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Topic: How to clean LD black out mini-blinds?? (Read 203 times) previous topic - next topic
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How to clean LD black out mini-blinds??
How does one clean the black-out mini-blinds? The material seems to be made of paper, and I'm concerned about getting them wet, but they need a good scrubbing. I'm pretty sure they're the original LD blinds.

Thanks!
2004 31' Twin Bed
 
Re: How to clean LD black out mini-blinds??
Reply #3 –
Quote from: NomadRVr  - 
Thanks! 
I'm not sure what you'll get from that thread. The pleated blinds are very hard to clean. I have spot cleaned them with a damp white cloth, which seems to take off food splashes or other grime. Total cleaning usually is a good vacuuming with the brush attachment on a hand vac. I tried a spray on cleaner which was recommended someplace, but it was a disaster. So...who's got the magic answer to this question?

Chris
Formerly: 2002 30' IB
Re: How to clean LD black out mini-blinds??
Reply #4 –
"...who's got the magic answer to this question?"
----
AFAIK, there is no "magic answer" to how to clean those !($#)(?!! shades. Other than vacuuming and wiping down what can be reached with a dampened rag (I use white vinegar and warm water and wring the rag out really well), the things are a PITA to clean. This applies particularly to the back side of the blind, which is almost inaccessible.

I can sort of get to a bit more than half of the backsides of the shades on the two rear side windows (TK; MB would be the same) from the outside by taking out the screens and poking the vacuum crevice tool nozzle along the pleats (and/or wrapping the damp rag around the end of a dowel and running it between the pleats; tedious to the max!), but cleaning the backside of the shade for the solid rear window is an exercise in futility!

One might want take the shades out (drawn down before removing), clean both sides, and then reinstall them; if that's the choice, I would remove the valences before removing the shades.

Most owners seem to clean the shades as well as they can manage, live with the various levels of grubbiness, particularly on the backsides, or replace them with some other window covering - which may or may not be an improvement in ease of cleaning, insulation value, appearance, or durability. Crafting window coverings for the sort of "rhomboid" rear side windows and the sloping rear window in TKs and MBs can be a challenge.

(Are the shades in newer LDs the same or very similar in material and design to those in older rigs, for example, my 2003?)

If the shades are in really bad shape, I'd try to figure out replacement window coverings or order new shades from the factory; these are not cheap.

YMMV, as always.
2003 TK has a new home
Re: How to clean LD black out mini-blinds??
Reply #5 –
Besides being difficult to clean, the pleated, honeycomb mini-blinds strings break, requiring the whole assemble to be taken down, disassembled and the strings replaced, it's a handful that requires are large table and patience. It required a special , non-stretch dacron string.

After the third string broke at the beginning of the month-long vacation, we replaced them with lightproof roll-up shades, the same type our 1983 was Factory equipped with, a big improvement.

Ted H. used to have an article on his site about restringing the honeycomb shades, it appears to be gone or offline.
Found a video that shows how to restring, get a string kit ahead of time to carry in your spares.
Re-Stringing Pleated Shades - Penelusuran Google
String kit.
Pleated Shade First Aid Kit, Beige | Camping World

Larry
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: How to clean LD black out mini-blinds??
Reply #6 –
Quote from: Larry W  - 
Besides being difficult to clean, the pleated, honeycomb mini-blinds strings break, requiring the whole assemble to be taken down, disassembled and the strings replaced, it's a handful that requires are large table and patience. It required a special , non-stretch dacron string.

After the third string broke at the beginning of the month-long vacation, we replaced them with lightproof roll-up shades, the same type our 1983 was Factory equipped with, a big improvement.

Ted H. used to have an article on his site about restringing the honeycomb shades, it appears to be gone or offline.
Found a video that shows how to restring, get a string kit ahead of time to carry in your spares.
Re-Stringing Pleated Shades - Penelusuran Google
String kit.
Pleated Shade First Aid Kit, Beige | Camping World

Larry
Pleated blind problem! More information.

Chris
Formerly: 2002 30' IB