mould or mildew!

How to clean outdoor mesh blinds?


Mesh blinds are valued for their durability and ability to filter sunlight effectively. These blinds require slightly different care:

1. Remove dirt and debris: Use a soft brush or vacuum cleaner to remove dirt, cobwebs, and other debris from the blinds.

2. Clean the surface: Use mild detergent and warm water over the blinds to clean them, then gently scrub with a sponge to remove dirt without messing up the mesh.

3. Rinse properly: Use the low water pressure of the hose, which is supposed to help remove soap residuals without deteriorating the material in your blind.

4. Air dry completely: To avoid moisture-related problems, such as mould or mildew, allow the blind to dry thoroughly in the open air before retracting it.


Outdoor blind cleaning supplies


First, gather all the supplies you'll need to have for the cleaning blinds outside:  

  • Soft-bristle brush or vacuum cleaner with brush attachment;
  • Mild detergent or soap suitable for delicate materials (Certain cleaning products may harm or discolour specific fabrics, so it's advisable to use a mild soap. Most dish detergents are also effective!);
  • Buckets for mixing cleaning solutions;
  • Sponges, soft cloths, or microfiber towels;
  • Low-pressure garden hose;
  • Gloves and a mask for handling mould or chemical cleaners.


Steps on how to clean outdoor blinds


Cleaning outdoor blinds can be a breeze! Just follow these easy and practical step-by-step instructions guide:

  • Preparation: You need to extend the blind completely. Make sure that the total area is revealed for effective cleaning.
  • Dust removal: Start by removing the top layer of dust and dirt. Use your soft brush or vacuum cleaner to reach every corner of the fabric.
  • Wet the blinds: Use a garden hose to wet the shades, ensuring the stream flows at a low, steady pressure. This will effectively remove dirt and debris. Always avoid using a pressure washer on fabric outdoor shades, which may cause serious damage!
  • Apply soap: Gently scrub the surface with a mild soap solution to lift the grime. Be sure to cover both sides of the blinds for a thorough cleaning.
  • Rinsing: Hose them down with clean water, washing all soap away. Over time, leftover soap may cause streaks or damage to the material.
  • Drying: Leave your shades as they are, allowing them to air dry completely.. Before starting this process, it's wise to check the weather forecast for any rain predictions!


Regularly following these steps ensures that your blinds remain in top condition while extending their lifespan.

How to clean mould off outdoor blinds?


Mould can pose a massive problem for outdoor shades, particularly those made from fabric or any absorbent material. If mould marks appear, immediate action is essential, as cleaning outdoor blinds will be more complicated if the mould is ignored.

To clean mould off outdoor blinds, remove the mould from your outdoor shades first, wearing gloves and face mask to avoid their spores. Mix equal parts of white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Apply a generous amount to the mould areas and let it sit for about 15-20 minutes.

Using a soft-bristled brush, try scrubbing mould off your shade carefully without damaging it. A good wash with the hose will rinse it thoroughly. Let the shade dry wholly before drawing it downwards once again!

Maintenance after cleaning outdoor blinds


Remember the maintenance once the cleaning is complete, which will keep your outside roller blinds in great condition. Since this kind of blind is subject to dirt, dust, pollen, and other air particles, it must be cleaned more often than other shades. Opt for a weekly cleaning schedule for optimal shade quality.

Outdoor blinds need a minimum of once-a-week sweeping with your soft-bristle brush or vacuum cleaner. Using a sponge with a mild soap solution and rinsing with water monthly will keep them in their best condition and minimise permanent stains or discolouration.

Besides cleaning outdoor sun shades, one of the most important things you can do is to roll them up when they're not in use. For instance, retract or cover blinds during extreme weather conditions to avoid unnecessary wear and tear.

Finally, consider scheduling deep cleanings twice yearly, particularly during pollen-heavy or rainy seasons. A maintenance routine ensures that your blinds remain functional and visually appealing for years!

Final notes


Your outdoor blinds represent an investment in comfort, style, and protection. With proper care, they will continue to provide shade, privacy, and aesthetic value, elevating your outdoor spaces season after season. Follow these cleaning and maintenance tips, and enjoy the benefits of well-kept blinds for years to come.

If you’re looking for more handy maintenance tips and tricks, contact our team to schedule a consultation!

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