Smart Electric Blinds

You may be wondering how to clean blinds that are motorised. In this article, we’ll cover the best tips that will help your electric blinds last for years to come.

We live in an advanced and innovative world where everything is dominated by technology to make life simpler and easier. Phones and tablets are perhaps most renowned for coming with smart features. However, even your home interiors can be integrated with the latest technology and innovation. As with smart lighting and smart cameras within the home, you can also have electric blinds to enjoy the utmost comfort. Yes – you heard right! Your window shades can now be motorised with smart features. However, if you’ve purchased some or you’re considering them, you may be wondering how to clean blinds that are motorised. In this article, we’ll cover the best tips that will help your electric blinds last for years to come.

Which Methods are Best Suited for Cleaning Electric Blinds?

As motorised blinds have a couple more moving parts compared to standard blinds, cleaning them must be handled with care. The best methods to get your electric blinds squeaky clean include:

• Vacuuming and dusting

One of the best approaches to get rid of dirt and dust building up in your shades is by regularly dusting or vacuuming. For dusting, all you need is a cloth to wipe your blinds down with. For vacuuming, just use the soft brush attached to your vacuum cleaner and go ahead and clean away. Make sure to actually use the soft brush attachment and not any other part of the vacuum, otherwise it can damage the material of your blinds. This cleaning method can be used for almost all smart blinds.

• Lamb’s wool

Up your cleaning game and get one step ahead with a lamb’s wool duster and slide it horizontally across each slat. Make sure to begin from the top of your blinds, or else the dust will then drop onto the slats below that you’ve already cleaned.

• Rubber sponge

Also known as a dry sponge – you can find this nifty product at your local hardware shop. Rubber sponges are very effective at removing dirt and dust from fabric and vinyl blinds. Plus, there’s no need to wet the sponge or add any soap – just wiping the rubber sponge across your blinds should do the trick.

Cleaning Different Styles of Electric Blinds

How to Clean Electric Roller Blinds

You’re in luck – it doesn’t take long to clean electric roller blinds and get them looking brand new. Plus, if you’ve purchased PVC or easy wipe roller blinds then your blinds will be even easier to clean, and that’s all thanks to their wipe-clean properties. Keep on top of your roller blinds by wiping them with a cloth, rolling all the way down. Remember – always wipe from top to bottom! We recommend doing this a couple of times a month to keep your roller blinds looking as good as new.

How to Clean Electric Roman Blinds

Electric Roman blinds need regular, light cleaning to maintain their aesthetic and feel. As they’re made from soft materials, like cotton and linen, marks and stains can be trickier to deal with. Fear not though as dust and dirt can be tackled easily! Just use the soft brush attachment on your vacuum cleaner but just make sure it’s on a low setting. Open the blind completely and brush from top to bottom. Make sure to give special attention to the edges of the blind, as these parts have a tendency to gather more dust and dirt. Remember – you should only vacuum the front of your Roman blind.

How to Clean Electric Venetian Blinds

Your electric Venetian blinds, whether wood or metal, will need to be cleaned often to prevent dust from gathering. This is because of their horizontal layout and metal slats, as they tend to attract dust and dirt.

Shut your blinds and go over with a lamb’s wool duster, wiping from the middle outwards. Then, open and close in the opposite direction, and repeat the process – simple right?

For a really thorough clean, remove your blind from the headrail and lay it down on a protective surface – a towel or old blanket should do the trick. Use a rubber sponge to wipe down each slat and before you know it, you’ll have squeaky clean blinds.

Don’t forget moisture can cause serious damage to wooden blinds! When wet, the wood will expand, and this can then lead to bending and breaking. Any stains, paints and finishes on the wooden slats could also fade and peel if the incorrect products are used. So, make sure to stay away from liquid or chemical products when cleaning your electric Venetian blinds if they’re wooden.

