Summer and Your Window Treatments
The summer sun can be harsh on window treatments. Between the intense heat, damaging UV rays, increased traffic over summer vacation, and busy schedules, it is important to take steps to protect your treatments from damage. From cleaning to motorization, here is how you can take care of your window treatments this season.
Repairs
One way to start the summer off right is by making any necessary repairs to your treatments. You'll thank yourself once the busyness of the season sets in for taking care of this early on. Some signs of treatment in need of repairs include:
- Broken or warped slats
- Faulty lifting mechanisms
- Frayed cords
- Dusty and dirty blinds
The good news? You do not have to make these repairs on your own or even leave your home! Give our team a call to schedule a convenient, in-home repair or blind cleaning service.
Consider Energy Efficiency
If you are considering making a window treatment upgrade, why not go with an energy-efficient solution just in time for those hot summer days? Windows account for between 25-30% of home heating and cooling loss throughout the year. These new, effective treatments will help keep your home cooler while saving you money on air conditioning costs.
Some of our most popular energy-efficient treatments are:
If you're not interested in new treatments, you can still make your existing treatments more energy-efficient. Add a liner to draperies to create an insulating barrier, or choose light-colored fabrics to reflect heat.
Reap the benefits of new treatments for the whole season by scheduling an installation today!
Motorize Your Treatments
Make your energy efficiency go even further by motorizing your treatments. This allows you to control when your treatments open and close with the press of a button.
Motorization also comes with the ability to install temperature and sun sensors. So once the sun hits your living room in the afternoon, your curtains will automatically close, making your home feel more comfortable and helping out your HVAC.
Avoid Sun Damage
With the hot summer temperatures come increased chances of sun damage - not just to your skin, but also to your window treatments. Fading and discoloration are common problems for treatments that are overexposed to the sun. While every fabric is eventually affected, here are a few ways to slow down the fading process:
- Open your treatments during the day to keep them out of the sun
- Tint your windows
- Using sheer curtains during the day
- Install high-quality liners for your treatments so they can avoid sun exposure - this helps with efficiency as well!
Cleaning Tips
With the kids home from school and the change in seasons, you may notice that your window treatments are looking a little worse-for-wear. This summer, keep these cleaning tips in mind:
- Vacuum regularly with the soft brush attachment to remove dust
- Spot-clean spills and stains immediately
- Take down draperies and wash according to the manufacturer's instructions
- Have fabric shades dry-cleaned or professionally cleaned every one to two years
- Use a damp cloth for blinds made of natural materials like wood, bamboo, or reeds
- Avoid getting them too wet to prevent warping
This will not only keep your treatments looking fresh and clean, but it will also cut down on dust levels in your home, increasing your indoor air quality!
If you would rather leave the cleaning to the professionals, our team is standing by, ready to give your blinds a shine!
We’re here for you all summer long! Bring our team in for new installations, repairs, cleanings, and motorizations. At Bloomin' Blinds, our greatest priority is your comfort and satisfaction. That is why we offer a wide variety of motorized blinds, shutters, and shades to meet all your needs. Contact us today to find your nearest location!