Kitchen blinds September 27, 2016, 11:40:19 pm Hi everyoneHey need some advice on kitchen blinds. Sadly our aluminum mini blinds are already broken because the cheap plastic mechanism that operates the tilt has fallen apart and our unit is only 3 yrs old. We haven't even used the blinds that much!After looking at replacing the part which looks like a lot of work and is not all that inexpensive anyway, we are looking at getting new blinds. I am leaning toward getting wood blinds because they look classier and would be more insulating than aluminum mini blinds. Any thoughts on that? Unsafe? Too hard to clean? Other thoughts? Has anyone else done that?Thanks in advanceCorky
Re: Kitchen blinds Reply #1 – September 27, 2016, 11:45:56 pm Behind the stove wood, paper and cloth blinds present a fire hazard. At least that's what the experts tell us. I'm not an expert, but I'll take their word. The little bit of peace of mind is, to me, a classy enough feature. 1 Likes
Re: Kitchen blinds Reply #2 – September 28, 2016, 01:54:13 am The blinds behind the galley can be a real pain to clean. It can take a while before you notice the build up of debris. Painstaking care to clean the blinds has left me with no desire to clean them often. That's why I now keep a folding metallic windshield screen in the galley. Prior to cooking and cleanup I open the screen to protect the blinds from splatter. Once cooking and cleanup is complete, I fold it up and tuck it along the side of the stove top. Quick and easy. Sure saves me a lot of fidgety cleaning of the delicate blinds.Kent 2 Likes
Re: Kitchen blinds Reply #3 – September 28, 2016, 09:56:52 am Quote from: Kent Heckethorn - September 28, 2016, 01:54:13 amThe blinds behind the galley can be a real pain to clean. It can take a while before you notice the build up of debris. Painstaking care to clean the blinds has left me with no desire to clean them often. That's why I now keep a folding metallic windshield screen in the galley. Prior to cooking and cleanup I open the screen to protect the blinds from splatter. Once cooking and cleanup is complete, I fold it up and tuck it along the side of the stove top. Quick and easy. Sure saves me a lot of fidgety cleaning of the delicate blinds.Kent That's a great idea Kent! Dad and I took the blinds down in the spring and I cleaned them on the kitchen table in the house before we rehung them. What a pain! Cynthia 😋 1 Likes
Re: Kitchen blinds Reply #4 – September 28, 2016, 10:10:45 am Cynthia,The first and only time I cleaned them I painstakingly used a few eye glasses lens wipes to gently coax each blind clean. I pinched the lens cleaner between my fingers and likewise the blind and slid the cleaner across both surfaces. Worked really well.I had too be very careful not to bend the end of each blind to prevent creasing a fold in the thin material. I told myself, "Keep calm this could take a while". Probably twenty minutes total time and I didn't have to remove the blind.While cleaning, I had time to picturethe solution in my head. So far so good. Plus the windshield screen does a great job of reflecting some of the summer sun."Take that! Ya filthy animals."Kent 2 Likes
Re: Kitchen blinds Reply #5 – September 28, 2016, 10:27:09 am I can't say that I've ever found that cleaning the aluminum blinds behind the stove/sink to be particularly onerous! I just lay a dishtowel under the blind to catch run-off, then spray them with a 50/50 mix of white vinegar and warm/hot water and wipe each slat with a terry cloth shop towel. Easy, fast, and effective; works for me. 7 Likes
Re: Kitchen blinds Reply #6 – September 28, 2016, 10:38:55 am I find it easier to clean them when I keep the catfish and donut frying outside. Seriously, more frequent cleaning with Joan's method makes the work easier. I have had to soak 'em on a tub of hot soapy water to get the really bad ones clean. Water vapor just makes the dust stick fast.
Re: Kitchen blinds Reply #7 – September 28, 2016, 01:17:50 pm Hi KentI like your idea of using a screen to block grease etc. To be clear, are you talking about the traditional windshield sun blocker that you get at Walmart? Did you trim it to fit the window?ThanksCorky
Re: Kitchen blinds Reply #8 – September 28, 2016, 01:55:04 pm So, who gets to clean the "windshield screen"!? I use "spatter screens" (ancient items!) at home and in the rig; easy to clean and store. Here are links to very similar products:Amazon.com: Better Houseware 148 Splatter Shield: Splatter Screens: Kitchen...http://www.jesrestaurantequipment.com/2063-Norpro--Trifold-Splatter-Screen-10-x-9-in_p_34174.htmlNon-Stick Splatter Shield | Kitchen - Cooking & Baking | HarrietCarter.comAs ever, YMMV. As an Amazon Associate Lazy Daze Owners' Group earns from qualifying purchases.
