How to Properly Store Vertical Blinds for Later Use

There is a lot going for vertical blinds! They are smart, affordable, versatile, easy to maintain and operate, and the list goes on.

Vertical blinds have never gone out of style. It still continues to be a favorite choice for both home and offices. Its charm lies in its simplicity.

Vertical blinds are a series of vertical slats or fabric louvres which stand parallel to each other when open, and can be twisted to lie flat against each other to close. The design provides full visibility when they are open, and complete coverage when they are closed. They run along a sliding track at the top. Each slat is connected together by weight to make sure that they are evenly weighted across the full length of the track. A chain that runs along each slat is used to open and close them.

Vertical blinds are very useful if you have a full-length window. On a sunny day, you can partially open the slats to control the flow of light into the room. At night, vertical slats can be fully closed to maintain privacy.
However, like all window treatments, they might need replacing. You might wish to get a new look for your space, or maybe the existing blinds don’t work for the current weather. Whatever the reason, vertical blinds need careful handling when you plan to keep them for later use. Let’s take a look at a few good practices that will store your vertical blinds in perfect condition.

Getting the Blind Ready for Storage

Storing Vertical blinds is easy. Here are some useful tips that can keep your blinds looking as good a new even after storage.

Cleaning
Although vertical blinds catch very little dust, it is a good idea to give them a thorough clean before putting them away. Use a vacuum cleaner upholstery attachment to clean any dry layer of dust. For stubborn stains, use a soft toothbrush and gentle detergent. You can also hand wash the slats with any gentle detergent. Make sure the slats are completely dry before you start packing them away.

Remove Vertical Blinds
If your blinds have valance, they need to come out first. Most of the valances are clipped on the headrail. To remove them, just gently push the valance upwards till they come off.

Next, it’s time for the vanes to come off. Open the blind so that the vanes are not lying on top of each other. Each vane has a vane carrier that keeps it attached to the headrail. Slide a flat plastic, between the vane carrier and the vane, and gently pull the vane out. You will need to manually pull out each vane till all of them are off the headrail. Stack the vanes carefully in a dry place.

Once the valance and vane are out of the way, you can concentrate on the blind hardware. Remove the beads chain by carefully pulling them out of the blind rail.

Next use the flat part of a screwdriver to pull out the spring clips on the rail brackets. Make sure to keep one hand on the rail so that it does not crash down. After removing the spring clips, use both hands to pull the headrail out of the brackets.

If you wish to use the brackets for the next set of window treatments, keep them on. However, if you need to take them off, use a screwdriver to take the screws out. In the case of wall anchors, you will need needle-nose pliers.

Rules for Storing Vertical Blinds

Phew! That was a lot of hard work! But with the blinds down, the worst is over. Now you just need to find a good place to store your blinds. Before selecting a place to store the blinds, keep the following points in mind.

Don’t Fold Them
Folding the vanes might put on creases that will not come off again. Try not to fold the vanes or slats. It might save space, but folding will do irreversible damage to the blinds. Put the slats or vanes on top of each other and put them in a box of the same size.

Slats made of aluminum, faux wood, or wood should be straight in a closed position.

Correct Packaging
If you are planning to use cardboard boxes to store your blinds, make sure that the cardboard boxes are acid-free.
The way cardboard boxes are manufactured leaves traces of acid in them. As time passes, and cardboard soaks in moisture from the air, the acid gets activated, which damages the contents inside.
It might be a good idea to put the paper between each layer. This will prevent any damage due to moisture trapped between the two layers.

Also, make sure that the fabric does not rub against the packaging. This would fray the fabric and dull the look.
Don’t Pack Everything Together
It might be tempting to pack everything together, with the hope that you will find everything you need in one place, but it is not a good idea. Don’t store the hardware, like metal rings, brackets, screws, along with the fabric. Any metallic substance might corrode the fabric.
Wipe all hardware of any lubricant, as these will leave lasting stains.

Select the Right Place
The place you select to store your blinds should be well ventilated. This will prevent the formation of mould. Also, if you store them away from the sun, the material will not sustain any damage from the UV rays.
The last bit you need to do is label the boxes correctly. This will save you a lot of trouble later on, when you start looking for the correct box.

Don’t forget to check on your blinds once in a while to check for any sign of damage. Any early signs can be easily removed and rectified. Storing vertical blinds is a good alternative to disposing of them. Blind has a life span of 5-10 years or more, and I am sure, you will get plenty of opportunities to reuse them within that period.