Vinyl horizontal blinds are a common and affordable window covering, but they can get bent or damaged over time by pets, kids, or accidents. Bent blinds can ruin the appearance and functionality of your windows, as they can let in unwanted light and look unsightly. Fortunately, you don’t have to replace your vinyl horizontal blinds if they get bent. You can fix them yourself with some simple tools and techniques. Here’s how to straighten bent vinyl horizontal blinds.
You can straighten bent vinyl horizontal blinds by using hot water, pressure, and a repair kit. You’ll need to remove the bent blind from the window, soak it in hot water, press it between straight blinds or heavy books, and patch up any holes with adhesive tape.
How to Straighten Bent Vinyl Horizontal Blinds
To straighten bent vinyl horizontal blinds, you’ll need the following items:
- A metal tape measure
- A flathead screwdriver
- A pair of scissors
- A bathtub or a large bucket
- Hot water
- Rubber gloves
- Four straight vinyl horizontal blinds or heavy books
- Spring-loaded clamps or duct tape
- A blind repair kit with adhesive tape
Here are the steps you can take:
- Measure and remove the bent blind: Use a metal tape measure to measure the width of the bent blind. Then, use a flathead screwdriver to pry open the clips that hold the blind in place on the headrail. Slide out the blind from the headrail and set it aside.
- Soak the bent blind in hot water: Fill a bathtub or a large bucket with hot water. The water should be as hot as you can get from the faucet, but not boiling. Put on rubber gloves to protect your hands from scalding. Submerge the bent section of the blind in the hot water for about two minutes. This will soften the vinyl and make it easier to reshape.
- Press the bent blind between straight blinds or heavy books: Remove the heated blind from the hot water and sandwich it between four straight vinyl horizontal blinds or heavy books. Make sure the blinds or books are aligned with each other and cover the entire length of the blind. Use spring-loaded clamps or duct tape to secure them together. This will apply pressure to the blind and help it take the shape of the straight blinds or books as it cools.
- Patch up any holes with adhesive tape: After about 10 minutes of cooling, remove the clamps or tape and slide out the blind from between the blinds or books. Check for any holes on one or both ends of the blind that may have caused it to bend in the first place. If you find any holes, use a pair of scissors to cut a piece of adhesive tape from your blind repair kit and stick it over the holes. This will prevent the blind from falling out or getting stuck again.
- Reinstall the blind on the window: Slide the repaired blind back into the headrail and snap back the clips that hold it in place. Make sure the blind is facing the right direction and is aligned with other blinds. Test your blinds by opening and closing them a few times.
Wrap Up
You can straighten bent vinyl horizontal blinds by using hot water, pressure, and a repair kit. You’ll need to remove the bent blind from the window, soak it in hot water, press it between straight blinds or heavy books, and patch up any holes with adhesive tape. With these simple tips and tricks, you can fix your vinyl horizontal blinds yourself and enjoy a more beautiful and functional window.
Dale is the colorful mind behind HuetifulHomes.com, where he shows you how to create a home that is as fun and fabulous as you are. He has a passion for color and a knack for DIY, with years of interior design experience he shares his tips and tricks on how to create a home that reflects your personality and style. He believes that color is the key to happiness, and he wants to help you make your home more Huetiful.
