Sofia Martinez
If you're tired of looking at those unsightly plastic blinds, you're not alone. Many people find vertical blinds ugly, cheap-looking, and prone to damage. The good news is that you can replace them with something nicer! This guide will teach you how to remove your old plastic blinds and replace them with a more aesthetically pleasing option, improving the light control and style of your space. Whether you choose curtains, shutters, or new blinds, you'll be able to give your windows a much-needed upgrade.
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What You'll Learn
Removing the blinds
Removing sliding plastic blinds can be a straightforward process, but it is important to be careful to avoid damaging the blinds or the window. Here is a step-by-step guide to removing the blinds:
First, you need to unhook each blind from its individual plastic clasp. Start by lifting the top of the blind slightly up and towards you until it unhooks. Using a ladder or stool to be at eye level with the plastic clips will make this process easier and ensure you can see what you are doing. Once you get the hang of it, the individual blinds should come out quite easily.
If your blinds have a spacer chain, you will need to detach the blinds from the chain before removing them from the hook. Locate the clip securing the chain and twist it off with your fingers. Feed the chain outward from the loop at the bottom of the blind, continuing until the blind is detached.
After all the blinds are unhooked, the next step is to remove the entire headrail from the metal brackets that hold the unit to the window. Begin by popping the back of the brackets off the headrail, starting with the sides closest to the window. Once the back of the headrail is released, you can pull the rail free from the front of the brackets as well. Depending on how long the headrail has been installed, it may be quite tight inside the clasps, so you might need a flathead screwdriver to pry the rail from the bracket.
If you are planning to reinstall the blinds, it is a good idea to stack the blinds for each window together, lining up all the ends. Manipulate the rod so that it fits along the length of the headrail or detach it completely. Place the mounting hardware and screws into a labelled plastic bag. Stack the slats, headrail, and hardware together and wrap them with clear packing tape. Store them lying down if possible, as this will help prevent the blinds from warping over time.
In some cases, you may only need to remove a single blind, rather than replacing the entire set. If the blind is broken at the end of the hanging slat, carefully cut the end of the slat just beneath the hole, so that a new hole can be made beneath it. Mark halfway between the two long sides with a ruler and pencil, and then use this mark to guide you when making the new hole.
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Fixing a broken slat
First, ensure that the blinds are broken at the end of the hanging slat and do not need to be fully replaced. Check that the blinds can move side to side and that the piece holding the hanging slats at the top is not broken. If the slat is broken, it may be taped to hold it together.
Next, remove the blind from its plastic clasp. To do this, lift the top of the blind slightly up and towards you until it unhooks. Use a ladder or stool so that you are eye level with the plastic clips and can see what you are doing. Once the blind is unhooked, carefully remove the broken hanging blind slat from the holding piece at the top of the blind.
Now, use scissors to cut the end of the slat just beneath the hole, so a new hole can be made beneath it. Use a ruler and pencil to mark halfway between the two long sides. Then, cut the slat halfway across its width at the point where it is connected to the rest of the blind.
Finally, replace the hanging slat back into the holding piece on the blinds. Be careful during this step to avoid breaking the plastic piece or the newly fixed blind slat.
Your vertical blinds should now be fixed and hanging properly!
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Replacing a carrier stem
To replace a carrier stem of sliding plastic blinds, follow these steps:
- Remove the slats from the blind and pull the cord to open the blind. This will bunch all of the carrier stems together.
- Remove the headrail from the window. Take off the cover from the idle end of the headrail. This may be attached via clips, or you can simply twist it off. Work carefully so you don't break any plastic parts.
- Push on the end of the carrier rail to slide it out of the headrail. This may require removing some screws. You only need to slide the rail out far enough to access the lead carrier.
- With the carriers in the open position, firmly grasp the stem and push it out of the C-shaped opening of the carrier.
- Make sure the new stem and all of the other stems on the blind are aligned in the same direction.
- Place the new gear in position, orienting it in the same direction as the other carrier stem gears.
- Slide the carrier rail back into the headrail carefully, making sure you're not pinching or twisting the cords that control the blind.
- Screw the carrier rail back into place if you had to unscrew it to remove it. Reinstall the end cap on your headrail.
- Hang the headrail back in the window and reinstall the blind slats.
While the basics of changing carrier stems and gears remain the same, the specifics can vary slightly between different blind brands. Therefore, it is important to work carefully and take your time, observing the plastic clips and tabs holding the carriers and gears in place.
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Repairing a sliding mechanism
If your plastic blinds are stuck, it is likely due to jamming within the tracks or misalignments in the carrier stems. To repair the sliding mechanism, start by removing the blinds from the supporting brackets. Then, examine the headrail, focusing on the carrier stems. Using a pair of needle-nose pliers, realign each stem to its original position. Ensure that the corresponding slats are properly attached and hanging level. After making the necessary adjustments, remount the blinds and test their operation.
If your blinds are not closing, check each blind individually. It is likely that one or two blinds are backward and need to be twisted into the right position. If a blind is simply backward, you can remove it and reattach it in the correct position.
If your blinds are stuck at a certain point, the carrier strap may be held up in some way. Try straightening the carrier strap to see if this fixes the issue. If the carriers are connected by scissors, one or two of the scissors may have broken and become jammed.
If the blinds are broken at the end of the hanging slat, remove the broken hanging blind slat from the holding piece at the top of the blind. Use scissors to cut the end of the slat just beneath the hole, and then use a ruler and pencil to mark halfway between the two long sides to create a new hole.
If your blind cords are broken, purchase a replacement from a local store or online. After removing the broken cord, thread the new cord through the holes, tying it securely at both ends.
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Installing new blinds
Measure Your Windows
Before purchasing new blinds, it is essential to measure your windows accurately. Custom window blinds offer the best fit and look, and they help protect your room from bright sunlight, glare, and temperature fluctuations. You can choose to mount your blinds inside or outside the window frame, each requiring different measurements.
Prepare the Brackets
Use a metal tape measure to determine the placement of the headrail brackets. Mark the recommended distance from the window frame, ensuring the vanes will rotate freely. Drill pilot holes at the marked locations. Drive screws through each bracket, leaving them slightly loose to allow for adjustments.
Attach the Headrail
Position the headrail in front of the brackets and rotate it down until it snaps into place. Use the wand to evenly space the plastic stems along the headrail. Rotate the stems until their inside parts are visible.
Attach the Vanes
Slide each vane up into the stems, ensuring they snap securely into place.
Install the Valance
Fix the valance onto the valance clips. If your kit includes L-brackets, use them to attach the side returns of the valance.
Final Adjustments
Lower the blinds to test their functionality. Make any necessary adjustments to ensure smooth operation. Ensure the tension mount is installed securely. Your new blinds are now ready for use!
Note: Depending on the manufacturer, specific instructions may vary, so always refer to the owner's manual for exact specifications and installation procedures.
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