How to Care for Bamboo Blinds
Everything you need to know about the care and maintenance of our Bamboo Blinds, including our Outdoor Bamboo Blinds
Because our bamboo blinds are made with care, from quality materials, the easy steps in this guide will ensure they remain in good condition while looking great for many years, whether installed indoors our outdoors.
In very moist conditions mould can build up on your blind, as it would on most window coverings. But removing it is a relatively simple, though important task. Find out about Mould Removal.
Our range of bamboo blinds includes many suitable for outdoor use. They provide protection from sun, wind and rain.
A few simple steps to protect the blind will keep it operating smoothly for many years.
Dust & Debris
When dust and debris build up on the surface, you can remove it with a non-scratch feather duster or soft cloth. To remove dust and debris from between the slats, use a vacuum cleaner fitted with an upholstery or dusting attachment.
Dirt & Stains
For stubborn dirt and stains, clean with detergent and water. Dilute the detergent according to the manufacturer instructions and apply by spraying on. Leave for a few minutes to soften and break down the dirt/stain, then use a non-abrasive sponge, or soft brush to remove it. Leave the blind rolled down to dry after cleaning, in the open air if possible, ideally in a dry, sunny place.
When dust and debris build up on the surface, you can remove it with a non-scratch feather duster or soft cloth. To remove dust and debris from between the slats, use a vacuum cleaner fitted with an upholstery or dusting attachment.
MOULD REMOVAL
Preventing the growth of mould and mildew on bamboo blinds involves removing dust and debris before it builds up and ensuring good airflow around the blind. But during long-term and extremely wet and damp conditions you may need to do more.
If mould appears, remove it before it spreads by spraying with white vinegar brushing clean with a non-scratch brush and wiping with a damp cloth.
For mould that has spread, after cleaning as above, spray with a solution of Oil of Cloves and water (1/4 teaspoon per litre water). Spot test it in a hidden area before applying. Leave it for 24 hours to allow the oil to soak into the blind material. Clean the oil off by sprinking with bicarbonate soda and spraying with white vinegar (the ‘fizzing’ has a cleansing effect). Using a non-scratch brush or vacuum attachment remove the bicarb residue. Now leave the blind rolled down to dry, in the open air if possible, especially if the weather is sunny and dry.
Removing mould with bleach Household bleach can be used to remove the appearance of mould. However, because bleach does not kill mould spores, using it should be considered a short-term measure.
Dilute the bleach in water at 2 parts water to 1 part bleach. Wear gloves and make sure your skin and eyes are protected. You can spray the bleach solution on, but only if you can ensure the spray does not drift, touch or settle on any other surfaces, including people, clothes, plants, furniture and the floor. Otherwise, while wearing rubber gloves and protecting your clothes, you can apply the bleach solution outdoors, using a sponge while covering nearby surfaces to protect them from drips.
Leave the blinds rolled down to dry-out completely in a warm, dry, well-ventilated place.
USEFUL LINKS: 6 Things to Know About Using Clove Oil for Mould Removal
Wind & Storms
Although your blinds are covered by our Warranty, wind and storm damage is not included in the warranty. It is necessary to roll the blinds up out of the way in stormy, windy conditions.
Tie-downs are an optional accessory we can supply that prevent blinds from movement, especially useful in breezy conditions. Noise is reduced and damage to the blind can be prevented. However our blinds are not designed to withstand strong wind and driving rain, and, as mentioned above, the blinds must be rolled up out of the way in such weather.
Rain, Moisture & Damp Conditions
Many of our bamboo blind materials are suitable for use in moist areas such as bathrooms, kitchens and laundries. And many can also be installed outdoors.
Our 5 Year Warranty applies even in damp environments, providing you take appropriate care, including allowing them to dry out thoroughly whenever they do get wet (i.e. don’t roll them up while wet).
Note that our warranty does not cover mould or mildew growth as this is something beyond our control. However, by following the Mould Removal instructions above, mould and mildew can be removed without damaging the blind.