Re: Kitchen blinds Reply #9 – September 28, 2016, 03:34:26 pm Quote from: JCT - September 28, 2016, 01:55:04 pm"...So, who gets to clean the "windshield screen"!? ..."Hmmm...Guess I could just let the dogs go at it. Yummy. Joan,Are the spatter screens just for the stove top or can they span the width of the blinds? Soap spray can create a mess with the blinds as well. That being said, I do like the durability of the screens you linked to.Kent
Re: Kitchen blinds Reply #10 – September 28, 2016, 03:53:08 pm Quote from: paul banbury - September 27, 2016, 11:45:56 pmBehind the stove wood, paper and cloth blinds present a fire hazard. At least that's what the experts tell us. I'm not an expert, but I'll take their word. The little bit of peace of mind is, to me, a classy enough feature.The primary purpose of the lid covering the stove is to serve as a heat shield.Next time you cook on the back burners, put you hand behind the heat shield. You will not detect a higher temp.We used curtains behind the stove in out '08 MB from the time we bought it new until the time we sold it 7 years later.No fires.To each his own.Ed
Re: Kitchen blinds Reply #11 – September 28, 2016, 06:06:50 pm "Are the spatter screens just for the stove top or can they span the width of the blind?-----The spatter shields I use (and linked to) just surround the pot/pan on the stove top on three sides. There can be some "residue" from frying, but a quick wipe-up of the stove grate and stove top underneath takes care of any "overspray". I do wonder what you are cooking (and how, and in what?) that requires a windshield screen to keep grease and spatter off the blind? Just a comment: like many people, if I want to cook something (not grill/barbecue) that's going to stink up the rig, I do it outside on the Max Burton butane cartridge-powered burner:Amazon.com : Max Burton Mr. Max Table Top Burner (Black) : Camping Stoves :...Others may have a Coleman propane stove, a one-burner or a two-burner, or another portable stove for outside use. The best on the market (IMO) is the Iwatani, but it's pricey. As an Amazon Associate Lazy Daze Owners' Group earns from qualifying purchases.
Re: Kitchen blinds Reply #12 – September 28, 2016, 06:13:39 pm I took the mini blind off when I replaced my other blinds with blackout ones.It stays up most of the time and if I need to I use a piece of reflectex cut to sizeas a splatter screen, it hardly needs cleaned.
Re: Kitchen blinds Reply #13 – September 28, 2016, 06:28:00 pm Quote from: paul banbury - September 28, 2016, 10:38:55 amI have had to soak 'em on a tub of hot soapy water to get the really bad ones clean. Water vapor just makes the dust stick fast. That's the same method we use.It only takes a minute to remove the blinds from its holder.Take them outside and them soak in a tub for a few minutes. A quick rinse and they are ready to go.Dry them off after rehanging.Retaining the metal shades, or some other nonflammable window shade, makes sense to me consider that you have flame, propane and hot oils, all present on the stove. All the needed ingredients for combustion.I don't want anything flammable decorations accidentally catching fire so maintaining a fire-resistant surround is good SOP. You will never see a commercial kitchen with fabric curtains around the stove, usually only stainless steel. Home kitchens normally have fire-proof back splashes too. Why should an RV be different?We also keep the stove cover permanently set up as a shelf and as well as a fire block for flame ups.Stove cover | FlickrLarry
Re: Kitchen blinds Reply #14 – September 28, 2016, 07:23:41 pm Quote from: JCT - September 28, 2016, 06:06:50 pm"...I do wonder what you are cooking (and how, and in what?) that requires a windshield screen to keep grease and spatter off the blind? ..."Joan,In retrospect, the splatter I have referred to is generally isolated to the sink side (RB) of the the galley window mini blinds. With the stove top cover up, there is essentially no overspray and therefore no real mess to clean up.While we do cook inside, any messycooking (frying, BBQ, etc) is done outside when permissible.With that, it would best be said that the "windshield" screen is to eliminate the over spray from the sink top more than the stove top. Although, the errant aroma and oils from the stove top do tend to have a mind of their own. 😈 Kent
Re: Kitchen blinds Reply #15 – September 28, 2016, 07:50:17 pm OK, got it; RV configuration, i.e., stove right next to the sink, and the stove top cover is used as a spatter shield. I removed the stove top cover in my rig years ago; it rattled and got in the way, and, although I know that some "suspended" the thing at half-mast with chains, that didn't work for me, so I plastic-bagged it (along with a few other things that were of no use to me.)Yes, YMMV!
Re: Kitchen blinds Reply #16 – September 29, 2016, 10:35:29 am Hmmm, as I sit here like a king, watching my breakfast being prepared, my mind wanders from matters of state to the question of spatters. The Cook is using her favorite tool, an electric fry pan. Sausage, potatoes, eggs are sizzling. The fry pan its on top of the stove cover. The blinds are indeed at risk of spatter! Thanks for reminding me of spatter shields. I decree She shall have one err a fortnight passes! It's good to be the king!