Summary

Now you know how to clean blinds that are motorised, you’ll be able to prevent any long-term damage. Keep your blinds in top shape by following our easy tips, to save you both time and effort. Before you know it, your electric blinds will be looking as good as new, so that you can relax and enjoy the view.

If you’re thinking about purchasing electric blinds, you may be wondering the best methods for measuring the different types. In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know.

Smart technology has transformed the way we live by aiming to simplify home life. What was once deemed a luxury is now becoming a must-have for homeowners. Today, electric blinds tick all the right aesthetic and practical boxes, offering beauty as well as comfort and protection. If you’re thinking about purchasing electric blinds, you may be wondering the best methods for measuring the different types. In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know so you don’t end up with another bill for a second set, and instead, perfectly fitted electric blinds.

The Tools Needed for Measuring Electric Blinds

Measuring for new electric blinds is simple and you’ll find that you already have most of the tools you need. These include:

• Pencil – use a pencil instead of a pen as you’ll be able to rub out any mistakes you make. Depending on how you choose to hang your blinds, you may need to make a few marks on the wall as go along measuring.
• Paper – you'll need a piece of paper to jot down your measurements. Make sure to clearly indicate which measurement is the width and which is the drop.
• Tape measure – we recommend using a metal tape measure and not a soft one, as it’s more rigid and won't flop about when you’re taking your measurements. It’ll also be much easier to hold it level so you can get a precise measurement of your window.

If you want to be as accurate as possible, you can add a level into your window measuring toolkit. This way you can make sure you’re measuring straight across the window frame. Generally, you can eyeball your tape measure to see if it's level. However, if you're worried about crooked measurements, or if you live in an old house with uneven window frames, a level can offer peace of mind. If you’re lucky, some metal tape measures come with a built-in level already.

Which Methods are Best Suited for Measuring Electric Blinds?

If you need help choosing electric blinds, you can use our selection guide to help you make your decision. Regardless of what style of blind type you go for, there are two ways to fit them – inside or outside the window recess. Determining which way your blinds are going to be fitted is essential when it comes to measuring.

First, let’s go over the benefits of these two methods so you can decide which is right for you:

Inside the window recess

When electric blinds are fitted inside the window recess, you’ll essentially get a picture-perfect appearance. Once fitted, blinds that fit inside the window recess will look flush with the surrounding wall, and they won't protrude past the wall. Due to this flawless look, fitting electric blinds inside the recess is a popular option. The only downside is that it offers less control over light in comparison to blinds fitted outside the recess. Light can sneak in between the edge of your blinds and the sides of your window frame with this installation method — even if you’ve gone for blackout blinds. Though, there’s ways of getting round this, for example by adding light blocking strips around the edge of your window. Or by going for method number two – fitting your electric blinds outside the window recess.

Outside the window recess

To fit your electric blinds outside the window recess, you'll have to hang them on your wall above the window. Your blinds will protrude past the edge of the window and will cover some of the wall above, below and to the left and right of your window opening. Unlike an inside fitting, this method doesn't sit flush with your wall or offer the same flawless look. However, it does the perfect job at blocking out light. Installing your electric blinds outside the window recess will of course take up wall space. Therefore, you'll need to make sure none of furniture is blocking the window, otherwise your blinds won’t hang properly.

How to Measure for the Different Styles of Electric Blinds

When it comes to taking measurements, always jot down your measurements as ‘width and then drop’. Remember – the most accurate way of measuring is done in millimetres.

How to measure for roller blinds

Step 1

Measuring the width (inside recess) – if you want your electric roller blinds inside the recess, you’ll need to take three width measurements. Measure across the top of the window, then across the middle of the window and finally across the bottom. The narrowest measurement of the three will be the one you’ll need to make a note of.

Measuring the width (outside recess) – first you’ll need to measure across the width of the window and then across the middle and bottom of your window. The smallest number of the three will be your final measurement.

Step 2

Measuring the drop (inside recess) – take three measurements over the height of your window (from the lintel to the windowsill) on the left, right and middle. Use the smallest measurement as your drop height.

