What Causes Metal Blinds to Get Stuck?

Pollen

• Sticky pollen that floats through window screens during warm weather can attach itself to metal blinds, resulting in blinds that stick together. Use damp cloths to remove pollen from blinds, or use a vinegar and water solution for a more thorough cleaning. Keep blinds raised during warm weather if desired to prevent pollen from sticking to blinds.

Kitchen Grease

• Kitchen grease is another common culprit that can cause metal or any type of Venetian blind to become stuck together. Blinds used in the kitchen are subjected to all kinds of food grease due to cooking, while heat from the kitchen can also cause grease to further adhere to blinds. Use a cleaning solution containing lemon or white vinegar to cut grease and clean blinds; perform this action often to avoid greasy buildup on kitchen blinds as they are exposed to grease on a regular basis.

Beauty Products

• Beauty products are another common cause of blind stickiness. Hairspray film, as well as film from spray-on lotions, tanners and perfumes, often lands on metal blinds and results in a sticky film that coats individual slats, resulting in stickiness. As with other sticky films on metal blinds, use a white vinegar and water solution to remove beauty product films.

Mechanical Issues

• Films of sticky substances are not the only cause of metal blind stickiness. Mechanical issues can also be the reason for metal blinds getting stuck, such as issues with the cord lock. Blinds generally come fully raised upon purchase, and the cord lock may not release the slats if the blinds have not yet been attached to the window frame. After the blinds have been attached, hold the lift cords so they are level with the blind's headrail. Give the cords a gentle tug; if the cord lock does not release, remove the blinds from the window. The lift cords run through the headrail's cord lock mechanism; you should see a pin within this mechanism. Use a flat-head screwdriver to release the pin and subsequently lower the blinds.