Re: Kitchen blinds Reply #17 – September 29, 2016, 11:33:41 am Thanks to all. I will check into the spatter screens.Thanks Corky
Re: Kitchen blinds Reply #18 – September 29, 2016, 11:48:48 am Another type of "splatter screen" is one that goes OVER the top of the pan on the stove. These are not as effective as a regulation lid, but allows the moisture to be released, whilst trapping the greasiness. I have used these devices for decades, and have one stashed in the Lazy Daze, so there is no question of availability.Amazon.com: Splatter Screen for Cooking 13" - Stops 97% of Hot Oil Splash -...They are a nuisance to clean if you are in conservation mode for water, but can be wiped with an absorbent paper towel before washing. I spray mine with produce wash before attempting to wash it. The formula for the produce wash seems to do a good job on removing grease, and a lot of other things from surfaces. I routinely clean my smooth-top stovetop with it. Does a great job. Virtual hugs, Judie •~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•Quote from: corkydeltadog - September 29, 2016, 11:33:41 amThanks to all. I will check into the spatter screens.Thanks Corky 1 Likes As an Amazon Associate Lazy Daze Owners' Group earns from qualifying purchases.
Re: Kitchen blinds Reply #19 – September 29, 2016, 11:54:31 am Quote from: corkydeltadog - September 29, 2016, 11:33:41 amThanks to all. I will check into the spatter screens.Thanks CorkyCool handle, Corky. May I ask where "Corkydeltadog" comes from?I just removed the aluminum blinds from the kitchen and toilet room windows and took them to a soapy water bath in the bath tub. They were dirty enough that it took a rag to get them clean. Then to the deck table where I wiped them mostly dry and let them air dry the rest of the way. It's an every 3 year job.Chris
Re: Kitchen blinds Reply #20 – September 29, 2016, 01:25:43 pm Judie, I agree that the "over the pan" type of spatter screen is very hard to clean; that's why I use the three-wing folding aluminum type that surrounds, but doesn't cover, the pan. Also, the anti-spatter lid holds in steam; not what one wants (or, at least, I don't) when "browning"/frying.
Re: Kitchen blinds Reply #21 – September 29, 2016, 01:32:34 pm Totally agree - I usually "cover" with a screen after browning has taken place, but by then the grease has done its duty in spreading itself all over everything. A spritz with the produce wash and a buffing with a microfiber cloth seem to do a credible job in cleaning up, but . . . true enough - a three-sided screen would be a bonus in that department. Hence, the three copies of said screen in my cart at this very moment - for home and one each for the two vehicles in which I cook!Thanks for the push in that direction. ;-> Virtual hugs, Judie•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~• Quote from: JCT - September 29, 2016, 01:25:43 pmJudie, I agree that the "over the pan" type of spatter screen is very hard to clean; that's why I use the three-wing folding aluminum type that surrounds, but doesn't cover, the pan. Also, the anti-spatter lid holds in steam; not what one wants (or, at least, I don't) when "browning"/frying.
Re: Kitchen blinds Reply #22 – September 30, 2016, 06:15:22 pm My 2003 RB has no aluminum blinds. They are all Hunter Douglass honeycomb type. The ones near the kitchen and bathroom sinks are much dirtier than the others. We have removed them and attempted to clean. It did help some but many stains remained. I did not put them in a tub, not sure if that would be a good idea with this type. I think we used a brush and simple green or something and rinsed. Does anyone have an idea how to clean this type?
Re: Kitchen blinds Reply #23 – September 30, 2016, 06:37:11 pm Here is a link from the Hunter Douglas web site on the care and cleaning of their products. https://www.hunterdouglas.com/assets/pdf/Careandcleaning.pdf. You could also use the Hunter Douglas Customer Support line (https://www.hunterdouglas.com/customer-support) to obtain additional information.Let us know what you did and the results you obtained. Hope your blinds come squeaky clean. DAvid QuoteMy 2003 RB has no aluminum blinds. They are all Hunter Douglass honeycomb type. The ones near the kitchen and bathroom sinks are much dirtier than the others. We have removed them and attempted to clean. It did help some but many stains remained. I did not put them in a tub, not sure if that would be a good idea with this type. I think we used a brush and simple green or something and rinsed. Does anyone have an idea how to clean this type?Jay Carlson --davehrrs@gmail.comDavid Harris 2920 Taper Ave.Santa Clara, CA 95051 (408) 206-8800
Re: Kitchen blinds Reply #24 – October 17, 2016, 04:08:03 pm Hi guysUpdate on the kitchen blinds. After reading your comments, we decided to go with wood blinds. I figured with as little cooking as we do, we will be safe. And the wood blinds should block the heat and sun better than the aluminum blinds.So we got a good deal at Custom Blinds, Window Shades & Shutters | Blindster.com and a 35% discount for Columbus Day, although you can get a 30% discount with RUSH or SEAN everyday. Just in case of further accidental breakage, we opted to get the insurance which was about $6.50. They will totally replace your blinds one time no matter what happens.We got them very quickly and they are already installed. Will keep you posted on their durability or if I set them on fire Thanks for the splatter screen thoughts...got it covered!Corky 2 Likes
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