Sun, dust, pollen, and summer rain storms – all of these affect shading elements. If you fail to take regular care of them after the season, they are likely to grind or prematurely weather. But all it takes is a few simple steps – and your blinds, shutters, pergolas, and awnings will reliably function for many years to come.
How often should you clean the shading elements?
- Light cleaning should take place several times a year, ideally in the spring and autumn, to remove dust and dirt from normal operation.
- Thorough maintenance of the blinds and shutters should follow the end of the main season – right now, in the autumn, after the components have endured their greatest load.
- A service check is recommended when any problems occur, or, as a precaution, once every several years to prevent major repairs.
How to clean blinds and shutters
Both blinds and shutters protect the interior from the sunshine, but their maintenance differs.
Interior blinds are comprised of slats, which should be cleaned by a soft brush, duster, or steam cleaner; while Airduster, an air-pump cleaner, can be used for difficult to access areas.
Shutters have a coherent surface, so it is usually sufficient to wipe the slats with a damp cloth or sponge.
Always check the guide rails and correct roll-up after cleaning – this is the key element of maintaining the shutters after the season. If the shutters roll up unevenly, grind, or the motor emits unusual noise, you should order servicing of the shutters and blinds.
Neglecting maintenance is likely to lead to mechanical jamming, motor damage, or permanent soiling of the slats.
Post-season servicing of awnings
Awnings are used almost daily throughout the summer, and so they deserve thorough post-season care. Always let the fabric dry well and never leave the awning folded when wet – this could lead to mould and the material starting to deteriorate. Awnings can be equipped with a wind/rain sensor that protects them from stormy weather.
A quality awning usually features a fabric that has been waterproofed by the manufacturer; but if it lacks waterproofing, the fabric is likely to absorb humidity, which often leads to costly replacement. In case of cheaper variants, always make sure the fabric has been pretreated.
Maintaining a pergola, step-by-step
Pergolas are year-round elements, and they therefore deserve regular inspection. First, remove dust, pollen, and leaves from the roof and supporting elements. In the case of types with a canvas roof or side screens, we recommend waterproofing the fabrics to make them moisture-resistant and maintain their appearance. Slat-based pergolas only require cleaning the slats and checking the mechanical parts. Do not forget to check the joints and anchoring – tighten them if they have loosened.
Failure to provide regular care to the pergola is likely to cause corrosion to the structure, fabric mould, and damage to the roof due to severe frost or snow cover.
Do not forget insect screens
Insect screens are used throughout the summer, so you should take care of them, too. Ideally, vacuum them using a brush attachment or wipe them with a cloth. If they are dirty, you can rinse them with lukewarm water with detergent and allow them to dry naturally.
You can leave the insect screens in place all year round, but to be extra careful, you can remove the screens before the winter and store them until spring.
| ✅ DOs | ❌ DON’Ts |
|---|---|
| ✅ Clean gently (brush for slat cleaning, steam cleaner, wet cloth). | ❌ Do not use aggressive chemicals or pressure cleaners. |
| ✅ Always allow fabrics to dry thoroughly. | ❌ Never leave the shutters rolled up or awnings folded when wet. |
| ✅ Check the mechanical elements and joints. | ❌ Never ignore grinding or increased noise emitted by the motor – order servicing. |
Frequently asked questions
Maintaining the slats after the summer – what to clean exterior blinds with?
Suitable means for cleaning exterior blinds include a brush, damp cloth, steam cleaner, or Airduster to remove dust from difficult to access areas. Avoid aggressive chemicals or pressure cleaners as they are likely to damage the slats. In addition to cleaning, check the guide rails and smooth running of the slats. If the blinds grind, it is time to order professional servicing.
What should you use to waterproof an awning, and when should you do it?
A quality awning usually features a fabric that has been waterproofed by the manufacturer, and that protection should last several years. Be careful about additional waterproofing and always ask the awning supplier what the further possibilities are.
How often should you clean fabric shutters?
Once or twice a year is enough. Vacuum the shutters using a brush attachment or wipe them with a damp cloth. Regular cleaning will help the fabric retain its colour and strength.
Preparing a pergola for a winter – how to do it?
Clean the pergola, check the joints, and tighten any loose connections. Complete pergola maintenance will ensure the structure and that the roof will not be damaged by frost or snow.
