Easily Clean Rust & Mildew Off Of Outdoor Blinds With A Citrus Ingredient

Although outdoor blinds can do a great job of improving privacy and comfort on a patio or deck, their condition and appearance can decline quickly. Since they're exposed to the elements, they may come into contact with a lot of humidity and salt, especially if you live in a coastal region. This can cause them to develop mildew and rust as time goes on. If you've taken the time to choose stylish and functional outdoor blinds, it's important to maintain them well and keep them as clean as possible. Fortunately, you don't have to look far to find the perfect cleaning ingredient.

There are many household uses for lemon juice, including doing a great job of removing rust and mildew spots from outdoor blinds. To remove mildew and rust, simply mix a bit of lemon juice and salt and start cleaning to remove the spots without too much effort. Use a microfiber cloth, soft brush, or soft sponge to scrub away any affected spots and use a gentle touch.

The acidity of the lemon will help eliminate any mold and mildew that's growing and will remove rust that's present. As an alternative to salt, you can also mix lemon juice with isopropyl alcohol instead. Before using either of these solutions, however, ensure you spot test it in an inconspicuous area before proceeding to clean the entire surface of the blinds, since there can sometimes be unexpected effects.

If you want to keep your outdoor blinds in great shape, be sure that you're cleaning them regularly. Preventative care will help them last longer and prevent them from taking on too much damage. Getting into a weekly or bi-weekly cleaning habit can help you prevent the buildup of rust and mildew and ensure your blinds stay in good condition over time. In most cases, you'll just need to do some light dusting and clean with soap and water — if you clean them often enough. Otherwise, you may need to rely on stronger methods, such as this lemon juice solution instead.

After you've finished cleaning your blinds, with any method, remember to let them dry completely. Don't roll up the blinds without ensuring they're completely dry first. Let them air dry or consider speeding up the process with a lint-free cloth before putting them away.

While cleaning your outdoor blinds with lemon juice can be helpful, it won't do nearly as much good if you're actively damaging them with your other cleaning practices. Whenever cleaning your outdoor blinds, do so safely. They are vulnerable to scratching, so make sure you aren't scrubbing harshly or being too rough on them. Don't use any harsh tools or brushes and avoid using strong detergents and oils when cleaning. Additionally, there are many things you should never clean with a pressure washer and that includes outdoor blinds as well. It's best to use a microfiber cloth when cleaning outdoor blinds, and if you must do a bit more scrubbing, rely on a soft brush or sponge.

Also, ensure you never let any debris or dirt stand on the blinds for too long. Bird droppings, food residue, and other substances should be removed as quickly as possible. Otherwise, they could cause permanent discoloration and damage.