Omar Khalid
Closing plastic blinds correctly is a useful skill to have, as it can help you enhance your comfort, protect your health, and ensure your privacy. However, it can be more challenging than it seems, with various styles of blinds, each with its unique operating mechanism. For example, cordless blinds are operated without cords and may have remote-controlled or manual bottom rail adjustments. On the other hand, continuous-cord blinds, such as roller shades, have a continuous cord on one side of the window, allowing easy adjustments to raise and lower them. Understanding the type of blinds you have is essential to ensure you close them properly.
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What You'll Learn
Identify the type of blind
Plastic blinds come in a variety of styles, and the type you have will determine how to close them correctly. Here are some common types of plastic blinds and how to identify them:
Vertical Blinds
Vertical blinds are a common type of plastic blind. They hang vertically from a track and are often made of plastic or fabric. Vertical blinds can be identified by their long, vertical slats that hang down from a headrail. These blinds can be opened and closed by rotating the slats and pulling them to the side. If your plastic blinds have a similar design, they are likely vertical blinds.
Vinyl Blinds
Vinyl blinds are another type of plastic blind. They are made of thicker and more durable plastic than traditional plastic blinds, and they have a smooth finish. Vinyl blinds are less likely to dent or crease compared to other plastic blinds. They come in various textures, colours, and prints, offering a wide range of options for customisation. If your plastic blinds have thicker slats and a smooth, sleek appearance, they may be vinyl blinds.
Synthetic Blinds
Synthetic blinds are made from synthetic materials that imitate the look and feel of more expensive materials like wood, bamboo, or cedar. These blinds are often built to last and offer both durability and style. Synthetic blinds can be made from various materials, including PVC and vinyl, but faux wood is the most common option. Faux wood blinds use plastic polymers to mimic the appearance of real wood. If your plastic blinds resemble the look of wood, they may be synthetic or faux wood blinds.
Pleated Blinds
Pleated blinds are made from fabric that folds and stacks up or down. They create a unique texture and appearance in a room. These blinds use a pulley system or mechanical engine to operate. Pleated blinds can be made from thin plastic materials, often in white or off-white colours, and are typically the most affordable option. If your plastic blinds have thin slats and a pleated appearance, they may be pleated blinds.
To ensure you correctly identify the type of plastic blind you have and learn the appropriate closing mechanism, examine the design, material, and operating system. Once you have identified the specific type of plastic blind, you can follow the appropriate instructions for closing and operating them effectively.
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Locate the control mechanism
To locate the control mechanism of your plastic blinds, first identify the type of blinds you have. Blinds come in various styles, each with its own unique operating mechanism. Common types include single-string blinds, top down-bottom up blinds, continuous-cord blinds, cordless blinds, and rod-operated blinds. Once you know the type of blinds you have, you can look for the corresponding control mechanism.
For single-string blinds, look for a pull cord on one side of the window, typically on the right. This cord is used to raise and lower the blinds, as well as lock them in place. Some single-string blinds may have two cords, one on the left and one on the right, allowing you to control the top and bottom sections of the blinds separately.
Top down-bottom up blinds can be adjusted from both the top and bottom, offering versatility in light control and maintaining a view. These blinds usually have two pull cords or strings that you can use to raise or lower the blinds from either end.
Continuous-cord blinds, such as roller shades and cellular shades, have a continuous cord loop on one side of the window. This cord is used to raise and lower the blinds by pulling on the back or front portion of the loop.
Cordless blinds, as the name suggests, do not have visible cords. Instead, they have a tension mechanism located inside the headrail or bottom rail. To operate these blinds, simply push or pull on the bottom rail to raise or lower them. Some cordless blinds may also have a twist wand to rotate the slats for privacy and light control.
Finally, for rod-operated blinds, look for a rod usually made of metal or plastic at the top of the blinds. These blinds use a rod and track system to control the slats. Tilt the rod at a 45-degree angle and pull to close the blinds, or push to open them.
By identifying your blind type, you can easily locate the control mechanism and operate your plastic blinds effectively.
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Adjust the slats
To adjust the slats of your plastic blinds, you must first identify the type of blinds you have. Single-string blinds, such as Venetian blinds, use a single pull cord to adjust the slats. Continuous-cord blinds, such as roller shades, have a continuous cord on one side of the window to adjust the slats. Cordless blinds do not have any strings or rods attached for adjustments but may have a twist wand to rotate the slats.
