No matter the effectiveness of the ventilation in your bathroom, your blinds will still be susceptible to high moisture levels, mould, and mildew. PVC blinds can combat these issues due to their waterproof and easy to clean characteristics.
Aluminium Venetian and Faux Wood Blinds
Aluminium, PVC and faux wood blinds are among the easiest styles to clean. These materials are durable so they won't get damaged if they get wet.
In fact, with the exception of certain films, paints and glues, when people refer to vinyl they quite often really mean PVC. In recent years, PVC has become a particularly popular material for blinds. Firstly, PVC is strong and durable, this means it won't warp like wood. It is also waterproof.
Ultimately, a waterproof blind itself isn't able to host mould or mildew, but certain types of dirt, if allowed to accumulate on the blind over the long term, might. However, this would take many months or even years to happen, even if you absolutely never cleaned your blind, and may not even happen then.
If you find that mould has grown on your blinds, you can take the fabric to a dry cleaner for removal. You can also use a fabric-safe cleaning agent that specifically targets mould spores. White vinegar and lemon juice may kill mould spores and help to remove stains from blinds without harming the fabric.
Our homes will often have a lot of humidity inside (especially homes with evaporative air-conditioning) which can create condensation on your windows. Your blinds absorb up this moisture and with the warmth of the sun, create an ideal growing environment for mould.
Are PVC blinds good for bathrooms and kitchens? Yes, they're exactly what you want in a kitchen, bathroom, or other “wet” room, to be able to withstand either direct contact with water/liquids, or the longer-term effects of exposure to damp and humidity.
If your blinds or window coverings are closed all the time, condensation can get "trapped" in between the window treatments and the windows, creating a damp environment that may encourage mold growth. Routinely open window coverings to increase ventilation near windows.
To answer one of our most commonly asked questions – yes, PVC blinds are waterproof.
Clear PVC is highly susceptible to degradation due to exposure to ultra-violet light and pollutants in the atmosphere. Over time it will turn yellow, milky and brittle. UV inhibitors are added during the manufacturing process but blinds left down in sunny positions will have a life of around 5 years.
The synthetic material is able to withstand strong winds and rain more so than timber can. PVC can block large % of UV more so than its timber counterparts. They have more insulation properties than timber.
The best products are made out of synthetic materials such as vinyl, PVC, faux wood, and aluminum. These will ensure that your beloved blinds and shades do not warp, crack, chip, or harvest mildew.
A little dust on your blinds can create the perfect conditions. Mould on your blinds can then grow if the area around the window blind is moist or cold. It can create the perfect habitat for mould and mildew to grow when the sun hits it.
Fortunately, there are several ways to prevent mold growth in this area. One effective method is to regularly clean and maintain your windows to keep them dry and well-ventilated. This includes wiping down the frames and sills, as well as using a dehumidifier or fan to reduce excess moisture.
Keep blinds open during the day. Not only will this practice save you some money on energy bills during the winter, but it can also keep you and your family healthier. Read on to find out how sunlight can kill harmful bacteria present in the dust in your rooms.
Additionally, those bacteria that were kept in the dark were also more closely related to respiratory diseases than those that stayed alive even with exposure to sunlight. So not only are you benefiting from the vitamin D that comes from the sun, but it could also be saving you from respiratory disease as well.
Does Opening Windows Help Reduce Mold? As you might've guessed, opening windows can help reduce mold. Doing so lets excess moisture flow outside instead of settling on your walls, floors, and ceiling. Without the proper amount of moisture indoors, mold won't be able to grow.
Some of the cheaper PVC Shutters are not coated with the correct UV stabilizer to withstand hot windows therefore may warp or yellow.
Aluminum blinds are more energy efficient than their vinyl counterparts because aluminum reflects the sun's heat more effectively, leading to cooler rooms in your house during the summer. Vinyl absorbs the heat from the sun, so for a large window, aluminum blinds would be a better option.
Due to the high percentage of PVC in its composition, the roller blinds tend to have an unpleasant “plastic” odour. Under prolonged exposure to sunlight and heat, PVC material tends to stick together when the blinds are rolled up.
Use undiluted white vinegar on hard surfaces in kitchens and baths. A bleach solution also works to kill mold. Mix one cup of bleach in a gallon of water, apply to the surface and don't rinse. Mix a 50/50 solution of ammonia and water.
Baking soda is a safe substance to have around your home. It is also effective at preventing mold and absorbing mildew smells. Stir a mixture of baking soda and water until it makes a paste. This mixture is best used to get rid of lighter mold stains and prevent future mold growth.
While a significant mold infestation is best handled by a professional restoration company, you have a powerful weapon against occasional mold growth in your kitchen cupboard: white vinegar. This humble household staple can kill more than 80% of mold species, including hazardous black mold.