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.
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.
Do PVC blinds go mouldy in damp conditions? No, this is one of the main “jobs” of PVC blinds, or rather, reasons for choosing them for use in rooms that may be damp, humid, steamy, or prone to condensation. PVC blinds are mould and mildew resistant, and are highly unlikely to grow mould or accumulate mildew.
Do bathroom blinds go mouldy if they're made of polyester or polycotton? Yes, because these aren't waterproof fabrics. Eventually mould is going to be an issue that any fabric/porous roller blind will succumb to.
The cold weather means that condensation is more likely to form on your windows, and eventually onto items like curtains and blinds, which ultimately creates the perfect damp conditions for mould to thrive.
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.
A non-waterproof fabric blind like a polyester roller blind or vertical blind, or a linen/silk Roman blind will grow mould and mildew sooner or later if exposed to steam/humidity or made wet and left damp for any length of time.
Yes, if there's any likelihood that they're going to get wet, and/or the bathroom gets humid when in use. This accounts for the majority of bathrooms in the UK, and so we recommend choosing waterproof blinds for most bathrooms as the default.
What Blinds are Best for Bathrooms? Faux Wood Blinds, Faux Wood Shutters and Vinyl Roller Shades are our top ticks for bathrooms. They're resistant to moisture damage and are easy to clean in case of mildew build up.
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.
The durability and affordability of PVC siding make it a popular choice and cladding solution for homes and buildings, particularly in the USA and Canada. However, the downside to this material is its susceptibility to mold and mildew growth.
It's certainly a good idea to choose waterproof blinds for bathroom windows in the vast majority of cases (the exceptions being in bathrooms that are huge, very well ventilated, and with windows far from anything that might splash them) but that's about the only factor to consider.
Using a cloth that's soaked in a mixture of water and detergent, you can wipe each individual slat of the blind. Alternatively, you can remove the whole blind and clean it outside. You can still soak it a solution of warm water and a mild detergent for a few hours.
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.
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.
Both wood and faux wood blinds are perfect for homeowners who want natural, warm beauty in their window coverings. And while you can't go wrong with either type of blind when it comes to matching your home's décor and style, faux wood blinds are the way to go if you're looking for the utmost in durability.
Best choices for bathroom windows
Faux wood, vinyl mini blinds and roller shades are most popular for bathrooms since they are durable, withstand moisture and less prone to warping, chipping or cracking.
In rooms with high humidity such as wet rooms and small bathrooms it's best to use window treatment ideas that are water resistant, such as polyvinyl shutters or Venetian blinds, or synthetic roller blinds, as these will not be damaged when in contact with water plus are easy to wipe clean.
Light weight fabrics such as cotton or polyester will dry out far quicker and be less likely to develop mildew than heavy brocade or velvet, so bear this in mind when shopping for new bathroom curtains too. Wooden blinds are also prone to developing mildew so are best avoided in the bathroom.
Consider breathable fabrics such as voile blinds which have a slightly more open weave. Avoid PVC blackout fabrics. If condensation is a problem in your home, buy a Venetian blind. This will allow air to flow more easily through the slats.
Any blind that is fully open will avoid trapping condensation; but few of us buy blinds just to never use them, and so the blinds that will help you to reduce condensation build-up are those that you can close or partially close while still maintaining some airflow to the window behind them.
Mould will even grow on synthetic fibres such as nylon and polyester if they are soiled or if they have finishes that provide food for the organism. Although mould spores are always present in the air, they are able to grow only if environmental conditions are suitable.
The best products for removing mold and mildew contain sodium hypochlorite, like Clorox® Disinfecting Bleach. To remove mildew from machine washable fabrics, including cotton/polyester blends, presoak them using ¼ cup Clorox® Disinfecting Bleach per gallon of water for 5-10 minutes.
What is causing the smell on the blinds. If the blinds were recently replaced, the new vinyl might be letting out a bad smell when it gets warmed by the sun. solve this by washing them and then spraying them with a mixture of vinegar and water.