Why do Blinds Turn Yellow?

Blinds have the ability to perfectly finish off a room with their clean lines and beautiful shades. They are a worthwhile investment, but like any other fixtures or fittings in the home, blinds will collect dust, fluff and bits of debris, so it’s important to make sure you regularly clean them. However,  even if you are an avid cleaner of your blinds, there is unfortunately still the chance that they could turn yellow over time.

So why do blinds go yellow?

Your first instinct might be to assume that the yellowing is due to poor quality materials, however,  this isn’t the case and it often falls down to two things: UV damage and indoor pollution.

UV damage

As a barrier against the sun’s rays, it comes as no surprise that blinds endure the unforgiving UV damage from constant exposure to the sun. It is the continual subjection to the heat, light and UV rays that causes the chemical components in the blinds to breakdown and discolour on the surface.

Indoor pollution

Indoor pollution can take many different forms and is just as liable for the yellowing of blinds as UV damage.

Despite the ban on smoking in public places, back in 2007, smoking in your own home is not forbidden. There are usually obvious tell-tale signs of a household that is subject to cigarette smoke; one of them being yellow blinds.  Nicotine residue will collect on any surface it comes into contact with, and leaves staining behind in its destructive path.

Commercial machines and equipment can emit fumes into the environment. While these fumes may not be harmful to humans, if left lingering in close proximity to certain materials, over time, this will cause yellowing and staining of the material, including blinds.

The danger of both UV damage and air pollution is neither are seen to the naked eye. You don’t notice the particles collecting on the material and building up until it is too late, and before you know it, your blinds now have a yellow tinge to them, where the grime has permanently stained the blind.

How can I save my blinds?

If your blinds have turned yellow and you’re looking for a way to restore them back to their original condition, try following these steps:

• Remove the blinds from the window frame
• Run cold water into the bath, add 2-3 cups of bleach
• Place the blind in the bath, ensuring all the slats are fully immersed in the water
• Leave to soak for 10 minutes
• Wipe down every slat, front and back, using a cloth
• Remove the blind from the bath and dry with an old towel, or leave somewhere safe to air dry.
• Reinstall the blind back in its original position

If you have tried the above cleaning method and your blinds are still looking rather discoloured, then it might be time to start again and invest in some new ones. Luckily, there have been advances in technology, and materials are now UV resistant and able to withstand the sun’s rays for much longer, and are therefore less likely to turn yellow.

If you’re looking for easy to clean and durable blinds made from excellent quality materials, then please don’t hesitate to contact us today. Our experienced team of staff will be able to offer our advice and guide you in the right direction.