Tips and tricks how to clean outdoor blinds and maintenance

Posted on 17 May 2021

Modern patio with large outdoor blinds surrounded by greenery, illustrating how to clean outdoor blinds

Want your outdoor patio blinds to look absolutely stunning all year round? It is essential to know how to properly clean and maintain them to enjoy maximum benefits.

Installing outdoor blinds requires substantial effort, time, and money. However, all these expenditures are one-time, and the benefits are worth every penny you spend.

You don’t want to stress yourself with the extra costs of fixing your blinds later down the track. Therefore, we have prepared a guide listing amazing tips to clean and maintain your quality outdoor blinds. You don’t want to stress yourself with the extra costs of fixing your blinds later down the track. Therefore, we have prepared a guide listing amazing tips to clean and maintain your quality outdoor blinds.

Cleaning and maintaining outdoor patio blinds

Outdoor patio blinds are a great modern way of turning your outdoor area into a space you can enjoy. Host weekend parties, protect your patio from rain and heat, or simply enjoy the unobstructed view without getting bothered by insects.

Taking steps to prolong the longevity of the outdoor blinds not only saves you money but maintains their aesthetic appeal as well.

Clear and tinted blinds need a little special attention.

Maintaining clear and tinted outdoor blinds

Don’t allow the accumulation of dirt and dust on the screens. Your outdoor blinds may become scratched during the rolling process.
Use a soft sponge or chamois and warm, soapy water to regularly wash your outdoor blinds.
To avoid scratche,s refrain from using any harsh, abrasive cleaners for wiping your blinds.
When you roll up your blinds, ensure they’re free of creases.
Be gentle while operating your blinds. Don’t force the operating mechanism.
With shaded and opaque quality outdoor blinds, you can utilise your alfresco and patio area while maintaining complete privacy.
You need to maintain a similar cleaning schedule for your shaded and opaque blinds to enjoy long-term benefits.
Since shade and opaque blinds are much harder to scratch, these outdoor blinds need much less effort for care and maintenance. Although you need to follow regular maintenance to improve durability.

Opening and closing your outdoor blinds

With manual and automatic operating systems, opening and closing outdoor patio blinds is extremely easy and seamless. But the question remains- What is the ideal position to keep your blinds? Should you keep them extended or rolled up?

Outdoor blinds are meant for continuous usage. Therefore, it is recommended to keep them extended for most of the time. However, there are specific instances where you need to keep them in a particular position.
Instantly roll up your blinds during heavy gusts or high winds. Leaving your blinds extended during extreme weather conditions can damage your blinds and property as well.
After cleaning your blinds, keep them in an extended position and let them dry. Before rolling or retracting your blinds, ensure they’re completely dry. Any moisture buildup can damage the blind material and also void your warranty.

How to ensure the durability of your outdoor patio blinds?

Brush regularly with a soft-bristled brush

Mildly brush both sides of your outdoor patio blinds with a soft-bristled brush. This will remove any mould stains caused by dust and eliminate any accumulated debris.

Depending on your area of residence and the amount of pollution, perform this cleaning routine weekly or monthly.

Avoid hard or vigorous brushing as it may cause damage to your outdoor blinds and lead to early wearing. Brush gently just to remove the grime without resulting in long-term damage.

Don’t use harsh chemicals

It is also crucial to refrain from using harsh chemicals such as solvents, strong detergents, or any other cleaning fluid that you believe may do a better job at removing the stains.

Strong chemicals can weaken the strength of the blind material and tarnish the colour. For transparent blinds, harsh materials can result in scratches on the blind screen.

If you need to use a cleanser to remove tough stains, ensure you use a chemical-free organic cleaning fluid. Natural cleansers gently remove stains without harming the material of your blind.

You may also connect with your manufacturer or dealer of outdoor blinds online to know about the cleansing fluids and methodology.

Refrain from high pressure cleaning

High-pressure cleaning methods, such as high-pressure washers or cleaning with a rotary brush can cause your outdoor patio blinds to fray or wear out very quickly. Stick to gentle cleaning methods and avoid reinstalling new blinds soon.

Clean stains immediately and prevent discolouration

Outdoor blinds in Melbourne are subject to far more dirt and dust exposure than your interior blinds and other window treatments.

