5 Common Window Blind Problems (And How to Fix Them)

When you think about how many times you operate your blinds throughout the day, whether it’s adjusting them to accommodate changing light levels or opening them in the morning, it’s only natural to expect some degree of wear over time. Broken blinds can be a real inconvenience, but many issues are simpler than you’d think to fix; that’s why the team here at Solo Blinds has compiled this list of the most common window blind problems.

My blind cords are tangled

Pulling on your blind cords too abruptly can cause them to become tangled or knotted, leaving your blinds uneven and making it difficult to open or close them. The best way to untangle your blind cords is to lower them as much as possible to maximise the amount of cord you have to work with. 

Start at the bottom of the tangled section and work your way up, gently loosening each individual knot. Be careful not to pull too hard, as this can cause the knots to become even tighter. To prevent this from happening in the future, it’s a good idea to install cleats to your window recess to keep the cords neatly out of the way when not in use. Alternatively, why not eliminate this problem completely and upgrade to automated blinds for maximum convenience?

My blinds won’t lower

If your blinds are stuck open, this is often because of an issue with the cord lock. Raise the cords so that they are level with the head rail and then gently tug it to one side to disengage the mechanism. Should this not work, you may need to manually release the lock by pressing on the pawl with a flatbed screwdriver. 

Depending on the style of the blind, you should also check the tracks for obstructions or debris that might be preventing the blind from moving smoothly, as well as check the cords for any knots or jams. If the issue still persists, you might need to remove the blind so that you can inspect its mechanism and components more thoroughly. 

My blinds won’t tilt

If the slats of your blind are tricky to adjust and tilt, this could be because the tilt rod has been knocked. You’ll need to open the headrail, find the tilting mechanism and put the tilt rod back into place; should this have become worn then it might need a replacement. You should also check for any obstructions and clean in between your blind slats to remove any dust or debris, ensuring all the slats are properly aligned as you go.

My blinds are making strange noises

While a certain amount of noise is to be expected when you’re operating your blinds, any loud or unusual sounds could indicate a deeper problem. Inspect the hardware surrounding your blinds; it could be that loose screws or brackets are causing your blinds to rattle when you open or close them, so these may need tightening.

If you still find that your blinds are noisy, perhaps the winding mechanism has grown stiff and requires lubrication. Lightly apply a silicone spray to the moving parts, taking care to avoid getting any on the material.

My electric blinds aren’t working

Electric blinds can be powered in two ways: via batteries or your household mains supply. If your electric blinds aren’t working, the problem could be as simple as a power supply issue. Check that your electric blinds are properly plugged in or equipped with fresh batteries.

The issue may also lie with your remote, so after you’ve verified that no obstructions are blocking the signal, you should check the user manual and reprogram your remote. If your blinds still aren’t moving, this may be because of a deeper problem with the motor that requires professional repair.

If your blinds are broken beyond repair, let the team at Solo Blinds help. We can supply and install a comprehensive range of blinds in a variety of styles that will last you for years to come. Having been operating throughout the North East – including Cramlington, Ashington, Morpeth and Blyth – for more than 40 years, our family-run business is the go-to blinds company in the region. Contact us to find out more