Measuring the drop (outside recess) – once you have your width, measure from the top of where your fitting will sit, to where you want your blinds to drop. With an outside recess, this can be below the windowsill if you want, as long as there isn’t anything in the way.

How to measure for Roman blinds

Step 1

Measuring the width (inside recess) – grab your metal tape measure and measure the inside of the recess (recess wall to recess wall). You’ll need to do this across the top, middle and bottom of the window recess.

Measuring the width (outside recess) – if you want your electric Roman blinds to cover up the entire recess of your window then you should add at least 150mm to your inside recess measurements. Or alternatively, you can just measure to the exact spot you want your blinds to cover.

Step 2

Measuring the drop (inside recess) – measure from the top of the recess to the windowsill and do this across the left, middle and right of the window.

Measuring the drop (outside recess) – if you want your blinds to cover up the entire recess of your window then you need to add at least 150mm to your inside recess measurements. Another way of doing this is to just measure to the point that you want your blinds to drop to.

How to measure for Venetian blinds

Step 1

Measuring the width (inside recess) – place your metal tape measure within the inside window recess and measure across the inside of the frame (from one end to the other). You should do this at the top and bottom of the frame, as not all windows are perfectly square. If this is the case for your window, use the measurement that’s the shortest as a guide for when you buy your electric Venetian blinds. This way you can be sure you’ll have blinds that fit properly from top to bottom.

Measuring the width (outside recess) – place your tape measure on the outer edge of your window frame and measure across the width of the window to the opposite edge.

Step 2

Measuring the drop (inside recess) – measure the drop of the recess, do the left side first, then the middle and finish with the right side. The shortest measurement of the three is the drop length you’ll need.

Measuring the drop (outside recess) – measure the drop from the top of the window frame to where you’d like your blinds to end. This could be the end of the frame, or if you’d prefer for your electric blinds to end at a different point that’s also possible, for example the floor.

Summary

Once you have all your measurements, you’re ready to start shopping for your electric blinds. By following our step-by-step guide, you’ll be able get the perfect fit for your home, making the process much more smooth sailing. Before you know it, your electric blinds will be fitted, and they’ll be the envy of all who visit your home.

Once you overcome the measurement minefield, now you must face the final task of fitting your electric blinds. Fortunately, installing them is a quick and simple process.

Electric blinds have revolutionised the world of window treatments. Motorised blinds no longer rely on manual intervention in order to work. They can be operated with remote controls or from a smart device – wherever you may be. Once you overcome the measurement minefield, now you must face the final task of fitting your electric blinds. Fortunately, installing them is a quick and simple process, involving no rewiring or interference with your décor.

In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know so that you fit your electric blinds like a pro.

Which Methods are Best Suited for Installing Electric Blinds?

The brackets that come with electric blinds can be installed in two different ways:

• Top Fixing – the brackets are screwed into the lintel (or ‘ceiling’ of the recess).
• Face Fixing – the brackets are screwed onto a facing surface (a wall or window frame).

Let’s discuss these installation methods in more detail so you can make a better-informed decision:

Top Fixing Installation

The most common type of installation is the top fix, where your electric blinds will be attached to brackets that are fitted into the top of the recess. This type of fitting produces a neat and snug fit within the window opening. Therefore, this offers an efficient and space-saving effect – music to any homeowner’s ears. Although, due to the nature of these types of installations, a top fixed blind will not cover the whole window opening. This can result in a small, light gap surrounding the edge of the window recess. If you want to avoid a gap, the solution is going for face fixing electric blinds.

Face Fixing Installation

Fitting face fixing electric blinds means it will be installed directly onto the wall above the window opening. Your blinds will overlap with the wall, covering the whole window. As the blinds are wider than the window recess, this offers the advantage of preventing any light gap around the edges.

There are instances where your installation options will be limited. For example, if there’s an obstruction within the recess (windows that open into the room), a top fixed blind would stop the window from working. Therefore, face fixing electric blinds would be needed.

