Most people dread spending time in their blinds. The steady stream of intrusive, unsightly bugs, the persistent need to constantly check and adjust the catch, and most of all the constant fear of getting them wrong-leaving your curtains open or not tight enough-puts even the most optimistic of homeowners into a perpetual state of anxiety. But how can you fix them? The solution is actually very simple: don’t leave them open at all! It’s called drought avoidance, and it’s one of the best home improvements you can make without hurting your frame of mind.

Most blinds are pretty straight-forward to fix. All you need to do is remove the broken or faulty part, remove the metal clips or nails that stop you from opening the blind fully, and then press on the rest of the blind to re-shape it. It’s that simple! If your blind is broken or faulty, you can take it to a window manufacturer and have it replaced or repaired. They’ll usually send you a free replacement if yours gets broken while you’re waiting. If your blind is broken but you don’t want to get a new one, you can always fix it yourself. All you need is some basic hand tools and a steady hand.

Blinds are actually pretty cheap to repair, and the benefits of doing so far outweigh the costs. If you don’t fix your blinds, you’re essentially allowing them to build up a patina of dust, dirt and frustration over time. At the end of the day, it’s just a curtain. It should be able to handle the weather, be replaced relatively easily and be aesthetically pleasing when open.

The best way to fix a broken blind is to take the old blind, remove the broken or faulty parts and machine them to size. This will ensure a perfect fit and make it much easier to press on the rest of the blind to re-shape it. If you don’t know how to repair a blind, take the basic steps below and then look through the photos and videos below to learn how to tackle some of the more common issues you’ll come across. Once you’ve got the basics down, you can try out different techniques until you find one that works well with your curtains. 

Blinds should be fixed diagonally, not flat. If you have a broken blind, you can either try to fix it yourself or send it to a window manufacturer for repair. Many window manufacturers will repair broken blinds for free, but you’ll need to pay for the replacement parts. If you fix your own blinds, you won’t need to purchase these replacement parts, but if you send your blinds to the window manufacturer, you’ll need to pay for the parts and then have the blinds repaired again. Not good business for the window manufacturer, is it?

Tight-fitting blinds often occur when you have a window on an upper floor with a lot of wind. When the wind is at its highest, it can push against the bottom of your blind, causing it to be stuck in a Closed position. To fix a tight-fitting blind, first remove the bottom fabric (or pull it off entirely) and then press on the top of the blind to expand it. If you’re not sure how to do this, a handy tool is an old credit card. Cardboard works well for expansion and compression, so long as you regulate the pressure you use with the card. Read more

With so many different types of blinds, it’s easy to forget to clean your curtains. But it’s a simple task that can prevent a lot of frustration later on. The first thing you need to do is unclasp your curtains and gently pull out the sisal and cotton threads so they don’t get in your way when you open your windows. Next, use a mild soap to wash your curtains and doors in a slightly lukewarm water. Don’t over wash, just rinse off and then dry off completely before moving on to the next step.

Adjusting your blinds is another common task that you’ll forget when it comes to cleaning your curtains. You’re basically just switching between Open (when the blinds are hidden from view) and Closed position (when you want the curtains open). To start the adjustment process, open your curtains and doors halfway, leaving them slightly ajar. If the breeze from the open door or window feels a little chilly, you can close the curtains or doors completely. The key here is to maintain a constant air movement throughout the day. Not only will this help to keep pollutants out of your home, it will also keep your indoor plants and furniture from getting soggy and dirty.

Most people dread spending time in their blinds. The steady stream of intrusive, unsightly bugs, the persistent need to constantly check and adjust the catch, and most of all the constant fear of getting them wrong-leaving your curtains open or not tight enough-puts even the most optimistic of homeowners into a perpetual state of anxiety. But how can you fix them? The solution is actually very simple: don’t leave them open at all! It’s called draught avoidance, and it’s one of the best home improvements you can make without hurting your frame of mind. More Content