Blinds are a fundamental part of interior design, providing privacy, light blocking, and insulation. However, like any other home fixture, blinds can encounter problems over time due to wear and tear, improper installation, or even lack of maintenance. Whether it’s tangled cords, stubborn mechanisms, or fading fabric, these common issues can be frustrating, but the good news is that many of them are fixable with a little know-how.
At Platinum Blinds, we know that maintaining your window treatments at their best can serve a practical purpose as well as an aesthetic one. In this article, we’ll highlight five of the most common blind problems homeowners encounter and provide practical solutions to fix them.
Tangled or Broken Cords
A major problem for conventional blinds, in particular with corded systems, is the entanglement or failure of the cord(s). That is the case if the cords become tangled in the blinds, or knot up with wear, and thus it is difficult to operate (raise or lower) the blinds. The cords may become either weakened or broken with continued use, resulting in them snapping completely.
How to Fix It:
Untangling the Cords: If your cord is knotted, breathe deeply and patiently untangle the knots. Draw the cords gently at the top of the blinds and towards the bottom. As needed, use a pair of tweezers or a small needle to gently work the knot free.
Replacing Broken Cords: If your cords are damaged you will probably have to replace them. You can buy replacement cords at a hardware store or hire a professional installer for help. When feeling confident in doing it alone, there are several online tutorials available to help you re-thread the new cord through the mechanisms.
Preventing Tangling: To make sure tangles do not happen again, please be aware of how you move your blinds. Never ruggedly the cords and do not use them us too much. As a supplemental protection, cordless blinds may be used as a substitute, which is inherently safer, especially for houses with children or animals.
Blinds Won’t Raise or Lower
A further annoying phenomenon is if the blinds fail to go up and down, blocking the ability to control the amount of light entering the room. This can happen for a variety of reasons, such as a malfunctioning mechanism, damaged cords, or even dirt buildup in the blinds’ moving parts.
How to Fix It:
Check the Cords or Chain: If your blinds have strings or chain systems, check for damage or tangles. One of the leading reasons why blinds get blocked is a knotted cord or a faulty part of the mechanism that controls the blinds. Try to gently pull on the cord or chain while checking the entire system for signs of wear or damage.
Lubricate the Mechanism: If blinds are stiff and hard to control, the mechanism may benefit from some lubrication. Use a silicone spray lubricant (available at most hardware stores) on the moving parts. Do not use oil-based lubricants as they can collect dust and debris, which exacerbates the situation.
Realign the Slats: If the slats are out of alignment, bending can lead to the blinds getting “stuck. If is it possible to draw the blinds smoothly, please examine whether the slats can be adjusted back to their proper positions. If not, you may have to manually fine-tune them or have one evaluated by a professional to determine if the problem is the mechanism itself.
Check for Obstructions: Occasionally, objects or debris may block the blind’s mechanism. Clean the blind tracks very carefully of any objects that may be lodged inside the tracks.
Broken or Stuck Mechanism
The mechanism that regulates the blind lifting/lowering might get stuck or broken. In manual and motorized blinds, this difficulty can arise. The mechanism may become malfunctioning from the repeated use, inadequate maintenance, or even breakage from high weather conditions.
How to Fix It:
Assess the Damage: First, carefully inspect the mechanism to identify the problem. For a manual cord system, have the cord confirmed by checking snapped cords, broken brackets, and damaged pulleys. For a mechanized system to be motorized there is a potential problem with the motor or the remote.
Replace the Broken Parts: For a damaged cord/pulley system, replacement components can usually be procured through the manufacturer. If you’re handy, you can attempt to replace the broken components yourself by following online tutorials, or you can contact a professional.
Reset or Reprogram Motorized Blinds: Users of motorized blinds may find a solution by restarting the motor or reprogramming the remote device. See how to reset the motor or troubleshoot the remote control according to the operator’s manual.
Call a Professional: When the mechanism is severely damaged or the repair is too cumbersome, a professional installer or repair service should be contacted to replace or repair the mechanism. Some companies (e.g., Platinum Blinds) provide repair functions for malfunctioning mechanisms.
Fading or Discoloration
With time, and particularly with exposure to direct sunlight, your blinds may develop signs of deterioration or discoloration. This can happen with different materials such as fabric, wood, or wood composites. Not only does this affect the aesthetic of your home, but it can also reduce the effectiveness of your blinds at blocking light and providing privacy.
How to Fix It:
Clean the Blinds Regularly: Accumulation of dust and dirt can make the image fade in the long run. Cleanliness, depending on the materials, can be effective in preventing it. Use a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment for fabric or honeycomb blinds, or a soft cloth to wipe down wooden blinds. If your blinds are heavily soiled, please follow the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions.
Protect From Sunlight: In the case of wooden or simulated wooden blinds, sun exposure can result in both fading and warping. Consider installing UV-blocking window film or using curtains or sheer blinds to protect your blinds from harsh sunlight. Light-filtering or blackout blinds are also an option for more privacy.
Replace or Repair: When the blinds have become significantly discolored and cleaning doesn’t work, it may be time to look beyond cleaning. There are some companies, Platinum Blinds, for example, that provide repairs or refurbishment of blinds fabric to update the look of the blinds.
Uneven Blinds
If your blinds appear uneven when pulled down, it can create a sloppy, unkempt look and make it difficult to get the amount of light or privacy you want. Uneven blinds may be caused by misalignment of slats, unbalanced winding of cords, or incorrect mounting of the blinds.
How to Fix It:
Adjust the Cords: Occasionally, by just rewiring lifting cords, the fault can be fixed. If the height of one side of the blinds is higher than the other, carefully adjust the cord on that side to be equal in height to the other side. Be gentle to avoid causing further damage.
Realign the Slats: Make sure that slats are not out of alignment if your blinds are slatted (e.g., Venetian blinds). They are adjustable by pulling on the cord or by manually repositioning the slats to the correct place.
Rehang the Blinds: If your blinds are significantly uneven, it could be that they were not installed correctly. Examine the brackets and mounting hardware to see that the blinds are centered and aligned. If required, remove and reinstall, or have a pro installer do so.
Final Thoughts: Preventative Maintenance for Longevity
Although all the above problems are usual, some of them can be avoided by a small effort in daily care work. Following are some preventative maintenance tips to ensure that your blinds are working correctly and still esthetically appealing for years and years.
Dust Regularly: Dust can settle on blinds and cause them to deteriorate more quickly. Clean them with a microfiber cloth or a vacuum cleaner equipped with a brush function every week.
Check Cords and Mechanisms: Check periodically for signs of wear on cords, chains, and moving parts. Early diagnosis can prevent substantial repairs later in the life cycle.
Protect Against Sunlight: To prevent warping or fading of your blinds caused by sunlight exposure, cover them with UV-blocking films or sheer curtains.
Avoid Pulling Too Hard: Be gentle when raising or lowering your blinds. Catastrophic jolting, pulling too forcefully on cords, etc, results in a snapped mechanism or snapped cord, etc.
Why Choose Platinum Blinds?
At Platinum Blinds, we’re not just about providing beautiful window treatments—we also care about the long-term maintenance and functionality of your blinds. If you experience some of the following problems, by all means just let us know. Our technician team is ready to assist with anything, from temporary repairs to full replacements or repairs. We also provide a large selection of energy-saving and aesthetically pleasing blinds to fit any home.
For trusted service, professional consultation, and great products, Platinum Blinds is your one-stop solution for all window treatment requirements.
Reach out to us now for a consultation or to get an appointment for repairs or installations!