Once you have identified the type of blinds you have, you can adjust the slats accordingly. For single-string blinds, pull on the cord to adjust the slats to the desired position. Continuous-cord blinds can be adjusted by pulling on the cord in the direction you want the blinds to close. For cordless blinds, use the twist wand to rotate the slats, or gently push or pull the bottom rail inwards or outwards to achieve the desired slat angle.
If your blinds have a rod, you can adjust the slats by rotating the rod to the right or left. This is common with vertical and panel blinds. For Venetian blinds, hold the string at a 45-degree angle and use your other hand to gently adjust the uneven slats until they are all flat.
In some cases, you may need to adjust the tension on your cordless blinds. To do this, take the blinds off the brackets and ensure they are wound evenly and tightly around the tube. Then, use a pair of pliers to turn the pin on the side of the shade with the spring first clockwise, and then counterclockwise until you feel it latch. Wind the blinds back up and put them back on the brackets.
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Close the blinds manually
Closing plastic blinds manually depends on the type of blinds you have. Here is a step-by-step guide for closing different types of blinds manually:
Single-String Blinds
Single-string blinds, such as Venetian blinds, use a single pull cord to adjust the slats. To close these blinds, first, pull the cord to the right at a 45-degree angle to unlock the blinds. Then, while still holding the cord, release the slack on the string to bring the blinds down to your desired height. Finally, pull the cord to the left to lock the blinds in place.
Continuous-Cord Blinds
Continuous-cord blinds, such as roller shades, have a continuous cord loop on one side of the window. To close these blinds, pull on the back portion of the loop (the part closer to the window) to lower the blinds.
Cordless Blinds
Cordless blinds do not have any strings or rods attached for adjustments. To close these blinds, simply lift or lower the bottom rail with your hand. You can also tilt the bottom rail forward or backward to adjust the slats and control the amount of light coming into the room.
Rod-Operated Blinds
Rod-operated blinds use a rod and track system to control the slats. To close these blinds, tilt the rod at a 45-degree angle and continuously pull to drag the slats across the window.
Vertical Blinds
Vertical blinds usually have a metal or plastic rod at the top. To close these blinds, grip the rod and gently pull it in the direction you want the blinds to close.
Remember, always be gentle when adjusting your blinds to avoid damaging them. If your blinds are stuck or difficult to operate, check for issues such as tangled cords, a damaged clutch mechanism, or a stuck release mechanism, and address the problem accordingly.
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Fix a damaged cord
If your blinds are under warranty, it is best to contact the manufacturer or retailer to see if they will send a replacement or suggest another solution. If not, you can fix a damaged cord yourself. This type of repair is simple and can be done in less than two hours for $20 or less.
First, take down the shades and set the turning wand and any hardware aside. Use pliers or a nail file to pop the bottom buttons off. Pull the knot out and cut it off, then do this for all runs of cord. Pull out all the old cord. You can use a lighter to seal one end of the new cord, then thread it through the hole in the bottom rail. Thread the cord through the slats in bunches to save time.
If the cord is snarled or tangled, trim it with scissors at intervals to remove it entirely. You can then line up the holes with a paper clip hook. Tie a loop into the end of the new cord and thread it through the opening and over the metal bar. The bar keeps the cord positioned correctly and prevents wear on the plastic. Use a paper clip to hook the loop and guide it through the hole.
Finally, use the extra cord to determine the length of your blind pull cord. Five to ten feet of extra length is standard, but if you have small children, you may want to cut it a little shorter. Tie a knot to keep the cord from slipping back, then cut the tail and seal the ends. Put your blinds back up and tie a knot in the cords to keep them together.
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Frequently asked questions
First, identify the type of blind. Single-string blinds use a single pull cord to adjust the slats. Continuous-cord blinds have a continuous cord on one side of the window, allowing easy adjustments to raise and lower them. To close continuous-cord blinds, pull the cord to the left and release the slack until you’re satisfied with the height of your blinds. To close single-string blinds, pull the cord to the right at a 45-degree angle, then lightly lessen your grip on the cord to bring the blinds down.
Cordless blinds can be closed by gently pulling on the bottom rail until you reach your desired stopping point. To further control the amount of light coming in, use the twist wand to rotate the slats.
If your plastic blinds are stuck, the cord could be damaged or tangled. If the string is broken, frayed, or tangled, you may need to replace it and restring your blinds.