How to Install the Different Styles of Electric Blinds

Fitting electric blinds can seem daunting and tricky. Fear not though – it’s actually quick and easy, even if you’re not the handiest person out there.

First, you need to decide whether you want to face fix or top fix your electric roller blinds. We recommend top fixing within the recess if:

• You have uPVC window frames
• Obstructions exist such as handles

We recommend face fixing if:

• You want to install the brackets directly onto the window frame

How to install roller blinds

Step 1

Place your electric roller blinds into the corresponding ends of the brackets and then put it into the position where you’d like to fix it in your window (face fixing or top fixing). After you’ve done this, you’ll need to mark the positions of two holes per bracket for fixing/drilling.

Step 2

Secure the brackets in the position where the marks were made, then mount the brackets in place using screws (normally supplied).

Step 3

Hold your blinds to the brackets, with the material dangling from the back of the blinds and the motor head aerial dangling vertically down (pointing towards the ground). Secure the idle end (opposite the motor end) into place by locating the ‘+’ shaped plunger into the ‘+’ shaped segment of the bracket. If you line it up accurately, the plunger should pop into the bracket and secure in place easily. Once you’ve done this, angle the motor head side into place and slide the prongs of the motor head plate into the bracket. Remember to make sure that the central prong falls into position on the bracket.

Step 4

The battery and remote handset that will come with your blinds will also come with clip brackets. This means it can be placed near your blinds. Therefore, it's up to you whether you want to fit it somewhere discrete, behind or above the blind.

How to install Roman blinds

Step 1

For electric Roman blinds, we recommend going for a face fixing installation as it’ll offer a higher level of blackout. First, you’ll need to position the brackets in place at the correct spot and mark the fixing points per bracket. Once you’ve done this, mount the brackets in place by using the wall plugs and screws (usually supplied).

Step 2

Tilt the blind headrail at a slant and find the fabric side horizontal groove, that runs across the top part of the headrail and into the front hook of the bracket.

Step 3

Press the front of the headrail in so that the bracket springs compress. Once you’ve done this, you’ll need to turn the headrail up to locate the horizontal groove positioned at the back of the headrail. Do this until it clicks into place, and then allow the spring to release and secure the headrail into position.

Step 4

The battery for your blinds can be fitted vertically or horizontally close to the motor. Use mounting clips to secure it behind the blind. If you’re fixing the battery vertically, make sure to position it with the cable output upwards. This will stop the wire from catching the blinds when you close and open them.

How to install Venetian blinds

Step 1

With electric Venetian blinds, you can either do a top fixing or face fixing installation – the choice is yours. First, place your blinds on the wall and mark the holes where you’re planning to fit the brackets. If you’re mounting the blinds outside the recess, you’ll mark bracket holes on the face of the wall. Remember – if you opt for a face fixing installation, mark the bracket holes on the face of the wall.

Step 2

Drill the holes you marked and pop in the wall plugs (normally supplied). Once you’ve done this, position the bracket over the holes and with a screwdriver tighten up the screws, then repeat for the second bracket.

Step 3

Direct the swing arms on the brackets so that they face you, and then take the top rail of your blinds and snap into place by turning the swing arm back towards the mount.

Step 4

It’s up to you which way you fit the battery for your electric blinds. However, they’ll come with clip brackets, so you’ll be able to fit them near your blinds. Remember – if you opt for fitting the battery vertically, position it with the cable output upwards. This will stop the wire from catching the blinds when they open and close.

Summary

Once you’ve fitted your electric blinds, you’re ready to start enjoying all the benefits that come with them. By following our step-by-step guide, you’ll have perfectly fitted blinds for your home, without any hassle or stress. Now, it’s time to get the tools packed away and revel in your handiwork!

Electric blinds are no longer limited to luxury home builds as prices have become much more affordable. Depending on the blind type, fabric and size, electric blinds can be bought for just over £100 and you can easily install them yourself.