Insights

Maintaining the Longevity of Your Outdoor Blinds

Written by Kathy Giliberto | Apr 17, 2025 12:45:00 AM

Outdoor blinds are more than just a stylish addition to your alfresco space—they’re a smart investment in year-round comfort, UV protection, and privacy. Whether you're shielding your patio from the midday sun, hosting evening dinners without the intrusion of insects, or looking to cut down on wind exposure, outdoor blinds are your go-to solution.

But like any home feature exposed to the elements, proper care and regular maintenance are essential to keeping them looking fresh and functioning flawlessly. At Security Plus Shutters, Doors & Blinds, we’ve been helping Australian families protect their homes for over 30 years, and we know exactly how to extend the lifespan of your outdoor blinds.

If you want your blinds to last for years (and still look great doing it), follow these expert-backed maintenance tips.

Keep Them Clean—The Right Way

Outdoor blinds are constantly exposed to dust, salt, rain, and airborne debris. Over time, these build-ups can lead to stains, discolouration, and even deterioration of the fabric or tracks.

Cleaning Tips:

  • Use a soft brush or cloth to wipe off loose dust before it settles into the fibres.
  • Wash with mild soapy water (never harsh detergents or bleach), and rinse thoroughly with fresh water.
  • For blinds made from PVC or mesh, wipe dry with a microfibre cloth to avoid water spots or streaks.

Pro Tip: Clean your outdoor blinds at least once every 2-3 months, or more frequently in coastal or dusty environments.

Retract During Extreme Weather

Outdoor blinds are designed to withstand the elements—but they’re not invincible. High winds, hail, and severe storms can place unnecessary strain on the fabric, fastenings, and tension systems.

Preventative Measures:

  • Retract or roll up your blinds during strong winds or heavy rainfall.
  • If your blinds are motorised, set up automated weather sensors to retract them when wind speeds rise.

Not only will this prevent damage, but it also maintains the tension and shape of the blind fabric long-term.

Check Tracks and Mechanisms

Whether you have eZip track blinds, crank-operated systems, or fully motorised setups, regular inspection of the moving parts is key.

Maintenance Tips:

  • Vacuum or wipe down tracks to remove dirt and prevent jamming.
  • Use dry silicone spray (not WD-40) to lubricate the tracks and prevent squeaking or stiffness.
  • For motorised blinds, schedule an annual check-up to ensure smooth operation and remote compatibility.

Keeping the components clean and lubricated means smoother function and less wear on the system over time.

Protect Against Prolonged Sun Exposure

Ironically, while outdoor blinds are designed to block UV rays, prolonged exposure to harsh sun can eventually fade fabrics or cause brittleness—especially in low-quality blinds.

With Security Plus, we use UV-stabilised mesh and powder-coated aluminium to resist this damage, but a little extra care helps too.

Sun Protection Tips:

  • Keep blinds partially retracted during peak sun hours if not in use.
  • Opt for darker mesh colours, which naturally absorb less visible wear over time.
  • Choose blinds with UV warranty-rated materials, such as our premium eZip fabric range.

Avoid Harsh Cleaners and Chemicals

We get it—it’s tempting to use strong cleaners to deal with stubborn marks or mildew. But many chemical cleaners can strip away protective coatings or discolour the fabric.

What to Avoid:

  • Bleach-based sprays
  • Abrasive scrubbing pads
  • Pressure washers (especially on PVC or soft mesh blinds)

Stick with pH-neutral soap, water, and soft cloths. When in doubt, ask our team about approved cleaning products for your specific blind fabric.

Schedule Professional Maintenance as Needed

Like any home feature, sometimes the best maintenance is professional servicing. If your outdoor blinds are sagging, misaligned, or making strange noises—don’t wait for a full failure.

Security Plus offers expert maintenance support, and we stock all major parts for servicing or repair.

Bonus: Many of our blinds come with warranties that require regular inspections to remain valid. Staying on top of this is a great way to protect your investment.

Why Outdoor Blind Care Matters

Regular upkeep isn’t just about keeping your blinds looking nice. It also:

  • Extends the life of your blinds by years, saving you money on early replacements
  • Ensures optimal performance during summer heat, winter chill, and windy afternoons
  • Maintains the aesthetic value of your outdoor entertaining areas
  • Protects your home from sun fading, water damage, and outdoor pollutants

At Security Plus, we craft every outdoor blind to handle the toughest Australian conditions—but like any high-performance product, a little maintenance goes a long way.

Why Choose Security Plus Outdoor Blinds?

Our outdoor blinds are designed and installed with longevity in mind, offering:

✔️ UV-stabilised, fade-resistant fabrics
✔️ Heavy-duty aluminium frames and zip-guided systems
✔️ Motorisation-ready options with smart-home integration
✔️ Custom-fit design for Melbourne and Sydney homes
✔️ Expert after-sales support and servicing

Whether you're installing brand new eZip blinds or want to keep your existing blinds in peak condition, our team is here to help at every step.

 

Need Help Maintaining or Upgrading Your Outdoor Blinds?

Let’s keep your blinds beautiful and functional for years to come.

👉 Call us on 1300 883 933
👉 Book a free on-site consultation

 

Security Plus Shutters, Doors & Blinds — Protecting Australian homes with innovation, care, and proven quality for over 30 years.