Vertical blinds are exactly what their name implies, a blind that is designed as a vertical product and somehow functions in this manner. Vertical blinds should perform as designed, in other words, they should traverse from side to side, rotate open and close and look as pleasing as they did when they were new when the vanes, either fabric or pvc, were shiny and clean and the components function properly in order to provide all the benefits they were designed to do. And one more thing of great importance - has the vertical blind remained properly installed? A vertical blind that is not properly installed will not operate at its full capacity.



If your vertical blind does not meet all of the aforementioned factors, then it can be said your vertical blind is suffering from what is commonly known as ?wear and tear?. This situation is a common part of the life of any product and can easily be corrected. However, this situation can be postponed longer into the future if the issue of quality is taken into consideration when making the original purchase. Quality vertical blinds may have hidden features that the average consumer would not realize and also higher quality vertical blinds may be easier to maintain and repair. These facts will not only prolong the life span of the vertical blind but will continually give the user pleasure.

Vertical blinds can be fabricated using fabric vanes and in this case the consumer should inquire about the wash ability of the fabric. Higher quality vertical blind fabric vanes are washable and thus can be kept looking clean over longer periods of time. Normally, vertical blind fabric vanes are not machine washable but the fabric can be spot cleaned by hand using a mild detergent and then having the area dabbed dry with a clean rag. The manufacturer of the fabric should always be consulted when the need arises. Careful consideration should be given to the proper and recommended cleaning instructions before proceeding.

Due to the vertical design of the product itself and the lack of horizontal surfaces where dust can accumulate, most vertical blinds can be maintained looking ?fresh? by simply dusting often. Static electricity oftentimes contributes to the adherence of dust to the vertical blind vanes and in this case the use of an antistatic cloth is recommended. This action will reduce or eliminate most of the static in the future and thus lowering the maintenance required.

Vertical blind vanes made of PVC have gained popularity over the years and if this is the case, PVC vanes can be easily removed from the vertical blind track and washed with detergent either in your bathtub or in the yard using a water hose. Be fully sure that your blinds are fully dry before reinstalling onto the track to avoid unsightly water spots. Be extra careful whenever removing and reinstalling the vanes that the track carriers are not damaged as this may cause you to have the track repaired and result in a necessary monetary expense.

Should one or more of your PVC slats be broken or missing this is a sign that your vertical blind is suffering from ?wear and tear? and replacement of the complete blind should be considered. This is not only a sign of wear and tear but also could be a display of age of the blind.

The mechanical function of all the components of the vertical blind is critical to the operation of the product and they should be tested and periodically maintained. This would simply require the pulling of the cord to insure the blind is smoothly traversing and the chain to check on the rotation of the louvers. If the louvers do not properly align when rotated you may simply need to pull the chain to a limit point and then exercise a greater than normal pulling force to bring the misaligned carrier(s) into synch with the rest of the carriers assuming that the carrier system in your vertical blind track is of the self-aligning variety found in higher quality vertical blinds. Spraying a light coat of silicone inside the vertical track will improve the movement of the carriers, ease the operation of the product and improve the quietness of the traversing operation.

One more thing often overlooked is the proper installation of the cord pulley to the wall surface. When the cord pulley is properly installed and the correct amount of tension is put on the pull cord, the carrier system will operate efficiently and much more smoothly.

Regardless of the product, there is no substitute for proper and regularly scheduled maintenance as this will maintain the smooth and safe operation of all products especially those products with which we interact on daily basis. This fact applies to vertical blinds regardless of what is said during the sales/purchase process. If your vertical blinds look old and worn, go forward and replace them with new ones bringing a bright and shiny look to that room and thus rewarding yourself with the pleasure and enjoyment that every room in your home should bring to you every day!