Caring for your roller blinds and wooden window shutters

Keeping your roller blinds or wooden shutters gleaming requires a little know-how. With the proper care and cleaning, you’ll help protect these beautiful window treatments and ensure they retain their stylish good looks over time. Our experts explain some essential tips to keep your window treatments happy.

Caring for roller blinds

Roller blinds are the perfect choice for your windows, but it’s important you use them correctly:

• When operating, always ensure the blind chain doesn’t touch the fabric roll (as this could damage the fabric over time).
• Regularly check behind the fabric to ensure it’s free from any cobwebs or pesky bugs, as these may damage the adjustment mechanism.

Caring for wooden shutters

When it comes to wooden shutters, think of permanence of place. You should keep the full shutter panel closed and against the window as much as possible. The exception to this rule is if you’re doing a quick monthly clean or need to reach the window latch occasionally.

Tips for using wooden shutters:

• Regularly rotate the angles of your shutter blades – although the harsh sun will naturally result in some colour fading over time, this trick ensures your shutters maintain an even colour when exposed to those damaging UV rays.
• Use the right adjustment – always tilt the blades using your hands; if your shutter has a front tilt bar (not used a lot these days), do not use the front tilt bar to open or close the blades. To avoid damaging parts, don’t be tempted to open the panel by pulling on the front Tilt Rod or blades, always use the side stile of the panel to open the shutter panel. Watch out for metal objects such as jewellery or metal zips coming in contact with any part of the shutter.
• Use bi-fold or sliding panels correctly – make sure to close the shutter blades before opening your bi-folds or panel to avoid any damage.

Cleaning tips for roller blinds and shutters

Cleaning dos:

• Use a light touch – remove dust with a soft cloth, microfibre wand, feather duster or a vacuum cleaner on a low setting using a soft bristle-brush attachment.
• Spot-clean small stains the right way – read on, and you’ll find our handy recommendations below.

And avoid these cleaning don’ts:

• Water woes – never allow water to remain on your shutters or blinds, otherwise you risk damaging the materials and finish.
• Always avoid using harsh cleaners – steer clear of silicon-based products, along with abrasives and solvents.
• Don’t be tempted to scrub or rub – gentle is always best!

The Aspect how-to guide for small stains

For roller blinds:

• Remove the stain using a gentle cloth dampened with warm soapy water. Rinse off with a clean damp cloth, and pat lightly with a clean, dry cloth.
• A clean pencil rubber also works a treat when it comes to small marks. Avoid applying any pressure when rubbing and lightly dust off the residue once you’re finished.

For wooden or plantation shutters:

• Use a soft, damp cloth to shift the stain and immediately wipe dry using a clean, dry cloth.
• If you feel you must use soap and water, make sure it’s in small amounts and choose a PH neutral soap mixed into lukewarm water.

Know when to bring in the cleaning pros

Despite the best intentions, sometimes accidents happen. If you’re faced with major marks or stains, we recommend avoiding trying anything DIY. Instead, give a professional window treatment cleaner a call.

Time to upgrade?

Sometimes despite your best efforts, those roller blinds and wooden shutters just can’t be reinvigorated. If it might be time to upgrade your window treatments, you’ll find our Aspect range offers quality, cost-effective blinds and shutters that are stunning and stylish. Try our handy retailer search feature now so your local expert can show you our gorgeous range.