1. Operating Your Blinds
After Installation
Your manual Ziptrak® outdoor blind is immediately ready for use upon installation and no other configuration is required.
As the blind has been rolled up for storage and transportation, you may see crease lines on the fabric immediately after installation. If so, simply leave the blinds down for a few days, so that the material may settle.
Locking and Unlocking
Ziptrak® outdoor blinds come with the centre-lock-release mechanism that engages automatically when the blinds are fully shut. To disengage the lock, lightly push down the bottom bar to release pressure while lifting the centre-lock-release handle.
Using the Pull Stick
Use the pull stick for hard-to-reach heights. Do not operate the blinds via the centre-lock-release handle, as this may cause the lock handle to crack.
2. Cleaning & Maintenance
With correct cleaning and usage, Ziptrak® blinds will look great and function properly for years.
Cleaning
Weave Fabric Blinds
- Clean the blind with a soft cloth and soapy cold water. We strongly recommend the use of specialised outdoor blinds cleaner – Swiftee® for this purpose.
- Never apply full strength detergents, cleaning fluids, soaps, insecticides or garden sprays. Never allow petrochemicals or solvents to touch the blind.
- Do not use a high-pressure hose to clean the blind.
- Never allow bird droppings, dirt or stains to remain on the fabric for long periods of time. Clean it off as soon as possible.
Clear PVC Blinds
- Do not use window cleaning detergents to clean.
- Clean the blind with a soft cloth and soapy water.
- We recommend Swiftee® for achieving a high-quality clean.
- Never allow bird droppings, dirt or stains to remain on the PVC for long periods of time. Clean it off as soon as possible.
- The PVC surface is highly sensitive to scratching and marks. Always be cautious when cleaning, operating or moving items around PVC blinds.
- Ideally, use a soft, clean cloth to polish and dry the PVC after cleaning and prior to rolling up the blind.
- Do not use a high-pressure hose to clean the blind.
If your blind is wet, leave it down to dry before rolling it up. Moisture within the rolled-up blind may cause mould to form. If you have selected a RainOut® Fabric, it is important to leave your blinds down, allow good ventilation and extra drying time before rolling up the blind due to the non-porous nature of the fabric.
Maintenance
In general, Ziptrak® blinds should not require additional lubrication as part of regular maintenance. However, in dusty and seafront locations, you may wish to add lubricant approximately once a year to assist in the continued smooth operation of the blind.
Only use non-oil-based silicone spray, such as “Specialist High Performance Silicon Lubricant” from the WD-40 company. To apply, lower the blind all the way; evenly apply the spray in the groove between the spline and the track. Do this for the exterior of the blind only, on both the left and right sides. After lubrication, open and close the blind several times to evenly distribute the silicone spray within the track.
! DO NOT use any oil-based lubricants, such as WD-40 Multi-Use Product, as this will damage the spline tape and clog any dust that may be within the track.
3. How to & Troubleshooting
Blind Fabric Appears Loose at Half Height
Due to the flexing and tension of the fabric when rolled up, it is common for track-guided outdoor blinds to sustain such ‘loose appearance’, especially when left at a half-height position.
A simple fix: fully retract the blind and pull it down again to re-tension the fabric. Repeat a couple of times until the fabric is taut and the “loose” fabric section disappears. When the blind is fully closed, the fabric should be taut, and wrinkle-free.
Windy Conditions
Wind pressure against the blind material will create tension on the side splines, sometimes making it a little tricky to operate your Ziptrak® blinds.
If this happens, you can try placing one hand on the centre of the blind fabric and push outwards against the wind as you operate the blind. This will help to reduce the pressure on the side spline, and the blind will be “easier” to move.
During periods of high winds (30km per hour or more), Ziptrak® blinds should be left either fully retracted into the top tube, or fully down and locked at the bottom. During extreme weather events, Ziptrak® blinds should be fully retracted onto the top tube – halfway is the most vulnerable position.
