Interior Blinds Product Care
Hollands and Vertical BlindsSmall marks can be wiped off with a damp cloth or white "magic square". Larger marks may respond to a mild detergent solution applied with a soft cloth. DO NOT saturate or vigorously rub the fabric as this may remove the protective coating. Most creases in fabric are not flaws and will fall out with heat from the sun. Flocked fabric may be dusted with a soft cloth or wiped gently with a soft sponge dampened with mild laundry detergent. Do not allow dust to accumulate.
Venetian Blinds (Aluminium)
Dust blinds regularly. For cleaning, your blind can be removed from the brackets and washed with warm water and a mild detergent. A greasy blind may be washed with a weak solution of methylated spirits. Dry blind thoroughly and return to brackets.
Wooden Venetian
Lacquered Venetians only need regular dusting. Oiled Venetians need to be dusted and may require another coat of wood oil if the blind shows signs of dryness. This may only be necessary if the blind is exposed to heat behind the glass.
Romans and Panels
Do not allow dust to accumulate. Dust with a soft cloth to remove excess dirt and grime. Gently vacuum regularly with appropriate attachment. Do not wash. Do not dry clean. Warm iron if needed. Test in an inconspicuous area with mild detergent prior to spot cleaning. Wipe gently with a soft sponge dampened with mild laundry detergent. Do not allow blind to become fully wet. Use damp cloth only.
Cellular Blinds
Do not allow dust to accumulate. Dust with a soft cloth to remove excess dirt and grime. Handle with care. Dust may be blown away using compressed air or a hand held hair dryer on the coolest setting.
Additional Technical Information
Hollands and Vertical Blinds
There is a gap at the sides between the blinds and the window frame to allow for the brackets. Large blinds tend to form a "V" wave in the material as it hangs. New blinds often require some weeks of operation to run true. Side control (Roller) blinds must be operated by the chain. Pull straight down on the chain, not to one side, this will ensure the blind rolls evenly. Do not pull the blind from the bottom rail. Holland (spring operated) blinds should be operated from the centre of the blind by firmly holding the ring or crochet pull, never by the fabric. Standing in front of the blind will ensure that it rolls up evenly. Do not control the blind from the sides. This may cause the blind to track incorrectly causing premature wear and fraying of the fabric. Fraying can be trimmed with sharp scissors. The Spring Motor does not require lubrication. Larger springs are available for bigger blinds.
Sunscreen and Sheerweave Fabrics
There is often an odour present in rooms furnished with Sheerweave and other sunscreen fabrics. This is because of the coating on the yarn to give it permanent flexibility. It is similar to the odour present in a new car. Sheerweave and other sunscreen fabric are not total block out fabrics. They reduce glare and UV radiation by up to 95%, however wherever the main light source is, that is what is seen through the blind. For example; during the day when there is more light outside, the blinds provide privacy from the street. In the evening, when there is more light inside the house, inside can be seen and a block out blind is needed for privacy.
Slimline and Wooden Venetians
Small blinds (250mm - 400mm) will not close completely.
Blinds 250mm - 280mm will tilt only Blinds 280mm - 400mm will tilt and raise but cords must be at opposite ends.
Larger blinds will have poor closing and may bow. Maximum blind size 2400 x 2100.
Stacking information
When raised, the stacking width of timber venetians is as follows:
| Drop | Stacking Width | Drop | Stacking Width |
| 1116m | 200mm | 1990mm | 270mm |
| 1200m | 215mm | 2135 - 2170mm | 290mm |
| 145mm | 220mm | 2180 - 2345mm | 300mm |
| 175mm | 260mm | 3100mm | 360mm |
Roman Blinds
Roman blinds are cord operated. Face fitting is recommended. Reveal fitting may leave light gaps at the side of the windows. Softer fabrics are used for roman blinds. Cord operation can be seen from the outside. Roman blinds stack to the width of the panels. Large blinds may stretch or drop over time.
Panel Glides
Can be used as room dividers, or to cover large windows or patio doors
They are available in both one way draw and centre closing
They have a wand control similar to a vertical blind
Panel Glides stack to a minimum width of 500mm, which may cover the window
Standard with pelmet
Available in Roman or Jamaican (with battons)
Blades are susceptible to cupping (edges of fabric may roll towards the window)
Battons help to stop cupping
Battons can be lined up on blinds that have a different drop
Cellular Blinds
Cellular blinds give good window coverage
Available in Day / Night shades
Have a "top down - bottom up" facility which allows light into the room while maintaining privacy
Safety Requirements for Corded Window Coverings
Products must be designed so that any exposed looped cord, looped bead chain or other flexible looped device can be fitted with an appropriate safety device.
An appropriate safety device shall either:
- Ensure that it is incapable of forming a loop with a circumference of greater than 300mm
- Be an appropriate cord release device (cord breaks under tension - 2.27kg max)
- Be a fixed cord tension device (such as a cord wheel fixture) to hold the cord and reduce its accessibility to young children