Clean the stains (mud, bird droppings, mildew, accidental spills) immediately when you see them, in order to avoid stubborn and permanent stains.

Keep your blinds rolled down after cleaning

Once you’ve washed your blinds, don’t retract them. Keep them in an extended position. This will ensure all the moisture has dried up. Make sure your blinds are completely dry before you roll them up.

Even after rain, extend your outdoor patio blinds and let them dry completely. This will reduce the chances of mould or fungal growth.

Clean the blind tracks

Some blinds come with tracks on the side where the blind runs. To maintain smooth operation and prolong the lifetime of your outdoor blinds, it is vital to keep these tracks clean.

Do a thorough cleaning every month. Clean any dust, grime, or dust accumulation with a soft, damp cloth and let tracks dry. Finish off by applying a lubricant.

Sometimes debris might get stuck, affecting the movement of your blinds. Don’t force your blinds to move. Remove the debris and then operate your blinds.

Removing tough stains – step-by-step approach

If your outdoor patio blinds have tougher stains:

As mentioned earlier, use an organic cleanser or mix a weak concentration of household detergent in lukewarm water. Maintain a ratio of 1:20- one part detergent to 20 parts water. Ensure to avoid detergents with solvents!
Use a light cloth or sponge to scrub the blind material.
Rinse off any soap residue with fresh cold water.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best thing to clean outdoor blinds with?

The ideal cleaning solution for outdoor blinds depends on the material, but a mild approach works best for most types. A mixture of warm water with a few drops of gentle dishwashing liquid is universally safe and effective for PVC, mesh, canvas, and acrylic outdoor blinds. For tougher grime, add a tablespoon of white vinegar to the solution to help cut through dirt and mildew without damaging the material. Avoid harsh chemicals, bleach, or abrasive cleaners, as these can degrade the fabric, discolour surfaces, or damage protective coatings. A soft-bristled brush, microfibre cloth, or sponge works well for application—never use steel wool or stiff brushes that could scratch or tear. For PVC blinds specifically, a dedicated PVC cleaner or vinyl protectant can restore clarity and prevent yellowing. If you’re dealing with mould or mildew, add a capful of mild disinfectant to your cleaning solution.

How to clean blinds outside?

Cleaning outdoor blinds in situ is straightforward with the right technique. Begin by extending the blinds fully so you can access the entire surface. Use a soft broom or brush to sweep away loose debris, cobwebs, and dust—this dry cleaning step prevents you from creating muddy streaks when you add water. Fill a bucket with warm water and a small amount of mild detergent, then dip a soft brush or cloth into the solution and work in sections from top to bottom. For mesh or fabric blinds, use gentle circular motions and avoid excessive pressure that could stretch or damage the weave. PVC blinds can handle slightly firmer scrubbing but still require care around edges and mounting points. Pay special attention to the bottom edges where dirt accumulates most heavily, and don’t forget to clean both sides if accessible. Rinse thoroughly with a garden hose on a gentle setting,

How to clean outdoor blinds from Bunnings?

Outdoor blinds purchased from Bunnings come in various materials including PVC, mesh, canvas, and acrylic, so checking the manufacturer’s care instructions is essential before cleaning. For most common types, start with a gentle approach: brush off loose dirt, then wash with warm soapy water using a soft cloth or sponge. PVC café blinds and clear bistro blinds benefit from specialised PVC cleaners available at Bunnings, which restore transparency and protect against UV damage—apply these according to product instructions after washing. Mesh blinds require particular care to avoid stretching; support the fabric from behind whilst cleaning and never scrub too vigorously. Canvas or acrylic outdoor blinds can typically handle slightly more robust cleaning—use a soft brush and work with the weave rather than against it. For rope-and-pulley systems, wipe down cords and hardware with a damp cloth to prevent dirt build-up that affects operation.

Take proper care and ensure durability

Regularly tending to your outdoor blinds ensures you’re getting the most out of your investment.

Prolonged neglect of the product could potentially result in damage and early wear to the material of your blinds and may even shorten its lifespan.

With regular care and maintenance, you’re ensuring years of trouble-free protection from the sun and the harsh weather. Use our guide to keep your outdoor patio blinds functioning smoothly.

For any care and maintenance queries, you can always get in touch with the manufacturer.